tomsguide.com
 
How to Uninstall Apps on Your Mac?
User avatar
Curated by
cdteliot
3 min read
4,453
7
Uninstalling apps on a Mac is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through various methods, including dragging apps to the Trash, using Launchpad, or employing third-party uninstaller tools for a more thorough removal of associated files.

 

Easy Steps to Uninstall Applications on Mac with Finder

parallels.com
parallels.com
The standard method for uninstalling apps on a Mac involves using Finder and the Trash bin. Here's a concise guide to this process:
  1. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder
  2. Locate the app you want to uninstall
  3. Drag the app icon to the Trash bin in the Dock
  4. Right-click on the Trash bin and select "Empty Trash" to complete the uninstallation
While this method is straightforward, it may leave behind some associated files
1
2
.
For a more thorough removal, consider using third-party uninstaller tools like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac X, which can help identify and remove leftover files and preferences
2
3
.
youtube.com favicon
hellotech.com favicon
setapp.com favicon
3 sources

 

How to Uninstall Apps on Mac Using Launchpad: A Step-by-Step Guide

businessinsider.com
businessinsider.com
Launchpad provides a convenient way to uninstall apps on Mac, especially for those downloaded from the App Store. Here's how to remove apps using Launchpad:
  • Open Launchpad by clicking its icon in the Dock or using a trackpad gesture (pinch with thumb and three fingers)
    1
    2
  • Locate the app you want to remove
  • Click and hold the app icon until all icons start jiggling
    1
    2
  • Click the "X" that appears in the top-left corner of the app icon
    1
    2
    3
  • Confirm deletion when prompted by clicking "Delete"
    1
    3
Note that this method only works for apps downloaded from the App Store. For third-party apps, you'll need to use the Finder method or a dedicated uninstaller tool
2
4
.
Also, keep in mind that deleting an app from Launchpad completely removes it from your Mac, not just from the Launchpad interface
3
.
mackeeper.com favicon
macpaw.com favicon
businessinsider.com favicon
5 sources

 

Cleaning Up: Removing Leftover Files After Uninstalling Apps

mackeeper.com
mackeeper.com
When uninstalling apps on a Mac, simply dragging them to the Trash or deleting through Launchpad often leaves behind associated files. To completely remove an app and its leftover files, follow these steps:
  • Check the following locations for leftover files:
    • ~/Library/Application Support
    • ~/Library/Caches
    • ~/Library/Preferences
    • ~/Library/Saved Application State
  • Search for files containing the app name in these folders
  • Delete any associated files you find
  • Empty the Trash to permanently remove the files
Note: Be extremely cautious when manually deleting files to avoid removing essential system files
1
4
.
For a safer and more thorough removal process, consider using dedicated uninstaller tools like CleanMyMac X or AppCleaner, which can automatically detect and remove app leftovers
3
5
.
cleanmymac.com favicon
support.apple.com favicon
macpaw.com favicon
5 sources
Related
How can I automate the removal of leftover files from uninstalled apps
What are the best practices for maintaining my Mac's storage space
How do I identify essential system files to avoid deleting them
Are there any built-in tools in macOS to help clean up leftover files
What are the common issues caused by leftover files from uninstalled apps
Keep Reading
How to Delete Your Instagram Account?
How to Delete Your Instagram Account?
Instagram users seeking to permanently remove their accounts can do so through a straightforward process, as reported by HubSpot. The deletion procedure involves accessing account settings, selecting the deletion option, and confirming the decision, after which the user's profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will be permanently removed from the platform.
5,801
How to Delete Your Facebook Account?
How to Delete Your Facebook Account?
Permanently deleting a Facebook account is a straightforward process that can be done through the mobile app or website, offering users a way to remove their personal data and online presence from the social media platform. As reported by various tutorials, the deletion process involves navigating through account settings, selecting the deletion option, and confirming the decision, with a 30-day grace period before the account is permanently erased.
5,056
How to Split Screen on Mac?
How to Split Screen on Mac?
Split View on Mac allows users to work with two apps side by side in full screen, enhancing productivity and multitasking capabilities. As reported by Apple Support, users can enter Split View by holding the pointer over the green full-screen button in an app window and selecting the desired side, or by using Mission Control to drag apps onto each other.
2,795
How to Uninstall Valorant?
How to Uninstall Valorant?
Uninstalling Valorant can be more complex than typical game removals due to its anti-cheat system, Riot Vanguard. As reported by Beebom, the process involves disabling Vanguard, uninstalling both Vanguard and Valorant separately, and removing any leftover files to ensure a complete uninstallation from your Windows PC.
3,756