Did you know that your Mac can manage and empty the trash yourself? Files that are in the trash for longer than thirty days can be automatically removed by macOS.
The option is not enabled as standard under macOS. You must activate this manually if you want to use it. The automatic emptying of the trash is one of the options to have the storage space of your Mac optimized by macOS. You can read here how this optimization process works extensively.
Automatic emptying basket in macOS
You can automatically delete files from the macOS trash basket from the Finder preferences and system settings.
Automatic trash basket (MacOS Finder)
- Open Finder.
- Navigate to the menu bar.
- Click on ‘Finder’ followed by ‘Settings / Preferences’.
- Open the ‘Advanced’ tab.
- Activate the option ‘Remove parts after 30 days from a trash’.
Automatic emptying basket (MacOS System Settings)
From MacOS Sequoia (and newer) it is also possible to automatically activate the removal of files from the trash from the macOS system settings.
- Go to the macOS menu bar to  â–¸ System Preferences …
- In the left column, click on ‘General’.
- Then click on ‘Storage’.
- In the section Recommendations Now see the ’empty trash basket automatically’ option, click on ‘Switch on …’.
How does the automatic deletion of files work?
If you have activated the function with the help of one of the above options, then files that are in the trash for longer than 30 days will be automatically deleted. By doing this, you prevent the trash to use unnecessary storage space.
Free more storage space on your Mac
Another method to save storage space on your Mac is to use the CleanMymac app. Cleanmymac is an app specially designed to optimize and maintain your Mac. The app offers a wide range of functions, including cleaning up unnecessary files, removing malware, improving system performance and managing apps. You can Cleanmymac 7 days free Try it out.