Secure Empty Trash on Mac: What Is It & How To Use This Feature?

This article explains how to securely delete files on a Mac, addressing the removal of the Secure Empty Trash feature in newer macOS versions.

The Secure Empty Trash feature, available in macOS 10.10 and earlier, permanently deleted files by overwriting them, preventing recovery. However, Apple removed this feature from macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) onward due to its reduced effectiveness and potential harm to SSDs.

Methods for Securely Deleting Files (macOS 10.11 and later):

The article details several alternatives to Secure Empty Trash:

1. Terminal Command: Using the sudo rm -rf command in Terminal allows for secure deletion, but requires command-line proficiency. The article provides screenshots illustrating this process.

2. Disk Utility: This method securely erases entire drives (not just the Trash) and is suitable for external drives or drives other than the startup volume. Multiple screenshots demonstrate the steps, including security option selection.

3. Delete Immediately: This option, accessible via right-clicking files in the Trash, offers a quick deletion but doesn't immediately overwrite the data. Screenshots are included.

4. Erasing Free Space (HDDs Only): For Macs with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), erasing free space prevents recovery of previously deleted files. The article shows how to do this using Disk Utility.

5. Third-Party Applications (e.g., MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup): The article promotes MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup as a user-friendly alternative, offering a simple interface for secure trash deletion. Screenshots illustrate the process.

Images:

The article includes numerous screenshots illustrating each method. These are retained in their original format and location:

The article concludes by recommending MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup as a convenient solution for secure file deletion and briefly mentions its trial features.

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