How to Enable or Disable Automatic Trash Cleanup in Mac?

Some users create and delete files frequently as part of their routine. By default, all deleted files will go to Trash bin in Mac. Over period, size of these deleted junk files will grow in size and occupy storage space. If you do not have time to periodically check and clean up trash, here is how you can automatically cleanup Trash in Mac.

Enable Automatic Cleanup of Trash in Mac

Mac allows you to delete the items in Trash if they are left over more than 30 days. You can do this in two ways – either from system storage settings or from Finder settings.

Enable Automatic Trash Cleanup from Storage Settings

Follow the below instructions to schedule Trash cleanup in macOS Ventura or later from system storage settings:

• Click Apple menu and go to “About This Mac” menu.

• On the pop-up, click “More info…” button.

• This will take you to “General” section of Mac’s settings app.
• Scroll down on the right pane, go to bottom and click on “System Settings…” button showing under “Storage” heading.

• Click “Turn On…” button against “Empty Trash automatically” option showing under “Recommendations” section.

• Click “Turn On” button on the pop-up to confirm your action.

• Now, you will see a green tick mark indicating that option is enabled successfully.

From System Preferences in macOS Monterey or Earlier

Older macOS versions have different interface. Follow the below instructions if you are using macOS Monterey or earlier versions.

• Click Apple logo and go to “About This Mac” menu.
• Go to “Storage” tab and click “Manage” button.

• On the pop-up, check under “Recommendations” section and turn on “Empty Trash automatically” option.

• Confirm the pop-up to enable the option.

Enable or Disable Empty Trash Automatically from Finder

Though the above method is easy to enable, after enabling the option, it will disappear from the storage settings section. It means, you will not be able to disable it from Mac storage section. So, it is recommended to enable or disable automatic empty trash option from Finder settings. This is also the only way to disable the option if you have enabled it from storage section.

• Open Finder and go to “Finder > Settings…” menu.
• Go to “Advanced” tab and enable or disable “Remove items from Trash after 30 days” option.

This works on all macOS versions except that in older versions you need to go to “Finder > Preferences…” menu instead of “Finder > Settings…” menu. After disabling, deleted files will not be cleaned up automatically after 30 days.

Note: Remember, this setting works only for the files deleted in your Mac and not from iCloud. All the files deleted from iCloud Drive will be automatically deleted after 30 days which you can’t control.