Check If the File is Still in Use. When emptying the Trash, if you get ‘File in Use’ error then try to close. Sep 25, 2020 Alternatively, you can also close all the running apps to make sure that the file is no more being used by any of the apps. Now try to empty trash, if it still doesn’t clear the dump, keep reading. Force Empty Trash in Mac OS X When File is Locked or in Use. In case you are getting a Locked file error, then press and hold the Option key, go.
Sep 21, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
Can I Recover Deleted Files from Trash on Mac?
'When I was transferring my business files on Mac, I accidentally deleted them and emptied the trash bin. Is there a way to restore trash and recover deleted files on Mac? Please help me!”
Accidentally deleted files from trash on Mac? Emptied Mac trash? Eager to retrieve deleted files? Nearly everyone around has accidentally deleted or lost files from their Mac. Don't worry. The deleted files still stored on your Mac, even if you deleted everything on Trash.
Whether it is an important document or family pictures, all files will remain hidden on your hard drive, and they do not exactly go anywhere even after you delete them from Mac Trash. In this article, we will tell you how to recover Mac trash and restore deleted files without or with software.
Part 1. Recover Emptied Trash and Permanently Deleted Files on Mac
When it comes to the file deletion, it's usually discussed in 3 different aspects - deleting files permanently, emptying recycle bin/trash, and removing files accidentally.
If you erasing files just by accident, you can resort to some Mac utilities and recover deleted files on Mac without any software. Otherwise, it would be hardly possible to access deleted files from emptied trash, unless you have a reliable deleted How to bypass any app installer in macos.
To recover emptied trash on Mac, you need a Mac Data Recovery program. Here, we recommend Recoverit Mac Files Recovery. It is a professional data recovery software to help you recover files deleted accidentally, permanently, or even from emptied trash on Mac. The trash recovery utility only requires 3 simple steps - select, scan, and recover.
Free download Recoverit Data Recovery for Mac on your computer, launch it and follow the next steps to restore Trash and get your lost files back.
How to Find Deleted Trash Files on Mac
Step 1 With Recoverit Trash Recovery software, select the 'Trash' location to get started.
Step 2 The Mac data recovery will start scanning the trach folder to restore your files, it will take for minutes.
Step 3 After the scan, you can check all recovered data and files. You also can preview some recovered photos, videos, music, and office documents. Select your files and click 'Recover' button to get them back.
You should get a safe device to save all recovered data and files in case your data lost again. With data recovery software is the more straightforward solution to retrieve back your lost data.
Video Tutorial: Recover Emptied Trash on Mac
Part 2. How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac Without Software
Sometimes, you can still recover your deleted files on Mac without software, even if you have emptied the trash data. In this section, there are 2 ways provided for you. Read on and get the specific steps.
Solution 1. Recover Deleted Files on Mac Terminal
The terminal is the in-built program on Mac, just like the Command Prompt on Windows computer. It allows you to use the Unix command line for different tasks. Through Terminal, you're able to recover deleted files from trash on Mac, sometimes. But generally speaking, if the deleted files are removed from Trash or the Mac trash is emptied, it would be really hardly possible to get them back with the command line.
- Press CMD + spacebar together to launch Spotlight and type 'Terminal'.
- Type 'cd. Trash' and then press the 'Return' button.
- Input 'mv xxx./' and hit 'Return'. (xxx means the name of deleted file)
- Type 'Quit' and go to the 'Finder' window.
- Enter the name of the deleted file and hit 'Return'.
- The deleted file will appear. Select it and save it to a safe location.
After the above steps, the deleted files can usually be recovered. However, if the trash has been emptied, the odd will go down. Luckily, hope is never away from you. You can still get Recoverit Data Recovery for Mac to help you restore files on Mac.
Solution 2. Check the External Drive Trash Bin
When you use an external device on Mac, a bunch of invisible folders are created to ensure the normal working of the Mac computer. If you delete files from an external device, like an external hard drive or SD card, the files will go to the hidden '.Trashes' folder, rather than the Mac trash. Thus, although you have emptied the Mac trash bin, you're able to sometimes restore the deleted files to the original location.
You can view the invisible files by pressing the CMD + Shift + .hotkey. If the shortcut fails, use the Mac Terminal. First, you need to launch Terminal and input the below commands to find the '.Trashes' folder.
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE
killall Finder
killall Finder
Part 3. Basic Things About Mac Trash Recovery You Should Know
Before you begin the Trash recovery and restoration process, you should know several basic things about Mac trash recovery to make it successful. Here are some frequently asked questions answered for you so that you can quickly recover files without facing any trouble.
1. Where Is the Trash on Mac
The 'Trash' on Mac is similar to 'Recycle Bin' on Windows. It allows you to retrieve deleted items from your computer by dragging them back out into the folder where it belongs or onto the desktop. To open the 'Trash' icon, you need to go to the Dock to the right. You can also find it by using the 'Go to the folder' option and typing 'Trash' in the search bar.
