How to Uninstall Apps on Mac

If you're looking for ways on how to uninstall apps on Mac, you're in the right place. Mac users often find themselves installing an array of applications, only to later realize they need to declutter their system. This guide will walk you through the various methods you can employ to effectively remove applications from your Mac.

Understanding the Basics of Uninstalling Apps on Mac

Unlike Windows, uninstalling software on a Mac can be quite straightforward. Most of the time, apps are installed as packages or standalone applications. To uninstall apps on Mac, the applications are often dragged to the trash and deleted. However, this simple action doesn’t always remove all the associated files and data. So, it's important to follow specific steps to ensure a thorough cleansing of your Mac's storage.

Using Finder to Uninstall Apps on Mac

One of the easiest ways to uninstall apps on Mac is through the Finder. Here's how you can do it:

Open Finder and select "Applications" from the sidebar.
Find the app you want to uninstall. You can scroll through the list or search for it using the search bar.
Drag the application's icon to the Trash icon in the Dock.
To remove all associated files, open a new Finder window and select "Go" from the menu bar, then "Go to Folder…". Type ~/Library and press Enter.
Search through folders such as 'Application Support', 'Caches', and 'Preferences' for files related to the app you have uninstalled and drag them to the Trash.
Empty the Trash to permanently remove the application and its leftover files.

Using Launchpad to Uninstall Apps on Mac

Launchpad provides another method for uninstalling apps, especially those downloaded from the Mac App Store:

Open Launchpad by clicking its icon in the Dock or pressing F4 on your keyboard.
Locate the app you want to uninstall. You can use the search bar at the top of Launchpad if you have many apps listed.
Click and hold the app icon until it starts to shake, indicating that you can move or delete it.
Click the “X” button that appears on the corner of the icon to delete the app.
Confirm the deletion in the dialog box that appears.

Using Third-Party Uninstaller Apps

If you prefer a more automated process or need to handle multiple uninstallations, third-party apps are available to help with this. Applications like AppCleaner, CleanMyMac X, and TrashMe can assist in thoroughly removing apps and their associated files:

Download and install a trusted uninstaller app from the developer’s website.
Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your system for installed applications.
Select the app you wish to uninstall from the list provided.
The uninstaller will display a list of files associated with the app. Confirm to remove all these files.
The app may ask for administrative permissions to delete certain protected files, so ensure that you proceed with the required admin credentials.

Guide Steps

Identify which apps you no longer need or use on your Mac.
Choose a suitable method: Finder, Launchpad, or a third-party uninstaller app.
Using Finder or Launchpad: Drag the app to the Trash and delete its associated files manually.
Using a third-party app: Follow the instructions provided by the uninstaller for a more automated experience.
Finish by emptying the Trash to completely remove all files from your system.

FAQ

Is dragging apps to the Trash enough?
While dragging apps to the Trash can remove the main application, it might not delete files scattered in other directories like Library or Preferences.
Do third-party uninstallers harm the system?
No, if you use reliable uninstallers from reputable developers, they are safe and can even optimize your system's performance by clearing unwanted files.
Why can’t I find some apps in Launchpad?
Launchpad shows apps installed through the Mac App Store. Some third-party or system apps might not be visible there.