Deleting files is one common task for all Mac users. Did you know, though, that when you send anything to the Trash and then empty it, the file can be recovered, meaning that it is not a complete deletion. Worry not; in this article, we'll show you how to securely erase files on MacBook. Let's go!

What is secure erasing a file on Mac?

Secure erasing a file is removing the file completely from your Mac. What this means is that a file that is securely erased cannot be recovered by you or any third-party applications; it's the ultimate way to completely get rid of files. 

See, when you typically empty the Trash, you're just deleting the access point to the file. This is how you can think of it: a file is written on paper (your Mac) in pencil, and you erase the file with an eraser — you can still see the marks that were made on the paper. But when you secure erase, you rewrite gibberish over the original pencil marks and then erase it: there's no way to read it (it can't be recovered).

How to securely erase files on Mac

There are two ways we can securely erase a file: one is via a Mac cleaner app with a secure eraser and the other is with macOS built-in tools and utilities.

Use the rm command in Terminal

Previously, you could securely delete files on your Mac using the rsm command in Terminal. Apple has eliminated this option with the introduction of the macOS Sierra. But there is still a way to safely delete files using the rm command.

Firstly, you need to enable some settings in System Settings:

  1. Open System Settings (Apple menu > System Settings). 
  2. Select Keyboard.
  3. Go to Keyboard Shortcuts > Services and click > next to Files and Folders.
  4. Enable New Terminal at Folder and New Terminal Tab at Folder.

Now, you need to go to Finder and find the folder that stores the file you want to delete securely. Right-click it and choose Services > New Terminal at Folder. Now, the Terminal window should open.

In the Terminal window, do the following:

  1. Enter rm -P PrivateFile.txt command, but instead of "PrivateFile" use your file name. Instead of "txt" use the extension your file has.
  2. Press Return.

And your file is gone!

Tip
When entering your file name in Terminal, make sure you write it correctly. If your file name has a space, like My File, you need to put the name in brackets like this "My File.docx"

How to securely erase files with CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X has a secure eraser called the Shredder. This tool makes it incredibly easy to securely erase files. With CleanMyMac, all you have to do is:

  1. Download CleanMyMac X for free and open it.
  2. Click Shredder.
  3. Select your file with "Select Files…"
  4. Click Shred.
Shredder module of CleanMyMacX


And that's how you securely erase files with a secure eraser like CleanMyMac X. Plus, CleanMyMac X has a bunch of other features that help you keep your Mac clean and up to speed. Download CleanMyMac X and see what a difference it makes on your Mac right now.

How to securely delete files on flash drives/SD cards

macOS comes with a built-in feature that allows you to erase your flash drive, SSD, or SD card. To start, you need to connect your drive to your Mac. Then, follow the instructions:

  1. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
  2. Select your drive in the External category on the left. Make sure you don't erase your internal hard drive. It contains all your data and you won't be able to restore it once erased.
  3. Click the Erase button. 
  4. Type a name for your drive and choose a format. Apple recommends using ExFAT format.

Safely erase multiple files using an encrypted disk image 

Disk images (.dmg) provide a secure way to store and share your private files. You can store your disk image in any cloud storage, on your Mac, or external hard drive. And given the fact that you can encrypt the disk image, no one will be able to access your data.

If you want to delete multiple sensitive files and data in one go, you can use a disk image as well. You'll need to create an encrypted .dmg file and transfer your files there. Then, you can lock the disk and delete it, making your data unrecoverable for anyone. Here's how to do that step-by-step:

  1. Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
  2. Go to File, select New Image > Blank Image.
  3. Type your disk name in the Save As field. Make sure to add the .dmg extension.
  4. Type size and choose format.
  5. Select the Encryption method. Apple recommends the first method (128-bit AES encryption).
  6. Provide a password to encrypt your disk image and click Choose.
  7. Click Save.

Now, you can drag and drop the files you want to delete to the disk image. Then, right-click the disk image and click Eject to lock it.

Move this disk image to the Trash, and you're done. Though your files are now in the Trash Bin, no one can access them without your encryption key. Empty the Trash to let your sensitive files be gone forever.

How to securely erase files on Mac OS X

It's not difficult, but it does take some time. Just remember that when you securely erase a file, it will take a bit longer than if you were to normally empty your Trash. To secure erase files in the Trash:

  1. Control-click the Trash icon in your Dock at the bottom of your screen.
  2. Press the Command button.
  3. Click Secure Empty Trash.
  4. And again, select Secure Empty Trash.

These instructions work with OS X Yosemite. Secure Empty Trash feature isn't available since the El Capitan OS X update. If you are running an older version, instead of pressing the Command button in step 2, you might have to press Ctrl or Alt/Option. 

But again, secure erasing files is even easier with CleanMyMac X. There's no holding buttons or deleting one file (or all the files) at a time. Just select or drag your file(s) to the Shredder and click Shred. That's it! Plus, CleanMyMac X does so much more than just securely erase files. It helps you clean your entire Mac, run basic Mac maintenance, monitor its hardware health, and even completely uninstall apps. Download for free now and see what a difference it makes on your Mac.