2. How to Find Trash or Deleted Files on Mac?
To find Trash or deleted files on Mac, all you need to do is open 'Trash bin.' select deleted or lost documents or files, right-click them, and choose the option 'Pullback' to restore Trash files in the desired location. It may not be that easy for you to recover deleted files once you have emptied the Trash bin. https://sewjfib.weebly.com/blog/steam-apps-folder-mac. However, you can still recover deleted files on Mac without software by using different solutions, such as retrieving data through Mac Terminal or external drive trash bin. If these solutions do not work, you can use a powerful Mac data recovery software to get back deleted or lost files on Mac.
3. Difference Between Emptied Trash and Deleted Files
When you delete files on your Mac, they first move to the 'Trash.' This enables you to recover your accidentally deleted data easily whenever you want. Once you empty the Trash, these files are deleted and are no longer under the control of your operating system.
Even when you have emptied Trash, the deleted files will remain hidden on your Mac's hard drive, as long as new files do not overwrite them. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you avoid using your computer if you want to recover deleted Mac files or emptied Trash. Also, you must start the recovery process as soon as you empty your Trash to increase the chances of restoring deleted or lost files.
4. How to Protect your Trash and Files?
Before emptying Trash or deleting files on Mac, you should follow the tips below to avoid data loss:
- Take regular backups. Make sure to put files in an external hard drive or your iCloud drive, or copy them to other places to protect them.
- When you decide to empty Trash or delete files, check the Trash bin and ensure that you do not have any essential files in there.
- Instead of using 'Command-Option-Shift-Delete,' hold 'Command-Shift-Delete' keys together as it will give you a warning before deleting the files permanently. However, the other option will proceed further to delete Trash data permanently without providing any warning.
- If you cannot find your deleted files on Mac, try using Mac data recovery software like Recoverit to get back your files instantly.
People Also Often Search For
1. Can You Recover Emptied Trash on Mac?
Yes, it is possible to recover emptied Trash on Mac. You can do so by making use of different recovery methods, including effective data recovery software. Here are some of the methods you can use to recover emptied Trash on Mac:
- Recover emptied trash through Mac Terminal
- Recover emptied trash through the external drive trash bin.
- Recover emptied trash through Mac files recovery software.
2. How Do I Find the Trash Folder on My Mac?
Usually, the Trash folder is on your Mac's desktop. However, if you still cannot find Trash on Mac, you can go to the Dock. You can also select the 'Go to the folder' option and type 'Trash' in the search bar. Trash will open and display all the files it contains. To restore deleted files from Trash, you need to drag them back out, put them in the folder where it belongs, or simply move them to the desktop.
3. Where Are Deleted Files on Mac?
You will find deleted files on Mac in the Trash from where you can easily recover them. But if you have permanently deleted the files or emptied the Trash, the files remain hidden in the hard drive of your computer.
4. How Do You Recover Files Deleted from Trash?
There are several methods to recover files deleted from Trash. If you want to get back deleted files, you can try different techniques like recovering files from Mac Terminal or external drive trash bin. However, if this does not work, you can always use professional and efficient software like Recoverit to retrieve deleted files immediately.
Apple Mac Trash Won't Empty
5. How Can You Recover Photos After Emptying Trash?
Yes, you can recover photos after emptying them from the Trash on your Mac. First, check if you have backed up the deleted pictures on Cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Photos, and more. If yes, you can easily retrieve deleted photos from there. If you still cannot recover your photos, use proficient photo recovery software.
6. What If You Can't Find Trash on Mac?
If you do not know where is Trash on Mac and cannot find it, you can hold Command+Shift+G keys together. This will open up 'Go to the folder' that will prompt you to type the folder's name (Trash) you are looking for. If this does not help, you can try re-installing your operating system. Also, you can use Recoverit data recovery software to scan and restore deleted files on your Mac. Best note taking app mac reddit mac.
To Wrap Up
When you find the files accidentally deleted on Mac, you should immediately check the Trash folder and recover files from trash on Mac. What's worse, the trash was emptied and there are no backups? Relax! Free download Recoverit to recover deleted files. It allows you to restore files in all data loss scenarios.
What's Wrong with Mac
- Recover Your Mac
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- Learn Mac Hacks
Optimized Storage in macOS Sierra and later* can save space by storing your content in iCloud and making it available on demand. When storage space is needed, files, photos, movies, email attachments, and other files that you seldom use are stored in iCloud automatically. Each file stays right where you last saved it, and downloads when you open it. Files that you’ve used recently remain on your Mac, along with optimized versions of your photos.
* If you haven't yet upgraded to macOS Sierra or later, learn about other ways to free up storage space.
Find out how much storage is available on your Mac
Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, then click Storage. Each segment of the bar is an estimate of the storage space used by a category of files. Move your pointer over each segment for more detail.
Click the Manage button to open the Storage Management window, pictured below. This button is available only in macOS Sierra or later.
Manage storage on your Mac
The Storage Management window offers recommendations for optimizing your storage. If some recommendations are already turned on, you will see fewer recommendations.
Store in iCloud
Click the Store in iCloud button, then choose from these options:
- Desktop and Documents. Store all files from these two locations in iCloud Drive. When storage space is needed, only the files you recently opened are kept on your Mac, so that you can easily work offline. Files stored only in iCloud show a download icon , which you can double-click to download the original file. Learn more about this feature.
