Deleted Time Machine backup files stuck in Trash

+2 Deleting or moving Time Machine backups to the trash is a big NO NO....

In fact, the later macOS versions prevent access to Time Machine backups for this very reason.

Sadly the only way to fix now, is to completely erase the Time Machine backup drive and start new backups.

see > Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support

and > Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

Well you completed borked Time Machine by moving Time Machine files into the Trash. That is a MAJOR no no and should never be done. If you don't have adequate space on your Time Machine External Hard Disk, replace with a higher capacity External Hard Disk and repurpose the old External Hard Disk or do an Erase of the Time Machine drive and start over.

As for your problem, try restarting in Safe Mode and try emptying the Trash in Safe Mode then restart normally and follow the steps in paragraph 1.

using finder to delete TM files is not recommended. and it can result in totally borking your backup. you will likely need to erase your TM drive and start fresh with another TM backup.

first follow rkaufmann's advise about trying to empty the trash while in safe mode.

if that doesn't work for emptying your trash, i think i would try temporarily disabling SIP. boot into recovery by holding "command+R" during startup. once there open terminal by clicking on "utilities" in the menubar and choosing "terminal". then paste in "csrutil disable" without the quotes. enter your admin password if prompted. then restart the mac and try emptying the trash. wether or not it works, make sure to re-enable SIP. boot into recovery again, reopen terminal and paste in "csrutil enable" without the quotes. enter your admin password if prompted and again restart the mac normally. 

PFFaculjak wrote:

Very similar to the advice from Jeffrey to use Safe Mode, except it had me us Terminal to turn OFF Integrity Protection while I empty the trash.

actually, I DID recommend trying to turn off SIP in my first reply. (with instructions). you must of missed it, likely due to the stress of having issues with your TM / Mac. we've all been there at some point. :)

You know what to do if Jeff's advise and that article doesn't work. 👍

FWIW Apple has made some changes to Time Machine over the years.

In very earlier versions, you could actually get away with trashing older backups and emptying the trash.

Then for a time you could trash backups, but they stuck in the trash and borked the backup structure.

Now in the later macOS versions, the backups are protected from accessing, tampering and trashing.

you're welcome. :)

👍

and you as well. :)