How to Delete Apps on Mac? A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

All Mac users find themselves into the same predicament, which is too many applications and limited storage. Applications that are not used will slow down your computer, litter your workspace, and consume valuable disk space. Regardless of whether you have a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iMac, it is important to know how to delete apps on Mac in a proper manner so that your machine continues to run well. 

Through this guide, you will know various ways to uninstall applications and applications that just cannot be removed, and get the cleanest, faster computer by fully clearing up the remains of files.

How Apps Work on Mac

It is always nice to know their location before uninstalling apps. Applications folder contains most Mac applications. Others like system utilities are inbuilt in macOS and cannot be removed. The App Store uses different methods to treat certain apps to those downloaded manually over the web. The variety of apps that are available has led to the fact that deletion varies depending on the type of app you are dealing with.

Fastest Way to Delete Apps on Mac

In case you have limited time, the simplest method of removing an app on a Mac is by using Finder. Click on the Applications folder in Open Finder, then drag the unwanted app to the Trash. Then, right click the Trash and then empty Trash to delete it. 

This fast technique is effective in most applications of a standard but can leave behind additional files. This is why you will want to do more than just use Finder and investigate the rest of the options when it comes to a more thorough cleanup.

Different Methods to Delete Apps on Mac

Uninstalling apps on macOS can be done in a number of ways, based on the method of installation, and the extent to which you wish to uninstall them. We will discuss each of the methods step-by-step and you can choose which one is best suited to your case.

Delete Apps Using Finder

Removal of non-App Store apps is carried out mainly using Finder. Here is the way you can do so in a few easy steps. 

To begin with, open Finder in the Dock and select Applications in the sidebar. Swipe until you locate the application you are not using. When you see it, drag it to the Trash icon in the Dock, or right-click the application and select Move to Trash. 

When asked, provide your administrator password to verify the deletion. To complete the process, right-click in the Trash and choose Empty Trash. This permanently deletes the app on your Mac. 

Before emptying the Trash, you can right-click the deleted app and select Put Back to restore it immediately.

Delete Apps Using Launchpad (For App Store Apps)

In case you downloaded the app on the Mac App Store, the process is even easier via the Launchpad. Launchpad shows all your apps in a grid of icons like iPhone or iPad home pages. 

Starting it on Open Launchpad, either by clicking in the F4 key or clicking the icon in the Dock. Find the application that you want to delete. Drag and hold the application button until all the icons begin to shake. Apps that can be deleted will have a small X displayed in the corner. Click X, then delete it by clicking Delete. 

When no X is there, the app was not installed using the App Store. Then go back to Finder and delete it.

Delete Apps Using Built-in Uninstallers

Other bigger software like Microsoft office, Adobe creative cloud or antivirus programs have their own uninstallers. These uninstallers are developed to uninstall all the related files safely. 

To locate them, open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Find the folder of the application that you want to delete. You can find an uninstaller file inside, with a name of Uninstall [App Name] or [App Name] Uninstaller. 

Open the file by a double-click, and follow the instructions on the screen to completely eliminate the program. It is a best practice when it comes to applications that are deeply embedded within your system because a manual deletion may leave behind unwanted data.

Delete Apps Using Terminal (Advanced Option)

MacOS also provides the ability to remove apps via the Terminal command line to advanced users. Although this method is very powerful, one should exercise care because files are destroyed without any pre-notice. 

Go to Utilities folder and open Terminal then enter the following command:  sudo rm -rf /Applications/AppName.app. 

Insert the name of the app you wish to remove instead of AppName. Enter the password when asked. After the command is ran, the app is deleted forever.

It is the most suitable choice when the user is tech savvy and has to get rid of an app that may not be deleted normally.

How to Completely Delete an App on Mac

When you move an app into Trash, it will likely leave behind behind-the-scenes files, like caches, preferences, or saved states that still use up storage. The only way to remove an app on a Mac is to search and find these remnants and erase them manually. 

Open Finder, tap Go in the top menu, and select Go to Folder. Type ~/Library/ and press Enter. 

Within the Library, find folders including; Application Support, Caches, Preferences and Saved Application State. Locate and delete any files or folders with the name of the app. After clearing your Trash, empty it once more. 

In case you want something simpler, use cleanup programs, such as AppCleaner or CleanMyMac X, that find and delete these files without risk.

Best Third-Party Tools to Uninstall Apps on Mac

At times, it is more convenient when professional software does the app-removal job on your behalf. These uninstallers are third-party tools that assist in locating all remains of an application so that no traces are left. 

AppCleaner is a free, lightweight alternative that will scan related files in your system and delete them in a single click. It is perfect when one wants to have a simple fast clean up. 

CleanMyMac X is a commercial app created by MacPaw, which provides deep system scans, junk clearing, and performance optimization in addition to app uninstallation. It is excellent in ensuring general Mac health. After a detailed view of the app elements before uninstalling, 

Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller allows you to select what you want to delete. It is particularly useful when you have to keep the control over files remaining and those that move.

It is always important to download these tools on the official web sites so as to avoid malware or untrustworthy versions.

How to Delete Apps on Mac That Won’t Delete

You will at times be faced with an app that will not clear off. There is nothing to worry about, here are general reasons and solutions.

When the App Is Still Running

When the app is being reported as in use by MacOS, it is running in the background. Quit the app first. Assuming that will not work, open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities) and find the process. Click on it and the X button to terminate it. And then you can delete the app in the ordinary way, using Finder.

When the App Isn’t in the Applications Folder

In some cases an application can be installed under a separate user folder. To find it, launch the Spotlight Search, Command + Space and type the name of the app. Once it appears, right-click and choose to Show in Finder, and delete it there.

When the App Is a System Application

Protective Built-in macOS programs, including Safari, Mail, Messages, and Calendar, cannot be deleted. Apple limits their deletion to facilitate system stability. You can just drag them off your Dock or conceal them in Screen Time limitations in case you are not using it.

Preventing Future App Clutter

Removing applications is not the only way to keep a Mac clean. So as to avoid future mess then come up with a simple routine. 

Before you install a new application, evaluate whether you will be frequent to use it or not. Uninstall big or trial programs right after the test. Check in-built application such as About This Mac >Storage>Manage to educate what programs occupy the greatest space. 

Conducting a regular system scan, such as CleanMyMac or AppCleaner, will keep your system clean and no hidden remnants will take up unneeded storage.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your Mac is not just a matter of creating space but rather maintaining your system healthy and in an efficient running state. After learning how to delete apps on your Mac the right way, you will be able to control software, improve the performance, and have a neat experience. 

Today, take a couple of minutes to check your Applications folder, delete the programs you do not use, and do give your Mac a much-needed re-fresh.

FAQs About How to Delete Apps on Mac