- Photos. Store all original, full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud Photos. When storage space is needed, only space-saving (optimized) versions of photos are kept on your Mac. To download the original photo or video, just open it.
- Messages. Store all messages and attachments in iCloud. When storage space is needed, only the messages and attachments you recently opened are kept on your Mac. Learn more about Messages in iCloud.
Storing files in iCloud uses the storage space in your iCloud storage plan. If you reach or exceed your iCloud storage limit, you can either buy more iCloud storage or make more iCloud storage available. iCloud storage starts at 50GB for $0.99 (USD) a month, and you can purchase additional storage directly from your Apple device. Learn more about prices in your region.
Optimize Storage
Mac Trash Empty Apps
Click the Optimize button, then choose from these options.
- Automatically remove watched movies and TV shows. When storage space is needed, movies or TV shows that you purchased from the iTunes Store and already watched are removed from your Mac. Click the download icon next to a movie or TV show to download it again.
- Download only recent attachments. Mail automatically downloads only the attachments that you recently received. You can manually download any attachments at any time by opening the email or attachment, or saving the attachment to your Mac.
- Don't automatically download attachments. Mail downloads an attachment only when you open the email or attachment, or save the attachment to your Mac.
Optimizing storage for movies, TV shows, and email attachments doesn't require iCloud storage space.
Empty Trash Automatically
Empty Trash Automatically permanently deletes files that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days.
Reduce Clutter
Reduce Clutter helps you to identify large files and files you might no longer need. Click the Review Files button, then choose any of the file categories in the sidebar, such as Applications, Documents, Music Creation, or Trash.
You can delete the files in some categories directly from this window. Other categories show the total storage space used by the files in each app. You can then open the app and decide whether to delete files from within it.
Learn how to redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books.
Where to find the settings for each feature
The button for each recommendation in the Storage Management window affects one or more settings in other apps. You can also control those settings directly within each app.
- If you're using macOS Catalina, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Apple ID, then select iCloud in the sidebar: Store in iCloud turns on the Optimize Mac Storage setting on the right. Then click Options next to iCloud Drive: Store in iCloud turns on the Desktop & Documents Folders setting. To turn off iCloud Drive entirely, deselect iCloud Drive.
In macOS Mojave or earlier, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click iCloud, then click Options next to iCloud Drive. Store in iCloud turns on the Desktop & Documents Folders and Optimize Mac Storage settings. - In Photos, choose Photos > Preferences, then click iCloud. Store in iCloud selects iCloud Photos and Optimize Mac Storage.
- In Messages, choose Messages > Preferences, then click iMessage. Store in iCloud selects Enable Messages in iCloud.
- If you're using macOS Catalina, open the Apple TV app, choose TV > Preferences from the menu bar, then click Files. Optimize Storage selects “Automatically delete watched movies and TV shows.”
In macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes, choose iTunes > Preferences from the menu bar, then click Advanced. Optimize Storage selects “Automatically delete watched movies and TV shows.” - In Mail, choose Mail > Preferences from the menu bar, then click Accounts. In the Account Information section on the right, Optimize Storage sets the Download Attachments menu to either Recent or None.
Empty Trash Automatically: From the Finder, choose Finder > Preferences, then click Advanced. Lables app for mac. Empty Trash Automatically selects “Remove items from the Trash after 30 days.”
Other ways that macOS helps automatically save space
With macOS Sierra or later, your Mac automatically takes these additional steps to save storage space:
- Detects duplicate downloads in Safari, keeping only the most recent version of the download
- Reminds you to delete used app installers
- Removes old fonts, languages, and dictionaries that aren't being used
- Clears caches, logs, and other unnecessary data when storage space is needed
How to free up storage space manually
Even without using the Optimized Storage features of Sierra or later, you can take other steps to make more storage space available:
- Music, movies, and other media can use a lot of storage space. Learn how to delete music, movies, and TV shows from your device.
- Delete other files that you no longer need by moving them to the Trash, then emptying the Trash. The Downloads folder is good place to look for files that you might no longer need.
- Move files to an external storage device.
- Compress files.
- Delete unneeded email: In the Mail app, choose Mailbox > Erase Junk Mail. If you no longer need the email in your Trash mailbox, choose Mailbox > Erase Deleted Items.
Trash Empty Yahoo
Learn more
- The Storage pane of About This Mac is the best way to determine the amount of storage space available on your Mac. Disk Utility and other apps might show storage categories such as Not Mounted, VM, Recovery, Other Volumes, Free, or Purgeable. Don't rely on these categories to understand how to free up storage space or how much storage space is available for your data.
- When you duplicate a file on an APFS-formatted volume, that file doesn't use additional storage space on the volume. Deleting a duplicate file frees up only the space required by any data you might have added to the duplicate. If you no longer need any copies of the file, you can recover all of the storage space by deleting both the duplicate and the original file.
- If you're using a pro app and Optimize Mac Storage, learn how to make sure that your projects are always on your Mac and able to access their files.