How to Automatically Empty Trash on Mac after 30 Days

Over time, unused files pile up in your Trash, taking up precious disk space and potentially slowing down your Mac. Thankfully, macOS offers a built‑in feature to automatically empty the Trash after 30 days. This simple setting helps you keep your system clutter‑free without lifting a finger.

Why Enable Automatic Trash Emptying?

Enabling this feature can greatly improve your Mac’s overall performance and storage efficiency. By ensuring that files sit in the Trash for no longer than 30 days, you reduce the risk of accumulating unnecessary data. This means:

• More available disk space
• Less manual maintenance
• A tidier system, which can complement other file‑management tools

How to Enable Automatic Trash Emptying on macOS

Activating this feature is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open Finder Preferences

   Click on the Finder icon in your Dock, then select Finder in the menu bar and choose Preferences.

   

2. Go to the Advanced Tab

   In the Finder Preferences window, click on the Advanced tab to see additional options.

   

3. Enable Automatic Trash Emptying

   Look for the option that says "Remove items from the Trash after 30 days" and check the box next to it. Once enabled, macOS will automatically delete items in the Trash that have been there for over 30 days.

   

Additional Tips for Mac Storage Management

While the automatic trash feature helps keep your disk space free, consider these extra tips for a healthier Mac:

• Regular Restarts: Restart your Mac periodically to clear caches and temporary files.
• External Storage: Move large applications or media libraries to an external SSD to conserve internal space.
• Complementary Tools: Use dedicated cleanup apps like Zero Duplicates to further streamline your file organization.

Get Started and Keep Your Mac Clean

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash