How to Fix macOS Finder 'The item is in use and cannot be emptied' Errors When Emptying the Trash

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Fix macOS Finder 'The item is in use and cannot be emptied' Errors When Emptying the Trash. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

This error occurs when macOS prevents you from emptying the Trash because a file is currently open, locked by a system process, or marked as in use by another application. This is common in small business environments where documents, spreadsheets, or media files are left open in the background.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Close all open applications, including those running in the menu bar.
2. Right-click (or Control-click) the Trash icon in the Dock.
3. Hold down the Option key on your keyboard.
4. Click Empty Trash while still holding the Option key.
5. Confirm the action when prompted.

Detailed Instructions

Close Applications Using the File

1. Check the Dock for any applications with a dot underneath their icon, indicating they are running.
2. Click the application icon to bring it to the foreground.
3. Select Quit [Application Name] from the application menu in the top-left corner of the screen, or press Command + Q.
4. Attempt to empty the Trash again.

Force Empty the Trash

1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock to ensure Finder is the active application.
2. Open the Finder menu in the top menu bar.
3. Select Empty Trash.
4. If the error appears, hold down the Option key and click Empty Trash again.
5. Click Empty Trash in the confirmation dialog to permanently delete the items.

Restart Your Mac

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Select Restart...
3. Click Restart to confirm.
4. Once your Mac has rebooted, open the Trash and attempt to empty it again.

Troubleshooting

Check for Locked Files

1. Open the Trash from the Dock.
2. Right-click the item that will not delete.
3. Select Get Info.
4. Look for the Locked checkbox at the bottom of the window.
5. If it is ticked, untick it to unlock the file.
6. Close the Info window and try emptying the Trash again.

Boot into Safe Mode

For Apple Silicon Macs:

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Press and hold the power button until you see Loading startup options.
3. Select your startup disk.
4. Hold down the Shift key and click Continue in Safe Mode.
5. Log in to your account.
6. Empty the Trash while in Safe Mode.
7. Restart your Mac normally to exit Safe Mode.

For Intel-based Macs:

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Press the power button, then immediately press and hold the Shift key.
3. Release the Shift key when you see the login window.
4. Log in to your account.
5. Empty the Trash while in Safe Mode.
6. Restart your Mac normally to exit Safe Mode.

If the Trash still cannot be emptied after following these steps, there may be a deeper system issue. Open a Ticket with 220 Internet Services support for further assistance.

Still Having Issues?