Introduction
Deleting apps on a Mac is a simple yet essential process to free up storage space, enhance performance, and remove unnecessary software. Whether you want to uninstall an app downloaded from the Mac App Store or remove a third-party program, this guide will walk you through all the available methods. How Can I Delete Apps on Mac.
Why Should You Delete Unused Apps?
Over time, unused apps can clutter your Mac’s storage and slow down system performance. Here are a few reasons why you should regularly remove apps you no longer need:
Free Up Storage Space – Some apps, especially games and professional software, can consume several gigabytes of space.
Improve Mac Performance – Background processes from installed apps may slow down your Mac.
Enhance Organization – Removing unused apps keeps your Mac neat and tidy.
Security Reasons – Unused or outdated apps may pose security risks if they are no longer supported.
Method 1: Deleting Apps via Finder (Drag and Drop to Trash)
This is the simplest way to remove an application from your Mac.
Steps to Delete an App Using Finder:
Open Finder from the Dock or press Command (⌘) + Space and type “Finder.”
Click on Applications in the left sidebar.
Locate the app you want to delete.
Drag the app to the Trash or right-click and select "Move to Trash."
Empty the Trash by right-clicking on it and selecting “Empty Trash.”
? Note: Some apps may require you to enter your administrator password to confirm deletion.
Method 2: Uninstalling Apps from the Mac App Store
Apps installed from the Mac App Store can be deleted directly from Launchpad.
Steps to Delete an App Using Launchpad:
Open Launchpad (press F4 or use the Trackpad gesture with three fingers).
Locate the app you want to delete.
Click and hold the app until all icons start to wiggle.
Click the “X” button on the app icon.
Confirm by clicking “Delete.”
? Note: If an app does not show the “X” button, it was likely installed outside the App Store. Use Finder or a third-party uninstaller instead.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Uninstaller for Complete Removal
Some applications leave behind residual files even after being deleted. To ensure complete removal, use a third-party app like:
✅ AppCleaner
✅ CleanMyMac X
✅ CCleaner
How to Use AppCleaner to Uninstall an App:
Download and install AppCleaner from its official website.
Open AppCleaner and drag the app you want to delete into the window.
The tool will find all associated files related to the app.
Click “Remove” to delete the app completely.
? Why Use a Third-Party Uninstaller?
Some apps store hidden files in various locations like Library folders and caches. A third-party uninstaller ensures complete removal of such files.
Method 4: Manually Removing App Residual Files
Even after uninstalling an app, some leftover files may remain in your system. You can manually remove them by accessing your Mac’s Library folders.
Steps to Remove App Leftover Files Manually:
Open Finder and click Go in the menu bar.
Select “Go to Folder…” or press Shift + Command (⌘) + G.
Type: ~/Library/ and press Enter.
Look for the following folders and delete any app-related files:
Application Support (~/Library/Application Support/)
Caches (~/Library/Caches/)
Preferences (~/Library/Preferences/)
Logs (~/Library/Logs/)
Empty the Trash and restart your Mac.
? Caution: Be careful when deleting files manually, as removing the wrong files may affect other applications.
Common Issues When Deleting Apps on Mac Solutions
1. "App is Open and Cannot Be Deleted" Error
Solution:
Close the app completely using Command (⌘) + Q.
If the app is frozen, force quit it using Command (⌘) + Option + Esc and select the app to close.
2. The App Does Not Appear in Finder or Launchpad
Solution:
Some system apps or hidden apps may not be visible in Finder. Try searching in System Preferences Users Groups Login Items and remove it from startup.
3. App Leaves Behind Hidden Files After Uninstallation
Solution:
Use AppCleaner or manually delete leftover files from the Library folder.
Apps You Should NOT Delete on Mac
While most apps can be safely removed, some system apps should not be deleted, as they are essential for macOS to function properly:
? Safari
? Finder
? App Store
? Mail
? Messages
? System Preferences
Trying to delete these may cause system instability or require a macOS reinstall.
Final Thoughts
Deleting apps on a Mac is a quick and easy way to free up space, boost performance, and stay organized. Whether you use Finder, Launchpad, or a third-party uninstaller, the key is to ensure complete removal of app-related files.
