How To Uninstall Apps On Mac [Step-By-Step Guide]

author avatarIvelin Krastev Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

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Uninstalling apps on your Mac is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and freeing up valuable storage space.

Over time, unused apps can accumulate, taking up space and potentially slowing down your system.

This guide will walk you through the most effective methods that you can use to delete apps you no longer use.

Let’s get started:

1. Uninstall Mac apps using Launchpad

Launchpad is a user-friendly feature of macOS that provides a straightforward way to delete apps. It’s convenient for deleting apps downloaded from the App Store.

  1. Open Launchpad by clicking the Launchpad icon in the Dock or using the F4 key. Alternatively, you can use the Option key and perform a three-finger swipe up on your trackpad to open Launchpad.
  2. Locate the app you want to delete. You may use the search bar at the top of the screen if you have many apps.
  3. Click and hold the app’s icon in Launchpad or press the Option key until the app jiggles and an [X] button appears in its upper-left corner. Only the Mac App Store programs will have an [X] in the menu bar.
app icon jiggling in launchpad
  1. Click the delete button next to the app icon to remove the application.
  2. To complete the uninstallation process, click Delete when prompted.
delete apps from launchpad confirmation dialog

Launchpad doesn’t have specific limitations when deleting apps, but sometimes, deleted apps still appear in Launchpad even after deletion.

Note: If the delete button doesn’t appear, it means the app wasn’t downloaded from the App Store or is required by the system. In this case, use a different method below.

2. Completely uninstall apps on Mac with SpyHunter

While manually uninstalling applications can be effective, it can also be time-consuming and tedious. A third-party uninstaller like SpyHunter allows you to remove apps instantly.

SpyHunter is a leading anti-malware solution that features an uninstaller module. It is designed to simplify your life by letting you easily view and manage your applications and making it a breeze to uninstall programs.

Advantages of using SpyHunter

  • Thoroughly uninstall apps along with their related files in just a few seconds.
  • It saves time compared to following manual steps.
  • User-friendly interface makes it easy to remove apps without technical expertise.
  • It helps manage more than one app simultaneously.
  • Prevents potential issues by ensuring system files remain untouched.

The app ensures enhanced privacy and security for Mac users by meticulously deleting hidden or leftover files and thoroughly uninstalling undesired applications. To use SpyHunter:

  1. Download SpyHunter for free here and follow the on-screen instructions.
  2. Click on the App Uninstaller tab. This will initiate an automatic application scan.
  3. Select an app that you wish to delete.
  4. Click Remove to remove the app quickly and effectively.
uninstall unwanted application using spyhunter's powerful app uninstaller

Note: SpyHunter’s App Uninstaller can also help manage startup items and optimize your Mac’s performance.

3. Uninstall Mac programs using Trash

Whether you’re using the latest macOS version or an earlier one, like Catalina or Mojave, manually uninstalling apps remains similar.

This method allows you to uninstall apps manually and is particularly useful when you want to delete multiple apps simultaneously. However, simply deleting the app will not remove all residual files.

Here’s how to completely delete apps using Finder and remove their residual files:

  1. Click the Finder icon in your Dock. In the sidebar, select Applications to open the Applications folder.
  2. Browse through the list or use the search bar to find the app you want to delete. Click on the app to select it.
  3. Press Command + Delete (⌘⌫) to move the app to Trash, or simply drag the app icon to the Trash bin in your Dock.
select the app in finder and drag it to the trash
  1. Right-click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
right click menu trash
  1. Confirm if prompted to remove the app completely.
empty trash dialog

Note: The app has been deleted, but orphan files may remain on your system. To remove leftover files:

  1. In Finder, click Go in the menu bar at the top-left corner of the screen. Hold down the Option key to reveal the hidden Library folder. Click on Library to open it.
  2. Locate and delete related files in the following folders:
    • ~/Library/Application Support/
    • ~/Library/Caches/
    • /Library/Caches/
    • ~/Library/Preferences/
    • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
    • /Library/LaunchAgents/
    • /Library/LaunchDaemons/
    • ~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/
    • ~/Library/Saved Application State/
    • ~/Library/Logs/
    • ~/Library/CrashReporter/
  3. After deleting these files, right-click the Trash bin. Select Empty Trash to permanently remove the files.

