Mac Trash won't empty, says files are in use
Files in your Trash are being used by an app that won't let you delete them. Restart your Mac and try emptying Trash again. If one file keeps blocking it, you can delete just that file instead. This in most cases fixes it in less than a minute.
When you delete files on Mac, they go to the Trash but don't disappear until you empty it. Sometimes a file gets locked because an app is still using it, or a previous app didn't close properly. Restarting your Mac closes all apps and releases any locks, which in most cases lets you empty Trash right away.
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Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Not restarting the Mac before trying complex fixes. Restarting solves this problem for most people.
- Trying to delete a Trash file while having a Finder window open that shows the Trash contents.
Signs you need professional help
- If you've restarted your Mac and Trash still won't empty, give us a call and we'll clear it out for you.
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