macOS tip: Automatically remove files from the Trash Apfelpatient

If you regularly use macOS, you're familiar with the Trash: a reliable place for deleted files before they disappear for good. But unnecessary files often accumulate there, taking up unnecessary storage space. Fortunately, macOS Sequoia offers a feature that can empty the Trash automatically. In this article, I'll show you step by step how to enable this handy feature and get the most out of it.

Since the early days of the Mac, the Trash has been a staple of desktop design. Similar to the real world, it lets you temporarily store files before finally disposing of them. The problem: If you don't empty the Trash regularly, unnecessary files can accumulate and take up valuable storage space. This is where the Auto Empty feature comes in. With macOS Sequoia, you can clean up your Mac without having to think about it yourself.

Enable automatic emptying of the trash

Apple introduced the option to automatically empty the Trash after 30 days some time ago. In macOS Sequoia, you can enable this feature not only via the Finder preferences but also via the System Preferences. Here's how:

Method 1: Using Finder Preferences

Open Finder and go to Finder > Preferences.
Click the Advanced tab.
Enable the option Remove items from the Recycle Bin after 30 days.

From now on, all files that have been in the Recycle Bin for more than 30 days will be automatically deleted.

Method 2: Via System Settings

Open System Preferences > General > Storage.
Scroll to Recommendations and look for the option Empty Trash automatically.
Click the Turn On button.

Important: You can only disable this setting via Finder Preferences. System Preferences only offers an enable option.

Delete files immediately

Sometimes you want to delete files directly without first moving them to the Recycle Bin. Here's how:

Select the file you want to delete immediately.
Hold down the Option key and select File > Delete Immediately.
Confirm the deletion in the dialog box.

Use the “Put Back” function

If you accidentally moved a file to the Recycle Bin, you can use the Put Back function to return it to its original location:

Open the Trash in the Dock.
Right-click (or hold down the Ctrl key) on the file.
Select Put Back from the context menu.

Additional tips for power users

If you want more precise control over automatic Trash emptying or want to bypass Finder features, you can use the trash tool . This command-line tool from hasseg.org allows you to move or delete files directly.

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macOS Tip: A clean Mac with just one click – Empty the Trash automatically

Automatically emptying the Trash in macOS Sequoia is a simple and effective way to keep your Mac clean and efficient. Whether you configure this setting via the Finder preferences or the new System Preferences is up to you—the result is the same: more storage space and less clutter. Try it out, and you'll see how convenient and practical this feature is. Looking for new accessories? Discover our Amazon Storefront now ! There you'll find a variety of products from top brands, ideal for HomeKit and more! (Image: Shutterstock / Lastroll)