How to Uninstall Apps on Mac?

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Shubhrata Choudhary
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how to uninstall apps on mac

Uninstalling apps on a Mac is straightforward, but there are different methods depending on the type of app you’re removing. This article will walk you through various methods for uninstalling apps on Mac, ensuring you can keep your system clean and running smoothly.

How to Uninstall Apps on Mac

Here are some easy methods to tell you how to uninstall Apps on Mac:

By using Finder

The Finder is the most common way to uninstall apps on a Mac. This method works well for most apps installed via the App Store or downloaded directly from the internet.

  • Click on the Finder icon in your dock.
  • In the Finder sidebar, click on “Applications” to see a list of all installed apps.
  • Scroll through the list to locate the app you want to uninstall.
  • Click and drag the app icon to the Trash in your dock.
  • Right-click on the Trash icon and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the app.

Using Launchpad

Launchpad provides a simple way to remove apps, especially those downloaded from the App Store.

  • Click on the Launchpad icon in your dock.
  • Scroll through your apps to find the one you want to uninstall.
  • Click and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle.
  • Click the small “X” in the app icon’s upper-left corner.
  • Click “Delete” to confirm and remove the app.

Using the Terminal

The Terminal can uninstall apps for more advanced users, especially those that may not appear in Finder or Launchpad.

  • Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  • Locate the app’s path using the command sudo find / -name “AppName.app” (replace “AppName” with the app’s name).
  • Use the command sudo rm -rf /path/to/app (replace /path/to/app with the path found in the previous step).
  • Enter your admin password if prompted.

Using Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps designed to help you uninstall apps and their associated files thoroughly. Some popular options include AppCleaner, CleanMyMac X, and AppZapper.

  • Download your preferred third-party app from its official website.
  • Launch the uninstaller app.
  • Use the uninstaller’s interface to find and select the app you want to remove.
  • Follow the prompts to uninstall the app and its associated files.

Removing Leftover Files

Sometimes, dragging an app to the Trash may leave residual files behind. Here is how to remove those manually:

  1. Library Folders: Check the Library folders for leftover files. These can be found in:
  • ~/Library/Application Support/
  • ~/Library/Preferences/
  • ~/Library/Caches/
  1. Search by Name: Use the Finder’s search feature to look for files associated with the app by entering the app’s name.
  2. Delete Residual Files: Drag any leftover files to the Trash and empty the Trash.

Conclusion

Uninstalling apps on a Mac can be done in several ways, from simple drag-and-drop methods to using advanced tools like the Terminal. Following these steps, you can ensure that unwanted apps and their associated files are completely removed from your system, keeping your Mac clean and efficient.

FAQs

Can I uninstall multiple apps at once?

Yes, you can uninstall multiple apps by selecting them in Finder and dragging them to the Trash simultaneously.

Do uninstalled apps go to the Trash?

Reputable third-party uninstallers are safe and can help remove all associated files thoroughly.

Will uninstalling an app delete my data?

Uninstalling an app removes the app and its associated files. However, if the app stores data elsewhere, such as in cloud services, that data will remain unaffected.

How do I uninstall apps that came pre-installed on my Mac?

Some pre-installed apps cannot be uninstalled through standard methods. However, you can hide them or use Terminal commands to remove them, but proceed cautiously.

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