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Hide or Unhide Trash Icon in Ubuntu Dock

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 30, 2022 Updated Jun 20, 2026 3 min read
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You can hide or unhide the Trash icon on your Ubuntu Dock to customize your workspace.

The Ubuntu Dock, also known as the launcher, is the familiar panel typically found on the left side of your screen. It displays your most frequently used applications and essential system functions.

The Trash icon serves as a temporary holding place for files you delete before permanent removal. By default, it appears on the Dock after installing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

If you prefer a cleaner desktop or don’t utilize the Trash icon frequently, you can easily remove it. Conversely, if you previously hid it and wish to bring it back, this guide shows you how.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open System Settings, navigate to Appearance, and then configure dock behavior. Toggle the switch for the Trash icon to show or hide it from the Ubuntu Dock.

How to hide or unhide the Tash icon on the Dock in Ubuntu Linux

You can hide or unhide the Trash icon on your Ubuntu Dock using the System Settings, making it simple to keep your dock tidy.

Ubuntu Linux keeps most of its settings in one place. You can adjust system configurations, create new users, and update your system all from the System Settings panel.

Ubuntu activities overview showing Trash icon
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click on the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar.

From the System menu, select Settings, as shown below.

Ubuntu system menu with settings option highlighted
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

Click on the Appearance tile to open that section in the Settings app.

Appearance settings tile in Ubuntu system settings
ubuntu linux appearance tile system settings

Then, in the System Settings -> Appearance panel, under Dock, select Configure dock behavior to expand its options.

Configure dock behavior settings in Ubuntu
ubuntu linux configure dock behavior
⚠️Warning
In the pop-up Dock window, flip the switch to the On position to show the Trash icon.
⚠️Warning
To hide the Trash icon, move the switch to the Off position.
Windows 11 dock showing Trash icon
windows 11 show trash icon dock

That should do it!

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to hide or unhide the Trash icon on the Dock in Ubuntu Linux. Please use the comment form below if you find any errors above or have something to add.

  • The steps provided are an easy way to manage the visibility of the Trash icon on the Dock in Ubuntu Linux.
  • Users can hide or unhide the Trash icon using the System Settings panel or the top-right System menu.
  • This feature allows for a personalized desktop, allowing users to keep the Dock clutter-free or retain the Trash icon for convenient access to deleted items.

Where is the trash icon in the dock?

You can access the Trash folder via the Dock from anywhere on your Mac. Follow this approach to open the Trash folder from your Mac's Dock: Navigate to the lower-right corner of the Dock. Right-click on the Trash icon and choose Open to open the folder.

How do I show the trash icon in Ubuntu?

When the app opens, navigate to org/gnome/shell/extensions/ding. Scroll down, and you'll see the on/off switch for the 'show-trash' key, as well as many other settings for desktop icons. That's all.

How to remove trash icon from desktop Ubuntu?

Remove trash icon from the desktop using Desktop Icons Settings. Go to Desktop Icon Settings from desktop right click. Inside the new dialog box, toggle the button for trash. That's it.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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