How to Uninstall Applications on macOS

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Uninstalling applications on macOS is a pretty straightforward process. However, depending on the application, you may have to follow different steps. This guide will introduce you to different ways to remove apps from your Mac, ensuring they are removed completely and safely. From simple drag-and-drop techniques to more advanced methods involving the use of third-party applications, everything is covered to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of how to uninstall applications on macOS. The guide covers the following methods:

• Uninstalling via Finder
• Using Launchpad
• Using the Terminal
• Manually deleting residual files
• Using third-party uninstaller apps

Uninstalling via Finder

The Finder method is one of the most common ways to uninstall applications on a Mac. This method works for most applications that don't come with an uninstaller or that require special instructions. You need to:

1. Open Finder. Click the Finder icon in the Dock. A Finder window will open.
2. Go to the Applications folder. In the Finder window, locate "Applications" in the left sidebar and click on it.
3. Select Application: Browse through the applications in this folder to find the application you want to uninstall.
4. Drag to Trash: Click the app and drag it to the Trash at the end of the Dock.
5. Empty the Trash: To permanently delete the application, right-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select "Empty Trash."

This method deletes the main application file, but sometimes, related files may still remain on your system. Keep reading to learn how to deal with them.

Using Launchpad

If you downloaded an app from the Mac App Store, you can uninstall it using Launchpad. Here's how:

1. Open Launchpad. Click the Launchpad icon in your Dock. It resembles a rocket ship.
2. Find the app: Type the app's name in the search bar at the top or browse through the icons to find the app you want to uninstall.
3. Click and hold: Click and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle.
4. Click the "X" button. An "X" button will appear on the left corner of the icon. Click this button.
5. Confirm deletion: Confirm the action by clicking "Delete" in the dialog box that appears.

This method easily removes the application and its related files from the system.

Using the Terminal

Those who are comfortable using the command line can also uninstall applications through the Terminal. This is especially useful for applications that do not appear in Finder or Launchpad. Follow the steps below:

1. Open Terminal. You can open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight (Command + Space) or by going to "Applications > Utilities > Terminal."
2. Access the Applications directory. Type cd /Applications/ and press Enter. This command takes the terminal to the Applications directory.
3. List of available applications: To view the list of applications, you can use ls command.
4. Remove the app: Use the command sudo rm -rf ApplicationName.app, where "ApplicationName" is the app you want to remove. For example, sudo rm -rf Safari.app.
5. Enter the administrator password: When prompted, enter the administrator password and press Enter.

Be careful when using this method. Using rm -rf command can permanently delete files. Make sure you enter the correct application name, and remember that this action cannot be undone.

Manually deleting residual files

Uninstalling an application through Finder or Launchpad removes the main application, but it often leaves behind files such as preferences and auxiliary files. It is sometimes necessary to delete these manually to free up additional disk space.

1. Open Finder: Use Finder to go to your home directory (click "Go > Home" in the menu bar).
2. Show hidden files: Press Command+Shift+period (.) to show hidden files.
3. Check in the Library: Go to the "Library" folder (it should be visible now) and find the application you uninstalled in the following directories and delete the associated files:
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/Caches/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
   • ~/Library/Logs/
4. Delete files: Drag any files or folders associated with the app to the Trash and empty it.

Be careful when deleting files in the "Library" directory, as deleting unrelated files may affect other applications or system functions.

Using third-party uninstaller apps

If you prefer software tools to handle uninstallation, you can consider using a third-party app uninstaller. These applications find and remove application files more thoroughly than manual methods.

Recommended uninstaller apps

• AppCleaner: A free tool that helps find leftover files and completely remove applications from your Mac.
• CleanMyMac X: A paid utility that not only uninstalls applications but also performs other system maintenance tasks.
• AppZapper: A paid option that allows you to "zap" any application along with all its associated files.

How to use AppCleaner

1. Download and install: Download AppCleaner from the official website and install it.
2. Open AppCleaner: Launch the application from the Applications folder.
3. Drag and drop: Drag the app you want to uninstall into the AppCleaner window or browse to find it in AppCleaner.
4. Select files: AppCleaner will show all related files. Make sure they are all checked.
5. Click "Delete": Click the "Delete" button to completely remove the application and associated files.

Third-party uninstallers can save time and simplify the process of finding system files, which are not easy to find manually.

Conclusion

Knowing how to uninstall applications on macOS is an essential part of maintaining your computer's efficiency and storage capacity. With the various methods explained above, you can ensure that you are removing the application completely, whether it's with the help of Finder, Launchpad, Terminal, or third-party applications. Each method offers its own benefits, whether it's simplicity, completeness, or ease of use. Whichever method you choose, make sure you carefully evaluate any file you delete manually to prevent any potential disruption to your system's functionality. As macOS continues to evolve, the process may vary slightly, but the basic principles and techniques maintain their relevance over time.

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