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How to Empty Gmail Trash

Permanently remove messages currently in Gmail Trash.

Quick Answer

Open Trash, review its contents, and choose Empty Trash now.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant email account or application.
  2. Open Trash, review its contents, and choose Empty Trash now.
  3. Review the result carefully before making any permanent deletion, forwarding, or account change.
  4. Confirm the change worked from the mailbox or settings page.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Menu names can differ between web, desktop, mobile, classic, and newer versions of an email application.
  • For business or managed accounts, administrator policies can restrict some settings.