How to uninstall apps on Mac

Key Takeaways

• Dragging apps to the Trash works for most apps but may leave behind residual files.
• Use Launchpad to uninstall App Store apps easily.
• Third-party uninstallers like AppCleaner ensure complete removal.
• Package-installed apps often include their own uninstaller tools.
• Advanced users can leverage Terminal for manual removal.

By following these steps, you can ensure apps are removed completely and efficiently from your Mac!

Uninstalling apps on a Mac is straightforward, but the process varies depending on how the app was installed. This guide will explain all the methods you can use to remove apps completely, with clear examples to ensure no unnecessary files are left behind.

Why Uninstall Apps?

• Free up storage space.
• Remove unused or outdated programs.
• Fix issues caused by problematic apps.

Methods to Uninstall Apps on Mac

1. Uninstalling Apps from the Applications Folder

This is the simplest method for most apps downloaded from the internet or the App Store.

Steps:

1. Open the Finder app from the Dock.
2. Navigate to the Applications folder on the left sidebar.
3. Find the app you want to uninstall.
4. Drag the app to the Trash in your Dock.
5. Empty the Trash by right-clicking the Trash icon and selecting Empty Trash.

Example:

• To uninstall Google Chrome:
  • Go to Applications.
  • Drag Google Chrome to the Trash.
  • Empty the Trash to complete the process.

2. Uninstalling Apps via Launchpad

Apps installed from the Mac App Store can be removed directly from Launchpad.

Steps:

1. Open Launchpad by clicking its icon in the Dock or using the F4 key on your keyboard.
2. Locate the app you want to delete.
3. Click and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle (like on iOS).
4. Click the small X button that appears on the app.
5. Confirm the deletion.

Example:

• To uninstall Spotify (if downloaded from the App Store):
  • Open Launchpad.
  • Hold the Spotify icon until it jiggles.
  • Click the X to delete it.

3. Uninstalling with a Third-Party App Cleaner

Some apps leave behind hidden files or preferences, even after being deleted. Using a dedicated uninstaller ensures complete removal.

Recommended Tools:

• AppCleaner (Free)
• CleanMyMac X (Paid, with additional features)

Steps with AppCleaner:

1. Download and install AppCleaner from its official website.
2. Open the app and drag the app you want to uninstall into the AppCleaner window.
3. AppCleaner will display all associated files.
4. Click Remove to delete the app and its associated files.

Example:

• To uninstall Zoom:
  • Drag the Zoom app into AppCleaner.
  • Select all related files and click Remove.

4. Uninstalling Apps Installed via Package Installers

Some apps (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud) come with their own uninstallers.

Steps:

1. Open the Applications folder.
2. Look for a folder with the app’s name.
3. Inside the folder, locate the uninstaller tool (e.g., “Uninstall [App Name]”).
4. Double-click the uninstaller and follow the on-screen instructions.

Example:

• To uninstall Microsoft Office:
  • Open the Microsoft Office folder in Applications.
  • Run the Microsoft Office Uninstaller.
  • Follow the prompts to remove the app.

5. Uninstalling Apps Using Terminal (Advanced Users)

For tech-savvy users, Terminal allows you to remove apps manually.

Steps:

1. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight or find it in Applications > Utilities).
2. Enter the following command to remove the app: sudo rm -rf /Applications/[AppName].app Replace [AppName] with the exact name of the app.
3. Enter your admin password when prompted.

Example:

• To uninstall VLC Media Player:
  • Type: sudo rm -rf /Applications/VLC.app
  • Press Enter.

Caution: Be careful when using Terminal, as improper commands may delete critical system files.

What to Do After Uninstalling Apps

• Clear Leftover Files: Some apps leave behind files in system directories.
  • Use Finder and search for the app’s name in the Library folder.
  • Delete associated files from these locations:
    • ~/Library/Application Support/
    • ~/Library/Preferences/
    • ~/Library/Caches/

FAQs

1. Why is the app still taking up space after I delete it?

Some apps leave behind residual files. Use tools like AppCleaner to remove these files.

2. Can I uninstall built-in macOS apps?

Most system apps (e.g., Safari, Mail, Calendar) cannot be uninstalled. For others like GarageBand, follow the same steps for uninstalling regular apps.

3. What happens if I accidentally delete an app?

You can reinstall it:

• If downloaded from the App Store, search for it again in the App Store and reinstall.
• If downloaded from a website, revisit the site and download the installer.

4. Are third-party uninstallers safe?

Yes, tools like AppCleaner and CleanMyMac X are reliable and safe if downloaded from trusted sources.

5. Can I reinstall an app after uninstalling it?

Yes, you can reinstall the app at any time by downloading it again from the App Store or the developer’s website.