Force empty trash mac terminal how to#

You may have difficulty deleting a file if it’s been locked. If it’s a background process that’s using the file, open Activity Monitor and terminate the process. I tried all the known tricks, but they hadn't worked and some files in the trash kept on blocking its full emptying.

I had been looking for this article for few days due to a stubborn trash that wouldn't empty.

Force empty trash mac terminal how to#

You will see a list of the applications and processes using the file in the Terminal window. How to force-empty the trash in macOS High Sierra.

Drag the file that’s in use from the Trash to the Terminal window.

Now open Terminal and type lsof (followed by a space).

Click on the Trash so that a Finder window opens up.

If you want to try and identify which application is using the troublesome file, you could try the following Terminal Command: To force empty trash on your Mac, press and hold the Option key control-click Trash icon and choose Empty Trash let go of the Option key Remove Items with Delete Immediately. The quickest way to remove all trash from the bin in one batch is by using the Option key. Now you should be able to empty your trash and delete the file. The reason why Trash won’t empty on your Mac may be that something that’s in.

If that doesn’t work, check to see if there is a startup item that is using the file, or just start up the Mac in Safe Mode – which will stop any Startup items running.

In that case, try restarting your Mac then attempt to empty the trash.

If that doesn’t work the app may still be using the file for a background process.You should now be able to empty the trash. Quit the app that you think might be using the file (or quit all open apps if you aren’t sure).Here are a few solutions to delete an “in use” file from the Trash: