How to Delete an App from Mac


Campus Guides
2023-08-22T17:51:18+00:00

How to Delete a Mac App

How to Delete an App from Mac

With the increasing number of applications available For the users on Mac, you may need to uninstall some of them at some point. Whether to free up space on the HDD, solve problems performance issues or simply because you no longer need a particular app, the process of removing an app from Mac can be a technical task, but not impossible. In this article, we will explore the procedure Step by Step on how to delete an app from Mac, making sure you follow the correct steps to completely remove the app from your device.

1. Introduction to deleting apps on Mac

If you are a Mac user and are facing the need to remove apps from your system, this guide will provide you with all the necessary details to solve this problem. This article will provide a step-by-step tutorial that will allow you to quickly and efficiently uninstall any application that you no longer want to have on your Mac.

Before beginning the process, it is important to keep a few key considerations in mind. First of all, it is advisable to make a Backup of your important data before uninstalling any application, as some files associated with the application may be deleted during the process. Additionally, it is useful to consult the application developer's website or the corresponding user manual, as some programs may require a specific uninstall procedure.

There are several ways to delete apps on Mac, but in this case we will focus on two main methods: through the Finder and using Launchpad. Each method will be detailed step by step below.

2. Options available to delete an application on Mac

To delete an app on Mac, you have several options available. Below I will show you three different methods to remove an app from your system.

1. Uninstall from the Applications folder: The easiest way to delete an app on Mac is to drag it from the Applications folder to the Trash. Then, empty the Trash to complete the deletion. This method is fast and does not require any additional technical knowledge.

2. Use the Application Uninstaller feature: Some applications are installed with a specific uninstaller. Look in the Applications folder to see if the app in question provides its own uninstall tool. Run the uninstaller and follow the instructions to completely remove the application and its associated files.

3. How to uninstall a Mac app using Finder

An easy way to uninstall a Mac app is by using the Finder. Follow these steps to uninstall any application from your Mac:

1. Open Finder. You can do this from the dock or by selecting Finder in the menu bar.

2. Click the “Applications” tab in the left sidebar of the Finder. This will display a list of all the applications installed on your Mac.

3. Find the application you want to uninstall and select its icon.

4. Drag the app icon to the Trash, located on the right side of your Mac dock. Alternatively, you can right-click the app icon and select “Move to Trash” from the drop-down menu.

5. Once you have moved the app to the Trash, right-click on the Trash and select “Empty Trash” from the drop-down menu. This will permanently remove the app from your Mac.

Remember that this method will only remove the application itself, not necessarily all associated files. To make sure you delete all app-related files, you can use a third-party app like AppCleaner. AppCleaner tracks all files associated with the app and allows you to delete them in a safe way.

4. Using Launchpad to delete apps on Mac

Deleting apps on Mac is a simple process using Launchpad, a tool that is available on all devices with operating system macOS. This feature allows you to easily find and uninstall apps that you no longer need or that are taking up unnecessary space on your device. Below is the step by step procedure to use Launchpad to delete apps on Mac.

1. Access Launchpad: To open Launchpad, click the rocket-shaped icon on the taskbar on your Mac, or use the “F4” keyboard shortcut if available.

2. Find the application to delete: Once you are in Launchpad, you will be able to see all the applications installed on your Mac in the form of icons. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to find the app you want to delete. You can type all or part of the app name to make searching easier.

3. Delete the app: When you find the app you want to delete, right-click on its icon and select the “Delete” option from the drop-down menu. A confirmation window will appear, where you must click "Delete" again to confirm the action. The application will be moved to the Trash and will be ready to be permanently deleted. Remember to empty the Trash to free up space on your Mac.

5. Removing Apps Using Terminal on Mac

There are several ways to delete applications on a mac, but one of the most efficient options is to use the Terminal. With this tool, you can get rid of unwanted or problematic applications quickly and easily. Here we show you the steps to achieve it:

  1. Open Terminal on your Mac. You can do this from the "Utilities" folder within "Applications."
  2. Once the Terminal is open, enter the command “sudo rm -rf” followed by the full name of the application you want to remove. For example:
    • sudo rm -rf /Applications/Application_Name.app
  3. Press the "Enter" key and you will be prompted to enter your administrator password. Once you do, Terminal will begin removing the app from your Mac.

Note that when using Terminal to delete apps, you should exercise caution and make sure you enter the app name and location correctly. Also, remember that this method will completely delete the application and all its associated files, making it irreparable. If you have questions about which app to delete or how to do it, we recommend looking for additional tutorials or consulting with a Mac expert.

