Can't empty trash on Mac because the disk is full, how to fix it?

macos tips
1

I can’t empty trash because the disk is full, I have no idea what’s going on there. Can anyone tell me what’s problem on my Mac machine and how can I deal with this issue successfully? I have used this machine for four years and have lots of important work stuff on it, I don’t mean to replace it right at this period.

2

A Mac needs enough free space to run processes. If your Mac disk is almost full, you can’t do any operations on your Mac, like moving the items to the Trash or emptying files in the Trash folder, your MacBook Trash won’t empty. In that case, it is also impossible for you to find other ways to free up more storage space on your Mac. But there are still other methods to empty Trash.

Solution 1: Bypass the Trash to permanently delete files

  1. Select the files you won’t need.

  2. Press the Option + Command + Delete keys.

  3. Confirm your deletion on the pop-up window.

Solution 2: Empty Trash in Safe Mode to delete the unwanted files

To start an Intel-based Mac in Safe Mode:

  1. Completely close your Mac and then restart your Mac and press the Shift key at the same time.

  2. Release the key once the login window appears.

To boot an M1 Mac in Safe Mode:

  1. Shut down your Mac and wait a moment.

  2. Hold down the power button until the startup options show up.

  3. Select your startup disk.

  4. Press the Shift key and click Continue to enter Safe Mode.

  5. Release the Shift key.

When in Safe Mode, right-click the Trash at the Dock and click Empty Trash to delete all the files and folders in it.