Can't empty Trash: Operation not permitted

Question

Level 1

8 points

Hi,

since a couple of months there is a map called 'data' in my trash bin which is empty. So I thought...

It seems impossible to delete the map.

I tried to delete it with the terminal. This is the outcome:

rm: /Users/Rutger/.Trash/data/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/DataVaults: Operation not permitted

rm: /Users/Rutger/.Trash/data/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data: Permission denied

rm: /Users/Rutger/.Trash/data/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail: Permission denied

rm: /Users/Rutger/.Trash/data/Library/Containers: Permission denied

rm: /Users/Rutger/.Trash/data/Library: Permission denied

rm: /Users/Rutger/.Trash/data: Permission denied

Can someone please help me?! It's so annoying!

Posted on Mar 3, 2021 11:28 AM

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Answer 1

Community Specialist

Hey rutger264,

It sounds like you have files in the trash that you're unable to remove. We can understand wanting to get that resolved. We want to help.

We'd recommend starting your Mac to safe mode and attempting to empty the trash there. This article explains how: Start up your Mac in safe mode

Thanks!

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Answer 2

Community Specialist

Hey rutger264,

It sounds like safe mode was unable to resolve the issue.

We'd recommend contacting Apple Support for further assistance here: Get Support

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Level 1

8 points

HI Leanne_68

Thanks for you reply! Unfortunately I'm unable to remove the files in safe mode... :(

It's so weird, bc I see an empty folder, but when I try to remove it, it says there are multiple files.

Folder called 'data' > 'Mail' (in use) > Containers (in use) > Library (in use) > data (in use)...

So frustrating! I hope you have more options :)

Thanks!

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