6. How to completely delete an app and its files from Mac

To completely delete an app and all its related files from Mac, there are several steps you can follow. Here is a step-by-step guide so you can get rid of the app effectively:

  1. Close the application and exit it. Make sure the app is completely closed before trying to delete it.
  2. Drag the app to the Trash. Place the icon of the application you want to delete in the Trash located in the Dock of your Mac
  3. Empty the trash. Right click on the Trash and select “Empty Trash” to delete the application permanently.

In addition to these basic steps, you may want to find and delete related files and folders that an app may leave elsewhere on your system. Here are some additional tips to make sure everything is completely removed:

  • Find related files. Use the search function on your Mac to find files and folders related to the application. You can search by the app name or the developer name.
  • Delete found files and folders. Once you have found the related files and folders, drag them to the Trash or right-click and select “Move to Trash.”
  • Empty the Trash again. After deleting related files and folders, be sure to empty the Trash to permanently delete them.

Remember that before deleting an application and its files, it is important to make sure that you no longer need it and that you have a backup copy of important files. Deleting one app will delete all your data and settings, so you should perform this action with caution.

7. Fixing Common Problems When Trying to Delete Apps on Mac

Removing apps on Mac can sometimes be a challenge as common issues can arise during the process. Fortunately, there are practical solutions to overcome these obstacles and ensure that unwanted applications are completely removed. Below are some of the most effective solutions:

1. Close the application: Before trying to delete an app, make sure you close it completely. You can do this by right-clicking on the app icon in the Dock and selecting “Close.” You can also use the Command + Q keyboard shortcut to quickly close the app.

2. Use the trash: The easiest way to delete an app on Mac is to drag and drop it to the Trash. However, sometimes the application may not be removed properly and some related files may be left in the system. To fix this, empty the Trash after deleting the app by dragging the Trash onto the Dock and selecting “Empty Trash.”

3. Use a third-party uninstall tool: If you are still having trouble removing an app on Mac, you can turn to a third-party uninstall tool. These tools are specifically designed to completely uninstall applications and remove all associated files and folders. Some popular tools include AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, and AppDelete. Follow the instructions provided by the tool of your choice to remove the problematic app effectively.

8. How to remove installed apps from the Mac App Store

Removing installed applications from the Mac App Store is a simple process that can be done by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Mac App Store

To get started, open the Mac App Store on your Mac. You can find it in the "Applications" folder or by using the search function in Spotlight.

Step 2: Click “Purchased”

Once you are on the mac App Store, select the “Purchased” tab at the top of the window. Here you will find a list of all the apps you have previously downloaded or purchased from the Mac App Store.

Step 3: Find the app and right click

Find the application you want to remove from your Mac and right-click its icon. A drop-down menu will appear; Select the “Delete” option from the menu to begin the uninstallation process.

Once you have followed these steps, the selected application will be completely removed from your Mac. Be sure to review any additional information provided by the application to ensure that important files or data will not also be removed. Remember that this method only applies to apps installed from the Mac App Store, and not those downloaded or installed from other sources.

9. Manually deleting apps and their logs on Mac

To manually delete apps and their logs on Mac, you need to follow a few steps. First, you need to open the “Applications” folder on your Mac and drag the app you want to delete to the Trash. This action will move the app to the Trash, but will not completely delete its logs and settings.

To completely delete app logs and settings, you need to access your user's library in Finder. You can do this by selecting "Go" from the top menu bar, holding down the "Option" key, and selecting "Library." Once in the library, find the folders related to the app you deleted and drag them to the Trash.

Finally, it is advisable to empty the Trash to permanently remove the application and its records from your Mac. Right-click on the Trash in the Dock and select "Empty Trash." This will completely remove the application and its logs from your system.

10. Reinstalling Previously Removed Apps on Mac

If you have deleted any application on your Mac and now want to reinstall it, don't worry! Here we present a simple step by step so that you can recover those deleted applications and enjoy them all again its functions.

1. Check app availability: Before starting the reinstallation process, make sure that the app you want to recover is available for download on the Mac App Store or its official website. This is important as some software may require a subscription or license to be reinstalled correctly.

2. Access the Mac App Store: Open the Mac App Store from the Applications folder or using the icon in the Dock. Once you're in the store, you can search for the app you want to reinstall using the search bar in the top right corner of the window. When you find the desired app, click the download button and enter your Apple ID and password to begin the download and installation process.

