Empty trash via terminal

My unfortunate error, but what are the current Terminal steps to force empty the trash in Catalina?

Thank you

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jun 11, 2020 12:27 PM

Similar questions

Can't empty trash in Catalina 10.15.4 I am unable to empty the trash after updating to Catalina 10.15.4
353 1
Terminal Can't Empty Trash In the Trash there is an old unlocked 2009 Pages application with the line drawn through it to indicate it no longer works with Catalina. The error message is the common "in use." I have tried the usual various methods like restarting, safe mode, option empty trash, and finally tried two methods with Terminal; one where I tried sudo rm –R and another where I tried sudo rm, leaving a space after each command. iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) Catalina
1248 3
Trash can will not empty My trash can (containing a mere 4 items) will not empty. I have tried the sudo command in Terminal, was prompted for password, but cannot enter it. I am running Catalina 10.15.3 on my iMac. Previous threads on this subject are too old.
1033 14

2 replies

Old Toad

Level 10

217,388 points

Jun 11, 2020 12:36 PM in response to mrokloricred37

You can try this command in Terminal: sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/*

However, if you've tried to delete files from a Time Machine backup drive via the finder you should try the process described in this Youtube video: https://youtu.be/XJEYKTYm6hY

Jun 11, 2020 2:44 PM in response to Old Toad

I restored from a TM backup to solve the problem, and thanks for your help

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Empty trash via terminal

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up