How to Permanently Delete Files From a Mac

Quick Tips

• Right-click on the file name > Select Delete > Open Bin > Click on Empty.
• Open Terminal > Type rm > Press the Spacebar > Drag and drop the file to Terminal that you wish to delete > Press Return.
• You can use apps like Clean My Mac to permanently delete files.

Method 1: Move Files to Trash and Empty Trash

This is the simplest way to remove files permanently from your Mac. Just select your files > Right-click and select Move to Bin. You can also press Command + Delete to move the files to trash.

After that, right-click on the Bin icon and then choose Empty Bin.

When you empty the Bin on your Mac, you are shown a warning before you complete the action. In case you want to skip that notification, click on Finder > Settings and then uncheck the Show warning before emptying the Trash box under the Advanced tab.

Use Mac Terminal

Mac’s Terminal is a command line tool that allows you to complete tedious tasks such as file deletion easily in just a few seconds. The program uses Unix commands to perform several functions easily and quickly without the operating system interfering with its processes. It’s efficient and powerful as it helps you remove files with ease, permanently.

Open Terminal, type rm, space, drag the file to the Terminal app window, and then press Return.

Use a Third-Party App

If deleting your files by emptying the trash doesn’t help, you can get a third party application to force the trash to empty. There are many such apps available like Permanent Eraser or Clean My Mac, which can help you empty your trash completely and permanently.