How to Fully Delete Files on Mac
In today’s digital age, data privacy and security are of paramount importance. Whether you’re cleaning up your Mac’s storage or trying to ensure that sensitive information is completely erased, knowing how to fully delete files on Mac is essential. This article will guide you through the process, ensuring that your files are not only deleted but also securely erased from your Mac’s system.
1. Use the Move to Trash Option
The first step in deleting files on your Mac is to move them to the Trash. This can be done by selecting the files you want to delete and dragging them to the Trash icon on your Dock. Alternatively, you can right-click on the files and choose “Move to Trash.” Once the files are in the Trash, they are not immediately deleted from your Mac’s storage.
2. Empty the Trash
After moving files to the Trash, you need to empty it to permanently delete the files. To do this, simply click on the Trash icon on your Dock and select “Empty Trash.” A confirmation dialog will appear, asking you to confirm the deletion. Click “Empty Trash” again to proceed.
3. Securely Erase Files with Secure Empty Trash
While the standard Empty Trash option deletes files from your Mac, it does not overwrite the data on the storage device. This means that the files can potentially be recovered using specialized software. To securely erase files, you should use the Secure Empty Trash option. To enable this feature, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Full Disk Access. Add the Terminal app to the list of allowed applications. Then, open Terminal and type the following command:
“`
sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/
“`
This command will securely erase the contents of the Trash, making it much more difficult for anyone to recover the deleted files.
4. Use Disk Utility to Erase Drives
If you want to completely erase an entire drive, such as an external hard drive or SSD, you can use Disk Utility. This utility allows you to format and erase drives, ensuring that all data is permanently deleted. To use Disk Utility, follow these steps:
1. Open Disk Utility from the Applications > Utilities folder.
2. Select the drive you want to erase from the list on the left.
3. Click the “Erase” button and choose the desired format and name for the drive.
4. Click “Erase” again to confirm the deletion.
5. Utilize Third-Party Software for Secure Erasure
For those who require an extra layer of security, third-party software can be a valuable tool. These applications offer advanced features for securely erasing files, including overwriting data multiple times to make it nearly impossible to recover. Some popular options include:
– Eraser: A free, open-source tool that allows you to securely erase files and drives.
– SecureClean: A comprehensive security suite that includes features for securely erasing files, folders, and drives.
– CCleaner: A popular cleaning tool that includes an option to securely erase files and drives.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your files are fully deleted from your Mac, providing you with peace of mind regarding data privacy and security.
