How To Uninstall App On Mac

Uninstalling unwanted apps on your Mac can free up valuable storage space and help keep your system organized. This guide will walk you through the simple and effective methods to uninstall apps on your Mac, ensuring you remove all related files for a clean uninstall.

Uninstall Apps Using Launchpad

This method is ideal for apps downloaded from the Mac App Store.

• Open Launchpad by clicking its icon in the Dock or by pinching closed with your thumb and three fingers on the trackpad.
• Locate the app you want to uninstall, or type its name in the search bar at the top.
• Press and hold the Option key, or click and hold any app icon until all apps start jiggling.
• Click the X button that appears next to the app you want to delete.
• Confirm the deletion by clicking Delete in the pop-up window. The app is then removed immediately.

Note: Apps without an X icon cannot be deleted via Launchpad—use the Finder method instead.

Remove Apps Manually Using Finder

This method works for all apps, especially those not downloaded from the App Store.

• Quit the app if it’s running.
• Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
• Select the app you want to uninstall and drag it to the Trash, or right-click and choose Move to Trash.
• Empty the Trash to free up space by right-clicking the Trash icon in the Dock and selecting Empty Trash.

Delete App Leftover Files for Complete Removal

Many apps leave behind supporting files that remain on your Mac even after deleting the main app. To fully uninstall:

• In Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G to open the “Go to Folder” window.
• Type ~/Library and press Enter.
• Check and remove folders and files related to the app from the following directories if present:
  • Application Support
  • Caches
  • Preferences
  • Containers
  • Cookies
  • Logs
• Be cautious not to delete files unrelated to the app to avoid system issues.

Use Terminal for Stubborn Apps (Advanced)

Only recommended for experienced users, as misuse can cause system problems.

• Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
• Type the following command, but do not press Enter yet: sudo uninstall file://
• Drag the app’s icon from the Applications folder into the Terminal window to complete the command path.
• Press Enter and provide your password if prompted to uninstall the app.

Additional Tips

• Some professional software includes a dedicated uninstaller located in its application folder. Check for an Uninstall app and run it for a thorough removal.
• Uninstalling an app does not cancel its subscriptions or delete files you created with the app.
• Always backup important data before removing system or app files manually.

By following these steps, you can efficiently and safely uninstall apps on your Mac, freeing up storage and maintaining system performance.