MAC OS

How to Permanently Delete Files From Mac Hard Drive? Free & Simple Methods

Overview: If you are a Mac user, then this blog will be interesting for those who deal with large volumes of data. As, this is related to your precious data. Many of you ask how to permanently delete files from Mac Hard Drive. So, this guide will provide you different ways to erase files permanently to make your data unreachable.

Firstly, I want to make this confusion clear that whenever you delete any file, then it still stays within your system even if you empty your Trash. As, it is not permanently deleted from your Mac system and can be recovered using advanced recovery tools. So, for that you need to follow our page for secure file deletion methods.

Reasons to Permanently Delete Files

There are various points which you should know in order to protect your crucial data. Let’s know them in below part:

• We do this to prevent your important data from any unauthorized access or users.
• To create free space on your system by permanently deleting files.
• If you do normal deletion, then your files can be recovered. So, always ensure permanent deletion.
• Then, it becomes ideal for the scenario where you want to sell our give away your Mac.

How to Permanently Delete Files From Mac Hard Drive? Manual Methods

In this section we are going to explain to you four methods to permanently delete files. Let’s follow these steps to securely erase your files.

#1. Empty Your Trash (For Older MacOS Versions)

Note: This method works only on macOS versions older than El Capitan (10.11).

1. Firstly, send your  files to the Trash.
2. From the menu bar, click on Finder > Secure Empty Trash.
3. Now, confirm that the files to be deleted are to be overwritten so that they cannot be recovered.

#2. Permanently Delete Files From Mac Using Terminal Commands

This method is useful for those users who find it easy to use Terminal. By, using this you can also

1. Open terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal)

2. Type the following command with Enter:

rm -P ~/path/to/file

3. If you want to delete an entire folder, then type the following command:

rm -rP ~/path/to/folder

4. The -P option will overwrite the file in three different moves before the deletion is performed.

#3. Use Disk Utility to Erase Free Space

This method guarantees that the deleted files cannot ever be recovered by overwriting free space.

Here are the steps to do it:

1. You need to open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
2. Next, select your Mac Hard Drive from the left panel.
3. Click on Erase > Choose Security Options.
4. Choose a secure erase option (Zero Out Data or 7-pass Erase for high security).
5. Click on Erase to really overwrite the deleted files.

#4. Factory Reset Mac Hard Drive

This method is best suited when you are planning to sell your device. So, using this method you can ensure complete data removal.

1. Restart the Mac and while doing so, press and hold the Command  + R keys to load the macOS Recovery mode.
2. Now select Disk Utility>Choose Macintosh HD.
3. Click on the Erase button.
4. At last, choose APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) as the format.
5. Exit from Disk Utility and reinstall macOS from macOS Utilities.

Securely Delete Your Files From Mac Hard Drive – No Recovery Possible

If you want to permanently delete files from Mac Hard Drive, then opt for MacWare Tools Data Erasure Software. This tool ensures that your files are completely wiped using various data wiping algorithms which makes it impossible to recover any deleted files. Also, removes completely traces of your data and leaves no chances of data recovery. So, protect your confidential data with the help of our professional tool.

Download Now Purchase Now

End Note 

In this blog post, we have explored various manual methods by which we know how to permanently delete files from Mac Hard Drive. But, there are still chances of data recovery, so you can go with our professional tool which gives you an extra layer of protection and ensures that your file is permanently deleted without any risk involved. Unlike normal deletion or formatting, it generally leaves remnants of recoverable data. So, the tool provides a guarantee for secure file removal and protect your privacy with absolute certainty.