Q&A for How to Delete Locked Files on a Mac

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do you delete an application that won't delete on a Mac?

Gonzalo Martinez
Computer & Phone Repair Specialist
Gonzalo Martinez is the President of CleverTech, a tech repair business in San Jose, California founded in 2014. CleverTech LLC specializes in repairing Apple products. CleverTech pursues environmental responsibility by recycling aluminum, display assemblies, and the micro components on motherboards to reuse for future repairs. On average, they save 2 lbs - 3 lbs more electronic waste daily than the average computer repair store.

Gonzalo Martinez

Computer & Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

If the above methods don't work, try using the application App Cleaner to delete locked files. Just drag the application onto App Cleaner and the application and all of its data will be deleted

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Now that secure empty has gone, what reasonable way is there to delete large numbers of locked files, even if they are in the same folder?

Community Answer

Right click (or 2 finger click) on the folder, then click "Get Info". Unlock the files through the "Get Info" section.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 24 Helpful 1
Question

I don't use an admin password. Terminal command therefore won't give permission. Advice?

Fancyghost

Community Answer

You'll need an admin password to do this. You also need to start commands with "sudo" in order to run them as an admin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

I have a secure file in Bluestacks that I can't delete. What should I do?

Intellectia AI

Community Answer

You can try unlocking and deleting the file through Finder, or use Terminal to force delete it. Booting your Mac in Safe Mode might also help, or consider using third-party apps to manage and delete locked files. Be careful with Terminal as it can permanently delete data.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0