How to Use the Trash on Mac

If you are new to using a Mac, you may be wondering how to properly use the Trash feature to manage and delete files on your computer. The Trash is a built-in utility on macOS that allows you to easily delete files and recover them if necessary. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of using the Trash on your Mac.

Step 1: Locating the Trash

To start, you need to find the Trash on your Mac. The Trash is located at the end of your Dock, which is the row of icons at the bottom of your screen. Look for an icon that resembles a waste bin.

Step 2: Deleting Files to the Trash

To delete a file or a group of files, follow these steps:

1. Select the file(s) you want to delete by clicking on them once.
2. Press the "Command + Delete" keys on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can right-click on the selected file(s) and choose "Move to Trash" from the context menu.
3. The file(s) will be immediately moved to the Trash.

Step 3: Restoring Files from the Trash

If you accidentally delete a file and want to recover it, here's how you can restore it from the Trash:

1. Open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the Dock.
2. Locate the file(s) you want to restore.
3. Right-click on the file(s) and select "Put Back" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can drag the file(s) out of the Trash and drop them onto your desktop or any other desired location.

Step 4: Emptying the Trash

When you are confident that you no longer need the files in the Trash and want to permanently delete them, you can empty the Trash. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the Dock.
2. In the Finder menu, click on "Empty Trash" or press the "Command + Shift + Delete" keys. macOS will prompt you to confirm the deletion.
3. Click on "Empty Trash" in the confirmation dialog.

Step 5: Securely Emptying the Trash (Optional)

If you want to ensure that the deleted files cannot be recovered using data recovery software, you can securely empty the Trash. Here's how:

1. Open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the Dock.
2. In the Finder menu, press and hold the "Option" key, and "Empty Trash" will change to "Secure Empty Trash".
3. Click on "Secure Empty Trash" and confirm the deletion when prompted.

Please note that securely emptying the Trash takes significantly longer than a regular emptying process, as it overwrites the deleted files to prevent any possible recovery.

Remember, once you empty the Trash, the deleted files cannot be recovered unless you have a backup.

Congratulations! You now know how to effectively use the Trash on your Mac to manage and delete files. Make sure to empty the Trash regularly to free up disk space and keep your Mac organized.