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Simple ways to clear your Gmail trash folder on PC and mobile
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If your Gmail trash is stuffed, then clean it out by permanently deleting everything inside it. Not only will this open up some room, but it also prevents hackers from getting their hands on any sensitive info that you could have in an email! This wikiHow article teaches you how to empty the trash from Gmail on a computer and mobile device (like an Android, iPhone, or iPad).

Things You Should Know

  • Deleting your trash in Gmail is easy on either mobile or desktop!
  • If you're using the mobile app, go to "☰ > Trash > Empty trash now."
  • If you're using a computer, click "More > Trash > Empty Trash Now."
Section 1 of 3:

Mobile (Android, iPhone & iPad)

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  1. Tap the app icon that looks like a red and white envelope.
  2. You'll see this three-line menu in the top left corner.
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  3. You may need to scroll down to see this option next to a trash can icon.
  4. This it at the top of your screen. [1]
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Section 2 of 3:

Desktop

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  1. Go to https://mail.google.com/ log in. This will take you to your Gmail inbox once you've signed in.
  2. You'll see this on the left under Inbox , Snoozed , and Drafts . The menu will expand down.
  3. It's next to an icon of a trash can.
  4. You'll see this at the top of your screen. Gmail will permanently delete everything in your Trash.
    • If you want to delete specific emails instead, click the box next to the email's subject, then click Delete forever at the top of the page.
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Section 3 of 3:

FAQ

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  1. If your trash is full of spam or junk emails, then incoming emails can bounce, so you don't see them. You can even experience emails that won't send if you have an account that's overcapacity. You can also make more room by deleting everything in your inbox and cleaning it out .
    • If you have sensitive information in your trash, you want to delete that immediately to keep yourself and your data safe.
  2. Gmail will delete the emails in your trash every 30 days.
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