
Open a Terminal window (Command + Space, type terminal)ģ. Start by finding the file you want to delete in finder.Ģ. Only follow the steps below if you are comfortable with the command line and accept the risks if you mess up! How to Securely Remove a File from OS X El Capitan 1. Warning: This process can seriously mess up your computer if misused. Fortunately there is a way to securely delete a file using the command line. This is annoying because it’s nice to have the option to feel like you are completely obliterating a file.



When you are in the recycle bin, the only option that seems to be available is Empty Trash. If you have upgraded your Mac to OS X El Capitan or newer (Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, etc), you may have noticed the Secure Empty Trash option is missing.
