How to Permanently Delete Files on Mac
In the digital age, it’s not uncommon to accumulate a large number of files on your Mac. Sometimes, you may want to delete these files permanently to free up space or to ensure that sensitive information is not recoverable. However, simply dragging files to the trash and emptying it is not enough to ensure permanent deletion. This article will guide you through the steps to permanently delete files on your Mac, ensuring that they are irrecoverable.
Step 1: Delete the File to the Trash
The first step in permanently deleting a file on your Mac is to delete it to the trash. To do this, simply select the file you want to delete and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard. The file will now be moved to the trash.
Step 2: Empty the Trash
After deleting the file to the trash, you need to empty the trash to remove the file from your Mac permanently. To do this, click on the trash icon in the dock, which is located at the bottom of the screen. A menu will appear with an option to “Empty Trash.” Click on this option, and a confirmation dialog will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete all items in the trash. Click “Empty Trash” again to confirm.
Step 3: Securely Erase the File (Optional)
While emptying the trash will remove the file from your Mac, it is still possible for someone with the right tools to recover it. To ensure that the file is completely and irrecoverably deleted, you can use a third-party application to securely erase the file.
There are several third-party applications available that can securely erase files on your Mac. One popular option is “ShredIt.” Once you have installed the application, open it and select the file you want to securely erase. The application will then overwrite the file with random data, making it impossible to recover.
Step 4: Confirm the File is Deleted
After following the above steps, it is essential to confirm that the file has been permanently deleted. You can do this by searching for the file’s name in Finder or by checking the disk space usage. If the file is no longer present and the disk space has been freed up, you can be confident that the file has been permanently deleted.
In conclusion, permanently deleting files on your Mac involves deleting the file to the trash, emptying the trash, and optionally using a third-party application to securely erase the file. By following these steps, you can ensure that your files are deleted permanently and that sensitive information is not recoverable.
