If your Mac is filled with apps you no longer use, it’s high time to free up storage space. But how do you uninstall unwanted apps on your Mac?
For basic apps, you can just move them to the trash, and they will be removed. Some apps require you to use their own uninstall process or a third-party uninstaller to remove all files and settings that may be left aside. The simple way to remove an uninstalled app is to move it into the trash folder. If the app is connected to a subscription, unsubscribe before uninstalling it.
Knowing how to uninstall apps on your Mac accurately is essential to keeping your device enhanced and operating smoothly. Yet not everyone realizes that this process differs depending on whether you downloaded the apps from the app store or the internet. This article reveals everything you need to know about how to uninstall an app on Mac.
How to Uninstall Apps on a Mac Using Launchpad
Many Mac users believe that moving applications to trash is a sure way of getting rid of them once and for all. It does not apply to multiplex apps and does not clean left-over files and accounts related to applications. That is another reason users should learn how to uninstall apps on Mac accurately to avoid Mac clutter. Here is how:
- Click the Launchpad button on your Mac.
- Locate the app you want to uninstall.
- Select and hold until it starts to quiver.
- Click on the x icon in the left corner of the app.
- Then select Delete.
- This will uninstall apps from your Mac.
Mind you, not all apps can be uninstalled using Launchpad.
How to Uninstall Apps on a Mac Using Trash
To uninstall apps using the Mac folder, here is what you need to do:
- Open Finder and then Applications.
- Pick the app you want to uninstall.
- Tap command + delete.
- Then, empty the trash by selecting the Empty button at the top right corner of the window.
Hey presto! The app has been removed from your device.
How to Uninstall Apps Using Terminal
Another way to uninstall apps on your Mac is to use its terminal emulator. But here’s the twist: if you’re not proficient with command-line tools, it is advisable to choose any of the uninstalling methods described above.
- Navigate to Applications > Utilities. Then open Terminal.
- Then input this command: sudo uninstall file://.
- Now drag the app icon into the Terminal window.
- After doing this, you will see a path to the app.
- Now, press return and input your admin credentials.
This should completely remove the app from your Mac – both the app binary and any leftovers.
FAQs
Does moving applications to Trash uninstall them completely?
If you move an app to trash on your Mac, it doesn’t completely remove the app from your device. It will leave behind some orphan files that would occupy your disk space.
Why can’t I uninstall apps on Mac?
Often, you might realize that you are not able to uninstall an app on Mac. This is often due to the fact that the app is running in the background. Try closing it and uninstalling it again.