If you are planning to sell or recycle your old Mac, you must delete your personal files to ensure data privacy. This guide will walk you through different methods for securely deleting files depending on your Mac’s storage device.
Why Should You Delete Files from Your Mac?
Deleting unnecessary files like old documents, items in your downloads folder, and hidden system files will free up storage space on your Mac for new files.
The Benefits of SSDs for Secure File Deletion
Solid-state drives (SSDs) have a built-in Trim command that instantly erases blocks of data that are no longer in use, thus making it safer and faster to delete files.
Permanently Deleting Files from SSD-Based Macs
Deleting files from an SSD-based Mac is easy, move the files to the trash and empty it, and the Trim command will erase the block of data instantly. You can use a third-party app like CleanMyMac if you still have privacy concerns.
How to Permanently Delete Files on HDD-Based Macs
HDD-based Macs require a third-party shredder application like CleanMyMac or BitRaser for File to overwrite the data multiple times and make it unrecoverable.
Final Thoughts
Deleting files from your Mac is crucial for privacy and security reasons. You can choose between several methods to permanently delete your files, depending on your Mac’s storage device and privacy requirements.
FAQs
Can deleted files be recovered from an SSD-based Mac?
No, you cannot recover deleted files from an SSD-based Mac as the Trim command instantly erases blocks of data that are no longer in use.
What is the Trim command, and how does it make file deletion safer on SSDs?
The Trim command is a built-in command in macOS that instantly erases blocks of data that are no longer in use, making file deletion safer and faster on SSDs.
How do I know if my Mac has an SSD or HDD?
You can check if your Mac has an SSD or HDD by clicking on the Apple logo and then going to About This Mac > Storage.
Is it necessary to delete hidden system files on a Mac?
Yes, it’s important to delete hidden system files on a Mac to free up space, but be mindful not to delete any necessary files for system performance.
