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Can't empty Trash of USB flash drive on Mac

Whenever I insert my USB flash drive into my Mac, the Trash can becomes full. I can't empty the Trash. I also tried to delete the hidden Trash folder on my Windows PC, but it didn't work either. It tells me that the file is unreadable or corrupt. How can I force empty the Trash?

Best Answered by

Jenny Zeng

Answered on Monday, April 29, 2024

If you can't empty the Trash of your USB flash drive on Mac, try the following solutions:

① Force delete files in the Trash in Terminal.

sudo rm -rf file_path

Type sudo rm -rf into Terminal, leave a space, then drag and drop the file(s) from your Trash to the Terminal window and hit Enter. When asked for the password, enter it and press Enter.

② Put the files back and delete a small segment at a time.

Another trick you can try is to drag and drop the files on your Trash back to the USB flash drive, then press Option + Command + Delete to delete a small chunk of files at a time.

③ If your drive is encrypted, decrypt it and retry emptying the Trash.

④ Back up your drive and reformat it.

Also read:

Mac Trash Won't Empty? Why & How to Force Empty Trash