Keeping the flash drive free from unnecessary files is essential for so many reasons. If you are looking for a tutorial on how to delete files off a flash drive on a Mac, keep reading.
Whenever you have to get rid of the files on your flash drive, never remove them carelessly. Any single mistake can take a heavy toll on your important files. Here, the blues and bullets team look into How to Delete Files Off a Flash Drive on Mac and what to do if you fail to remove them.
1. Remove Files Straight From Flash Drive
One of the easiest and quick ways is to directly remove files from the flash drive to empty your trash. Moving the files into your trash is preferred by nearly every macOS user. To get rid of files from a thumb drive, connect your flash drive.
Open your drive and move the files into the Trash icon available at the Dock by dragging and dropping the files. Alternatively, you can right-click on the chosen files and then pick the Move to Trash option.
2. Erase Hidden Files Off Flash Drive
Unfortunately, hidden and duplicate files eat space on Mac, making your system slow down or perform poorly. The duplicate finder app on Mac automates the process of locating and deleting duplicates. Checking the reviews and ratings can help you pick the best duplicate finder app for removing programs and associated files.
To find and erase the hidden files of the flash drive:
- Launch Finder and click the flash drive.
- Keep holding the Command, Shift, and Period Key to access the hidden files.
- Choose the required file and bring it into the bin/trash.
- Navigate to the trash and empty the bin.
3. Format Your Flash Drive
Just like the Windows platform, Mac devices also come with a feature that allows formatting the flash drive. To format a flash drive on macOS, you will have to perform this process through Disk Utility.
To go for it, tap the Command and Space keyboard combinations. Now, open Spotlight. Input Disk Utility on the appearing dialog box and then press Enter. It will run the app. You’ll see the linked USB drive as External. Click on your flash drive, select it, and hit Erase.
4. Use Disk Utility to Erase File
When you don’t understand how to delete files off a flash drive on a Mac effectively, try this method. The Disk Utility option on Mac will help in removing flash drive files simply. To start with this process, pair your flash drive with your Mac.
Run Finder via Dock. Now, go to the Applications folder and then tap on Applications in the Dock’s left-side corner. Hit Disk Utilities and then select your flash drive. Click Erase and select a format. Tap Erase to completely remove all the files from your drive.
Why Can’t You Erase Files From a Flash Drive?
Finding the issue is painful when you can’t remove the files from the flash drive. Multiple factors cause an obstacle in deleting the file or folder. On macOS, it is primarily due to the problem of permission.
Write protection, files in read-only mode, read-only settings, malware or virus, and flash drive damage are the main reasons. To successfully and simply delete the files, you will have to make certain changes in the settings and other things. Let’s explore what these things are.
Fix Flash Drive Files Deleting Issues
Check your Mac for viruses and malware if you don’t have antivirus software installed. Scan your device with a reliable security app. After removing the malware or virus, restart your system. Run an additional scan to confirm there is no further issue.
Write protection can prevent deleting processes. So, first, take permission to remove those files. Remove write protection by visiting File Explorer and selecting your drive. Right-click Properties, unmark Read-only, and hit Apply.
When you can’t remove any file and folder on your Mac PC, then allow your computer to delete them. Navigate to the Sharing and Permissions option to grant permission by choosing the flash drive.
Next, select the Get Info option. Tap on the lock symbol available at the bottom. It will unlock the drive. In the Sharing Permissions tab, expand it. Tap Ignore ownership of this volume and click Apply to enclosed items.
Conclusion
Erasing the files from a flash drive is a bit of a complicated process on Mac. Users will require following every step carefully. All the tips and tricks mentioned above prove useful and extremely simple for Mac users.
Formatting the flash drive on macOS is the best solution to permanently delete the files from a flash drive. Cleaning your bin or trash will also help to erase the flash drive files permanently on Mac.