Easy Ways to Empty Trash in Gmail: Computer & Mobile Methods

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Simple ways to clear your Gmail trash folder on PC and mobile

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: September 18, 2023

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• Mobile
|
• Desktop
|
• FAQ

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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."

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Mobile (Android, iPhone & iPad)

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

   • For emails that you archived, find them in All mail and delete them from there.
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Section 2 of 3:

Desktop

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1. 
   1
   Go to https://mail.google.com/ log in. This will take you to your Gmail inbox once you've signed in.
2. 
   2
   Click More. You'll see this on the left under Inbox, Snoozed, and Drafts. The menu will expand down.
3. 
   3
   Click Trash. It's next to an icon of a trash can.
4. 
   4
   Click Empty Trash Now. 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. 
   1
   Why should I empty the trash? 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. 
   2
   How long will emails stay in the trash if I don't delete them? Gmail will delete the emails in your trash every 30 days.

   • If one sender sent you a bunch of emails that ended up in the trash, you can delete all the emails from them instead of your entire trashcan.
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