How to Uninstall Apps on Mac the Right Way

Are you tired of cluttered screens and unused apps on your Mac?

Deleting apps you no longer need can help free up valuable storage space and streamline your system. However, if you’re a new Mac user, you might be a little confused about the right way to delete apps.

Even though deleting apps on Mac is a simple and straightforward process, there are some additional things you need to do to ensure the deleted app doesn’t leave behind unnecessary files. Files left behind end up occupying space on your hard drive, which can cause your device to bloat (especially with large apps).

The good news is that you can delete apps and their associated files within a few seconds. There are several ways to do it, so let’s jump right into the process.

If you prefer watching a step-by-step tutorial of the process instead, here’s a quick video:

From Finder

The first and most common way of deleting apps on your Mac is from Finder. Start by opening Finder from the Dock or press Command + Space to open Spotlight and search for Finder there.

Once you’re on Finder, click on Applications from the sidebar.

Look for the app you want to delete, then drag and drop that app into the trash icon on the dock.

It’ll ask for your password to proceed. Go ahead and type it, and that’s it. Alternatively, you can Control + Click on the app and then select Move to Bin from the menu that appears.

Also read: How to Merge Folders on Mac to Have a Clutter-Free System

From Launchpad

As the name suggests, Launchpad is where all your applications can be “launched” from. It’s a list of all your apps, so it’s also a great place to delete them.

Start by opening Launchpad and locate the app you want to delete. Next, click and hold on the app until you see the X icon.

Click on it, and you should see an option to delete it.

NOTE: You won’t see the X icon on apps that you downloaded from the internet instead of the App Store. To delete those apps, you can simply drag and drop them into the trash icon.

Third-Party Tools

Third-party tools are a great way to deep-clean your device and remove all the junk files. It saves you time and does an even more effective job of decluttering your Mac. Here are some of my favorite cleaner apps that you can use.

#1. CleanMyMac X

A very popular tool designed for Mac users to unclog their devices, CleanMyMac X can take away your headache in literal seconds. You can clean and optimize your system, speed it up, and drastically improve its performance.

One of the key features of this tool is its Smart Scan, which is known for quickly analyzing your entire device and identifying any junk files, unwanted caches, and other system clutter that are supposed to be deleted.

Besides, it also scans for Adware and Malware to keep your system secure. Not to mention, it handles the leftover files of apps very well and cleans them up for you automatically.

#2. CCleaner

Developed by Piriform, CCleaner is a great system optimization tool that can help keep your Mac clean, fast, and efficient always. Apart from apps, it can clean up temporary files, browser caches, log files, and other unnecessary data accumulating over time and hampering your device’s performance.

It features a comprehensive cleaning system and a built-in uninstaller that allows you to remove apps directly and within seconds.

Another feature of this tool that I absolutely love is its privacy protection that erases your browsing history along with your online activity.

CCleaner is worth checking out, so be sure to keep this on your radar.

#3. App Cleaner & Uninstaller

You can always keep your device free from unwanted apps by using App Cleaner & Uninstaller. It features a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate for people of any level, and its robust features make it even better.

It scans your system for applications you probably would not need and suggests deleting them. It deletes the app and all the associated files that come with it, so your system won’t suffer from low storage.

Additionally, it allows you to manage startup items, launch agents, and other system extensions, giving you greater control over your Mac’s overall performance.

#4. MacKeeper

If you’re looking for an all-in-one software to take care of things like optimizing, cleaning, and securing your Mac, MacKeeper might be the best option for you.

It offers a bunch of features, including:

• Malware, adware, and virus protection
• Cleaning and optimization
• Data encryption
• VPN service

It also does a great job of speeding up your Mac and working 24/7 as surveillance for potential data breaches.

How to Delete Associate Files of Apps Manually

If you don’t want to use a third-party app to delete app-related files from your Mac, you can do it manually. Even though it takes up your time when you choose to do it on your own, it’s still as effective as using any third-party software.

To ensure you don’t leave behind snowballs of digital clutter, go to Finder, hold down the Option key, and click on Go.

Click on Library.

In the search bar, enter the name of the app you’ve deleted.

Click on the Library filter.

You should see the associated files of the app that are left behind. You can go ahead and move them to the trash. However, keep in mind that there are chances of errors when doing this manually, so you need to be careful not to delete important files.

If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, I recommend sticking with a third-party tool to take care of this.

FAQs – How to Delete Apps on Mac

#1. Can I delete multiple apps at once, or do I need to remove them one by one?

Fortunately, it’s possible to delete multiple apps at once. Simply head over to Finder > Applications, and using your cursor, select the apps you wish to remove and drag them to the trash icon on the dock.

#2. Can I delete apps I purchased from the App Store without losing my license or access to them?

Yes! When you delete apps you purchased from the App Store, you don’t lose your license or access.

#3. Is there a difference between deleting apps from the Applications folder and using an uninstaller tool?

The steps to do them are different, but the result remains the same. Both of them are sufficient to remove apps from your device.

#4. Is it possible to recover a deleted app on my Mac after emptying the Trash?

Mac doesn’t have a built-in feature that allows you to recover a deleted app after emptying the trash. However, it can be achieved using third-party tools like Disk Drill.

Closing Thoughts

Despite having additional steps to remove the files completely, deleting apps on Mac remains a piece of cake, and you don’t have to be a tech whiz to do it. The above methods of getting rid of them will help you maintain a clutter-free system that runs smoothly at all times.

Next, check out these easy ways to take a screenshot on Mac like a PRO.