11. How to remove unwanted apps and free up space on Mac

Keeping your Mac free of unwanted applications and freeing up hard drive space is essential to maintaining optimal performance. Here we provide step-by-step instructions to help you remove unwanted apps and reclaim space on your Mac.

1. Review installed applications: Open the “Applications” folder on your Mac and review all installed applications. Identify those that you no longer use or that you consider unwanted. Then, drag those apps to the Trash. Don't forget to empty the Trash to completely delete applications and free up space on your hard drive.

2. Use an uninstall tool: If you are having difficulty finding and removing all the unwanted applications, you can use a third-party uninstall tool. These tools will help you identify and completely remove all parts of an application, including related files and Registry entries. Some popular tools include AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, and MacClean.

12. Safe Removal of Sensitive Apps on Mac

Removing sensitive apps on Mac can be a delicate process, especially if they contain sensitive data. Here we show you how to do it safely and ensure the protection of your personal information.

1. Back up your data: Before deleting any sensitive application, it is important to back up your data. Use a reliable backup tool, like Time Machine, and keep all important files in a safe place.

2. Uninstall the app using the official uninstaller: Many sensitive apps come with an official uninstaller that ensures complete removal. Search the developer's website or the application folder to find the uninstaller. Run the uninstaller and follow the instructions to safely remove the app.

3. Manual removal of files and logs: In some cases, the official uninstaller may leave traces of the application on your system. To perform a complete removal, it is important to manually delete all files and logs related to the application. Search the following locations and delete any related files or folders:

  • The application folder in Applications
  • Hidden folders in the user's library: Library/Application Support, Library/Preferences and Library/Caches
  • Files and logs in Library/Logs and Library/LaunchAgents

Be sure to carefully check each location and delete all files associated with the application.

13. How to remove traces of uninstalled applications on Mac

When you uninstall an app on your Mac, traces of files and settings may be left on your system. These traces can take up disk space and affect the performance of your device. Fortunately, there are several ways to completely remove all traces left by uninstalled applications on your Mac. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Manual search for files and folders

Start by checking your system's main folders for files and folders related to the uninstalled application. These common locations typically host app traces:

  • /Apps: This folder contains all the applications installed on your Mac. Look for any folder or file related to the uninstalled application.
  • /Library: Look in the “Application Support”, “Preferences” and “Caches” folders for any files or folders related to the application.
  • /Library/Application Support: This is where applications save support files. Delete any folder or files related to the uninstalled application.

2. Use an uninstall tool

If you are not comfortable searching for and deleting files manually, you can use a third-party uninstall tool. These tools are designed to completely remove all traces left by uninstalled applications. Some popular options include AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, and MacClean.

3. Restart your Mac

Once you have removed all files and folders related to the uninstalled app, restart your Mac. This will ensure that any residual processes or settings are completely removed and your system is clean. After rebooting, check the locations mentioned above again to make sure there are no traces of the app left.

14. Keep System Clean: Best Practices for Deleting Apps on Mac

Correctly removing unnecessary applications is essential to keeping your Mac clean and performing optimally. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Uninstall applications from the "Applications" folder: To delete an app on Mac, simply drag it from the “Applications” folder to the Trash. However, keep in mind that some files associated with that application may still remain on your system. To ensure you remove all components of safe way, you can use a third-party uninstall tool like AppCleaner or iTrash.

2. Use the “Delete Immediately” function in the Trash: After dragging an app to the Trash, you can empty it by right-clicking the Trash icon and selecting “Empty Trash.” However, if you want to delete the app immediately and avoid the possibility of recovery, you can press the "Option" key while right-clicking on the Trash and select "Empty Trash" from the pop-up menu.

3. Scan your system for residual files: Even if you have deleted an application, there may still be residual files on your system. To make sure you detect and remove these files, you can use tools like CleanMyMac X or DaisyDisk. These applications scan your hard drive for files related to uninstalled applications and allow you to safely delete them.

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We hope this detailed guide on how to delete an app from Mac was helpful to you. By following these steps, you can easily remove unwanted apps from your device and free up space on your hard drive. Always remember to check the recycle bin and related files to make sure you completely delete the application.

Removing apps from your Mac can help improve your device's performance and keep it organized. Whether you are uninstalling pre-installed apps, third-party apps, or even games, the steps mentioned above are applicable for any type of app.

Don't forget that before deleting any application, it is advisable to review the details and options within the application itself to ensure that the necessary data is backed up or exported. Additionally, it is always advisable to take a full system backup before making any major changes.

We hope this guide has resolved all your doubts on how to delete an app from Mac. Make sure you follow these steps carefully and keep your Mac device in top condition. Until next time!

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