Caution: Be careful when deleting system files from the Library folder. Deleting the wrong files can affect other apps or your system’s stability. Only delete files you are certain are associated with the app you want to remove.

4. Uninstall apps with a native uninstaller

Some third-party apps come with their native uninstaller or a custom uninstaller module.

Software developers provide their own uninstallers, which enable users to remove the app and its related files from their systems.

  1. Open the Applications folder via Finder. Look for a folder named after the app you wish to delete. Open the folder to see if there’s an uninstaller included.
  2. Double-cis lick on the built-in uninstaller (it might be named Uninstall [App Name] or similar). Follow the onscreen instructions provided by the uninstaller. You may be asked to enter your admin password to authorize the uninstallation.
delete apps with a native uninstaller

Benefits:

  • Ensures that all support files are removed.
  • Reduces the risk of leaving behind leftover files that could consume storage space.

5. Uninstall programs on Mac with Terminal

You might have come across articles suggesting the use of the sudo uninstall file:// command in the Terminal to delete apps.

However, it’s important to note that there is no such command as sudo uninstall file:// built in macOS.

While there isn’t a built-in uninstall command, advanced users might use Terminal commands like rm -rf to remove applications manually. However, this method is risky and not recommended for most users.

To completely remove apps with Terminal, follow the steps below:

  1. Open Terminal and type the following command sudo rm -rf.
  2. Drag and drop the application you want to delete from Finder into the Terminal window to ensure accuracy. This action will automatically paste the app’s file path into the command line.
  3. Press Return to execute the command. The Terminal may prompt you for your administrator password. Enter it to proceed with the uninstallation process.
remove the app from terminal window

Caution: Misusing this command can render your system inoperable. Unless you’re an expert and understand the full implications, it’s safer to use the methods outlined earlier.

Troubleshooting common app uninstallation issues

Even with the best practices, you may encounter some issues when trying to uninstall apps from your Mac.

Issue 1: Cannot delete an app

  • The app is running: Ensure the app isn’t running. Right-click its icon in the Dock and select Quit.
  • Force quit: If the app is unresponsive, press Command + Option + Escape to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select the app and click Force Quit.
  • Insufficient permissions: You might need to enter your admin password to authorize the deletion.

Issue 2: Leftover files persist

  • Manual deletion: Revisit the Library folder to remove all the related files of the app.
  • Use SpyHunter’s App Uninstaller: This tool is effective in removing stubborn files that manual methods might miss.

Best practices for app management

Effective app management is crucial to maintaining a healthy and organized Mac. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

  1. Periodically review your installed apps and delete any that you no longer use or need. This helps free up space on your Mac and reduces clutter.
  2. When uninstalling apps from your Mac, consider using a third-party uninstaller tool like SpyHunter to ensure that all related files are removed.
  3. Organize your Applications folder by categorizing apps into folders or using tags to label them. This makes it easier to find and manage your apps.
  4. Only download apps from trusted sources to avoid potential security risks.
  5. Regularly update your Mac with the latest software updates to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
  6. Cancel subscriptions for apps that you no longer use or need to avoid unnecessary charges.
  7. Regularly back up your Mac to prevent the loss of important files or documents if you need to uninstall an app.

By following these best practices, you can keep your Mac organized, secure, and running smoothly.

Regularly managing your apps helps free up storage space, enhances performance, and reduces clutter, ensuring your Mac remains in optimal condition.

Summary

Properly uninstalling Mac apps is essential for keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently.

Whether you choose to delete apps using Launchpad, Finder, or a third-party tool like SpyHunter, the key is to ensure that both the app and its leftover files are completely removed.

Regularly managing your apps helps free up storage space, enhances performance, and reduces clutter.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can take control of your Mac’s applications and maintain a clean, efficient system.

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author avatar

Ivelin is a Mac security expert who works hard to keep computers safe. He helps develop SpyHunter for Mac, a tool that fights off new cyber threats. With a lot of experience, Ivelin knows a lot about keeping Macs safe and makes sure people can use their computers without worry.

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