Trash can't be opened right now because it's being used by another task.

Today I want to show you how to fix an error that randomly appears on the operating system. macOS when you want to empty the trash (Empty Trash), it is: Trash can’t be opened right now because it’s being used by another task, such as moving or copying an item or emptying the Trash. Try again when the current task is complete.

Basically, this error of completely deleting the trash on Mac occurs when the user right-clicks on “Trash” and clicks on “Empty Trash”.

From what I've noticed, the problem occurs when files are deleted that are not fully synchronized in iCloud, but fortunately, the solution is very simple.

Fixing the Trash emptying error on Mac: Trash can't be opened right now because it's being used by another task.

There are three methods you can try to empty the trash on your Mac.

Method 1

The easiest way is to restart the operating system. Make sure you have saved everything that is open in the applications then go to the logo Apple at the top left of the screen, click “Restart.” Choose not to reopen applications after restart.

Method 2

The second method is to restart the service "Finder", which is most often responsible for managing directories and files on macOS.

1. Press the keys simultaneously: Command - Options - Esc.

2. In the box that opens, select Finder.

3. Click on the “Relaunch” button.

4. Reconfirm the relaunch of the application Finder by clicking on the “Relaunch” button.

In my case, this method worked best for solving “Trash can’t be opened right now because it’s being used by another task.. "

Method 3

I recommend that this method be used only if the first two have not yielded results.

This method consists of manually deleting files from the two roots of the directory Trash.

1. Go to the top bar to: “Finder” → “Go” → “Go to Folder…” and enter the following path:

~/.Trash

2. The location you reach is actually the root of the Recycle Bin on your hard drive. Manually delete all the contents of this folder.

3. The next step is to use the same “Go to Folder” and go to the root of the Trash folder. iCloud Drive. Enter the path:

~/Library/Mobile Documents/com~apple~clouddocs/.Trash

4. Delete all files present in the “ folder.Trash", including the file ".DS_Store"

If you are not allowed to manually delete from “Finder” open the Terminal utility and execute the command line below:

sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Mobile\ Documents/com~apple~clouddocs/.Trash

After this step, the contents of the Trash folder will be deleted and the error “Trash can't be opened right now because it's being used by another task.” should no longer appear.

Related: You cannot create a new folder when you download files in Safari? [Solution]

Do you need help? Do you know other methods? It would be nice if you wrote in the comments.