---
name: "zpool-labelclear"
section: "8"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/zpool-labelclear"
---

# zpool-labelclear(8)

remove ZFS label information from device

## NAME

**zpool-labelclear** – remove ZFS label information from device

## SYNOPSIS

**zpool** **labelclear** \[**-f**\] *device*

## DESCRIPTION

Removes ZFS label information from the specified *device*. If the *device* is a cache device, it also removes the L2ARC header (persistent L2ARC). The *device* must not be part of an active pool configuration.

This overwrites pool metadata, making all data on the *device* inaccessible without specialized recovery tools. Unlike **zpool** **destroy**, this cannot be undone by ZFS tooling. Only use this when you don't care about the data on the *device*.

- **-f**

  Treat exported or foreign devices as inactive.

## SEE ALSO

[zpool-destroy(8)](/zpool-destroy/8.md), [zpool-detach(8)](/zpool-detach/8.md), [zpool-remove(8)](/zpool-remove/8.md), [zpool-replace(8)](/zpool-replace/8.md)