This guide explains why your Mac might prevent you from deleting files on external drives. It provides helpful methods to enable write access for NTFS drives and manage your storage effectively.
I can’t delete files from my external hard drive, no “move to trash” option available, it’s a new MBP operation with Monterey OS. Any solutions are appreciated guys. Thanks in advance!
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Mac users may sometimes find that files or folders on an external hard drive cannot be deleted. Although this issue can be frustrating, it is often caused by specific, fixable reasons. Before attempting any solutions, it is important to avoid formatting the drive, as most problems can be resolved without erasing data. Understanding the cause of the error helps you apply the correct solution safely and effectively.
| Reason | Explanation | Common Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Permission Issues | macOS restricts access if your account does not have full permissions | Warning messages about access or ownership; unable to delete files |
| Unsupported File System (e.g., NTFS) | macOS may only allow read access to non-Apple formats | Files can be opened but not deleted or modified |
| Connection Problems | Unstable connection due to faulty cable or port | Drive disconnects, appears inconsistently, or actions fail |
| Viruses or Malware | Malicious software interferes with normal file operations | Unusual errors or repeated failure to delete files |
By identifying the reason behind the error, you can choose the correct solution and restore full control over your external hard drive without unnecessary risk.
Macs can read drives formatted for Windows, like NTFS, but cannot modify or delete files on them by default. If your external hard drive uses NTFS, PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac provides a simple and safe solution.
This tool lets your Mac fully access NTFS drives, so you can read, write, delete, and move files just like on a regular Mac disk. It works safely without using Terminal commands and supports various storage devices, including HDDs, SSDs, and USB drives.
It is compatible with macOS 12 and later, running smoothly on both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Macs. After a quick adjustment in your Mac’s security settings for full disk access, the software allows stable and secure file management on your external hard drive.
Before we start, you need to configure Security Policy in iOS Recovery Mode.
Step 1. Run Partition Assistant NTFS for Mac and connect your external hard drive.
Step 2. The connected, removable, and external hard drives will be mounted and listed.
Step 3. Select the drive you want to operate and click "Open".
Step 4. Now you can copy files on your Mac and click "Paste Item" to copy the files to the drive.
Step 5. You can also copy, delete, and rename files on the external hard drive.
Step 6. After all operations are complete, please click "Eject" to disconnect the external hard drive from your Mac.
Sometimes you cannot delete files on an external drive because of permissions or incompatible formats. Macs can read drives like NTFS (Windows format) but cannot write or delete files without adjustments. Follow these steps to fix the issue:
Step 1. Check the drive format. Macs can write to APFS, HFS+, and ExFAT, but NTFS is read-only by default. To fix this, copy your files to another location and reformat the drive using Disk Utility as ExFAT (for Mac and Windows) or APFS/HFS+ (Mac only). Alternatively, you can install third-party NTFS drivers like Paragon NTFS to enable full read/write access without reformatting.
Step 2. Adjust permissions. Right-click the drive or the file/folder you cannot delete and select Get Info. Expand the Sharing & Permissions section, click the lock icon, and enter your admin password. Locate your user account and change its privilege to Read & Write. If available, check Ignore ownership on this volume, especially for older drives or formats.
Step 3. Use Terminal if permissions still block deletion. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities) and type sudo rm -r leaving a space at the end. Drag the file or folder into the Terminal window to insert its path, press Enter, and type your password. Use this carefully, as sudo gives full administrative control.
Start with checking the drive format and adjusting permissions. Use Terminal only if necessary. Restarting your Mac or using Safe Mode can sometimes resolve temporary glitches. Following these steps allows you to safely delete files on your external drive.
Deleting files on an external hard drive from a Mac can be confusing at first, but it is usually easy to fix once you know the reason behind the problem. Understanding how to delete files on external hard drive Mac helps you choose the right solution, whether it’s adjusting permissions, reformatting the drive to a compatible file system, or using tools like PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac. With the proper steps, you can manage, move, and remove files smoothly and safely without risking your data.
🧐 Why can't I delete files from my external hard drive on Mac?
You may not be able to delete files because of permission issues or the drive’s file system. macOS can read NTFS drives (Windows format) but cannot write or delete files on them by default. Other causes include connection problems, drive corruption, or malware. Checking the drive format and permissions usually solves the problem.
🧐 How to erase data from external hard drive on Mac?
You can erase an external hard drive using Disk Utility. Open Disk Utility, select your drive, and click Erase. Choose a compatible format like ExFAT (for Mac and Windows) or APFS/HFS+ (Mac only). Make sure to back up your data first, because erasing will delete everything on the drive.
🧐 How do I delete files from an external hard drive?
If your Mac allows writing to the drive, simply drag the files to Trash and empty it. If not, check the drive format and adjust permissions. For NTFS drives, you can use a tool like PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac to enable full read/write access and delete files safely.
🧐 How to delete files off Seagate external hard drive Mac?
Seagate drives often come formatted in NTFS. To delete files on Mac, either reformat the drive to ExFAT or use software. Once the drive is writable, you can drag files to Trash or delete them directly.
🧐 Why won't my Mac allow me to delete files?
Your Mac may block deletion due to insufficient permissions, a read-only file system, or temporary system glitches. Checking the file system, adjusting permissions in Get Info, or using tools can resolve the issue.