Introduction
Many idle applications installed on Mac are dangerous as they negatively impact its speed and consume storage space. If you are concerned with how to delete an app on a Mac or MacBook, then this guide is devised for you. Some ways we will be looking at include the straightforward technique of dragging and dropping and the use of third-party tools. Also, you will find guides on how to uninstall apps on Mac leftover files created by deleted applications and how to maintain a clean and efficient Mac. If the apps were downloaded from the Mac App Store or the web, you’ll find simple fixes based on your preference.
Why You Need to Uninstall Apps on Mac?
Such applications on a Mac computer or device can take up disk space, slow down the device, and introduce unsafe files and settings. Removing them can increase device productivity and guarantee a better system environment.
Why You Should Uninstall Apps on Mac:
Frees Up Space: Unused applications occupy gigabytes of the device’s memory that can be used for important documents or other useful applications.
Improves Performance: A Mac often has many apps running in the background, but closing these helps your Mac assign resources and increase its speed.
Enhances Security: Hence, if it is not frequently used the chances of it having flaws is high since it may have been developed without support for regular updates.
Simplifies Navigation: An organized workplace means that you wouldn’t have to search through piles to find a file or an application that you need.
Advanced Steps to Ensure Clean Uninstallation:
Native App Removal: Just drag the app to the Trash and then, but before that go to the Library folder and remove related files.
Use Built-in Uninstallers: Some Apps have their uninstaller in the installation directory of the particular Apps.
Leverage Third-Party Tools: CleanMyMac or AppCleaner are the options for Mac users, which help find and delete files on their own.
Command-Line Method: For advanced users, the Terminal allows for personalized app deletion to eliminate all traces of the application Early detecting and removing the unwanted apps helps to keep your Mac fast, save disk space, and make a clean workspace.
How to Uninstall Apps on Mac: Methods Explained
Uninstall Apps Using Finder
Finder is one of the easiest techniques to use while deleting apps on a Mac computer or laptop. Follow these steps:
Open the finder either of the Dock or the option in the menu bar.
The second step of the process is to go to Applications.
Find the app which you want to remove from your device.
In order to uninstall the app, you should drag it back into the Trash, which can be found at the bottom of your screen or click on the app and click right on it; then click on ‘Move to Trash.’
The final step is to tap ‘Empty Trash’ to delete the application from your device.
Pro Tip: For the App Store apps, Finder facilitates the removal process of the apps in question in the best way possible.
Remove Apps from Launchpad
Launchpad offers an intuitive interface to uninstall apps on Mac:
Open Launchpad: You can access it from the dock or just hit F4 on your keyboard. Secondly, you can use the Launchpad icon, if there is one in front of you on your Mac.
Locate the App: Find the app you want to remove, in the Launchpad interface window.
Initiate Delete Mode: Tap and hold the application’s icon and wait until all the icons start to shake.
Remove the App: Delete an icon by clicking the small “X” situated in the top-left corner of the app icon.
Important Note: This method is effective for the apps that are installed from the Mac App Store only. Apps installed from other sources will be uninstallable, they will not have the ‘X’ button and need to be deleted via finder.
In case you come across some problems like an app won’t uninstall, or the deleted icons are still the same, there is a way of handling it by resetting the Launchpad database.
Uninstall Apps Using the Applications Folder
Access the Applications Folder: Go to the Applications folder in the Finder interface.
Locate and Remove the App: Locate the app you wish to remove from your gadgets. Delete the app by dragging it into the Trash bin, or use the context menu and click on “Move to Trash”. Alternatively, use the shortcut Cmd + Delete.
Handle Leftover Files: This is because many applications remain to occupy space after being deleted. To remove them:Go to the Finder menu and click on Go before choosing “Go to Folder”.Use these paths to locate and delete associated files:
Consider an Uninstaller (if available): Yes, this is true, since some apps feature their uninstaller in the application folder. Search for an uninstaller and remove it with its help, following all necessary steps.
Quit Running Apps: Do not delete the app’s files if it is currently opened; firstly, close the app. It is possible by using the Apple menu or the Activity Monitor to force the termination of the programs.
This method is general for most apps and also for the majority of mobile applications. Still, for tough or well-baked applications, you may require the help of macOS Terminal or other cleaners. When erasing system files, try as much as possible not to delete those that cause problems with macOS operations.
How to Delete Apps on MacBook Using Terminal
If you’re comfortable with command-line tools, Terminal offers a powerful way to uninstall apps:
Terminal can be opened through Spotlight (Pressing Cmd + Space and then typing “Terminal”).
Enter the following command:sudo rm -rf [AppName].app/
Place AppName with the desired name of the specific application.
Press Enter and include your admin password to confirm.
Caution: Do not directly use Terminal because you could accidentally erase important files.
Use Third-Party Uninstaller Apps
There are quite some third-party apps designed to make the work of removing annoying apps and related files on your Mac quite easy. Some popular choices include:
CleanMyMac X: As one of the most popular cleaning apps, it does not only uninstall apps and delete residual files but also boosts the system as well. It is notarized by Apple, so it works only safely for users.
