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Hide or Unhide Trash Icon in Ubuntu Dock

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 30, 2022 Updated Jul 14, 2026 2 min read
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Hiding or unhiding the Trash icon in the Ubuntu Dock lets you customize your desktop’s appearance.

The Ubuntu Dock, often called the launcher, is the bar on the side of your screen that holds your favorite apps and system tools.

The Trash icon shows you files you’ve deleted, ready for permanent removal. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS shows this icon on the Dock by default.

You might want to hide it for a cleaner look or if you rarely use it.

If you previously hid the Trash icon and want it back, you can easily make it visible again.

⚡ 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 directly from System Settings. This change tidies your desktop by either removing the Trash icon if you don’t use it often, or bringing it back for quick access.

Ubuntu Linux stores most system configurations in the System Settings panel. This central hub lets you adjust settings, create users, and update your system.

Ubuntu activities overview showing Trash icon
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, you can access Settings by clicking the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar.

Then, select Settings, as shown below.

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

From there, 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

Within System Settings, under the Appearance panel and the Dock section, select “Configure dock behavior” to expand the Ubuntu Dock’s appearance 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:

These steps offer a way to manage the Trash icon’s visibility on your Ubuntu Dock. Whether you prefer a clutter-free desktop or quick access to deleted items, using System Settings or the top-right System menu gives you control.

  • 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?

How do I show the trash icon in Ubuntu?

Once the application opens, navigate to `org/gnome/shell/extensions/ding`. Scroll down to find the ‘show-trash’ switch, which controls the Trash icon’s visibility, along with other desktop icon settings. 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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