AppCleaner: A single and easy application that enables the user to directly delete applications and find other associated files. The SmartDelete functionality will even search for residual files when you drag applications to the Trash bin.
MacBooster: The ability to uninstall applications and clean up the system in addition to malware scans.
AppZapper: Being centred on simplicity, it allows users to select and delete applications and files connected with them with the help of “drag & drop & zap”.
Hazel: Compares to uninstallation with a rule-based automation that is supposed to keep the files sorted. It has an “App Sweep” for identifying and eliminating other related app files.
These tools are much faster than basic manual uninstalling, which may leave files on your system and become unsafe if performed with no proper knowledge. Training with the first tool depends on its characteristics, but in general, supply such that it would better suit efficiency and safety.
How to delete apps on Mac
There are OS-built-in apps like Safari, Mail, FaceTime, and others that compose the structure of macOS and can’t be eliminated normally. However, if you’re sure you want to delete a system app:
Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP):
Enter the Recovery Mode by rebooting Mac and keeping Cmd + R pressed simultaneously.
Open Terminal from the Utilities menu and enter: csrutil disable
Restart your Mac.
To remove the system app, use either Finder or Terminal.
Re-enable SIP by repeating the process with the command: csrutil disable
Warning: This is because when you delete system apps, it makes macOS unstable. Proceed with caution.
What Happens When You Uninstall Apps on Mac?
Removal of Main App Files: The app becomes removed from the Applications folder and takes up its main storage space.
Leftover Files May Remain: Other files which accompany the application like preferences files, cache, or support files are left in directories like ~/Library and /Library. These can build up over a period of time and are simply occupying useless space.
Impact on System Performance: Such files are usually small ones, but when they accumulate over time, they could slow down the running of your system.
Ensuring Complete Uninstallation:
If you want to make sure you have removed all the application files, you can look for the files in the Library directories on your Mac or use CleanMyMac X or AppCleaner applications. These utilities eliminate files that applications conceal from users once those applications are uninstalled.
In the case of the apps downloaded from the Mac App Store, the ‘Uninstall’ leaves a better status of cleanup than when done individually.
Special Cases for Built-in Apps: Built-in applications cannot be uninstalled as easily as third-party applications. To remove them may need terminal commands or third-party utilities, while incorrectly utilizing them may bring concerns to the stability of the operating system.
Taking these steps ensures your Mac remains clutter-free and optimally functional
Best Practices for Managing Mac Storage
Regularly Review Installed Apps: How to delete an app on Mac programs that are no longer necessary or not being used by the organization anymore. Doing this is very easy by simply checking the Applications folder and then dragging unwanted apps to the trash. CleanMyMac X is an example of such an application that can be used to delete all the data that may not have been removed through general deletion.
Monitor Disk Usage: You can use Disk Utility if you are using macOS, or you can use third-party apps to find the disk usage. This is easily accomplished by using the “About This Mac” feature, which gives a detailed report on what is taking up the most space, by file type.
Back-Up Important Data: Remember to back up your important documents before any attempt is made to permanently delete anything. Back up significant information using “Time Machine”, and you can back up your data on cloud storage such as iCloud. It means that by syncing photos and videos to iCloud, a substantial amount of storage on the device would be liberated.
Update macOS and Apps: Maintaining the Software Update not only protects the computer against malware and viruses but also helps the Mac to run smoothly.
Enable Storage Optimization: On macOS, turn on the ‘Optimize Storage’ feature, so the system will delete watched movies, or email attachments can be deleted if not needed anymore. This assists in creating space management without necessarily involving anyone’s physical action.
Clear Cache and System Junk: In time, files that have been cached on the computer and various system logs begin to use drive space. Of course, you can try using the CleanMyMac X app or, if that is not to your liking, use Finder to delete these files.
These are the practices that help you keep your Mac optimized so that you do not develop storage-related problems, let alone compromise performance.
FAQs:
1. Can I uninstall apps on Mac using Terminal without admin privileges?
No, most apps need admin privileges to be uninstalled using Terminal.
2. Why can’t I delete some apps on my Mac?
System applications are also shielded on macOS to operate as they should. The only way to remove them is to turn off the System Integrity Protection Utility, known as SIP for short.
3. Do uninstalled apps leave residual files?
Yes, there are many applications, which remain configuration files on the device. Or you can use Finder or any other third-party application to delete these leftovers.
4. What is the best app to uninstall apps on Mac?
CleanMyMac X and AppCleaner are some of the most user-friendly and efficient.
5. Is it safe to delete apps from Launchpad?
Yes, it’s safe and efficient to delete apps from Launchpad if those apps are downloaded from the App Store.
Conclusion
Clicking and unchecking apps on a Mac computer is not a Herculean task like most people would want to imagine. Besides that, Finder and Launchpad allow you to delete unnecessary programs, and there are Terminal ways (and other ways through many third-party tools). Whether you need more storage space on your Mac or simply wish to clean up your device, this guide helps to understand how to uninstall apps on your Mac like a pro.
It can also help standardize your Mac by removing apps you no longer use so that you can run fast without meeting any hiccups. Start decluttering today!