If you’re looking for the most comprehensive guide on how can I delete apps on mac, you’ve landed on the right page. Whether you're running macOS Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, or the latest version, this step-by-step guide walks you through every method to uninstall Mac apps completely—ensuring no leftover files clog up your storage.
Why Deleting Apps Properly on Mac Matters
Simply dragging an app to the Trash doesn’t always delete it entirely. Residual files, caches, preferences, and support files often remain buried in your system, occupying valuable disk space and potentially slowing your Mac. That’s why knowing the proper method of how to remove apps from Mac completely is essential.
Method 1: Delete Apps via Finder
This is the traditional method and works for most apps downloaded from the internet or installed manually.
Steps:
Open Finder.
Go to the Applications folder.
Find the app you want to delete.
Right-click (or Control-click) the app icon.
Select Move to Trash.
Empty the Trash to permanently delete the app.
Note: This method may leave behind support files located in ~/Library.
Method 2: Use Launchpad for App Store Applications
Apps installed from the Mac App Store can be deleted easily using Launchpad.
Steps:
Open Launchpad from the Dock or press
F4.Find the app you want to delete.
Click and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle.
Click the (X) button in the upper-left corner of the app.
Confirm deletion.
If the (X) button doesn't appear, the app was not installed via the App Store and must be deleted using Finder or Terminal.
Method 3: Remove Apps Using Terminal (Advanced Users)
For power users comfortable with command-line operations, Terminal provides a direct method to remove apps and related files.
Steps:
Open Terminal (
/Applications/Utilities/Terminal).Use the following command to delete the app:
Replace
AppNamewith the actual name of the app.You may also want to remove residual files:
Caution: Always double-check what you're deleting to avoid removing system-critical files.
Method 4: Uninstall Apps Using Third-Party Uninstaller Tools
Many apps, especially complex ones like Adobe, Microsoft Office, or antivirus software, require dedicated uninstallers to ensure all components are removed.
Popular App Uninstaller Tools:
AppCleaner (Free)
CleanMyMac X (Premium)
AppDelete
TrashMe
These tools are particularly effective for:
Finding and deleting hidden support files.
Batch uninstalling multiple apps.
Monitoring installations to know exactly what files were added.
Method 5: Delete Apps with Built-In Uninstallers
Some third-party apps come with their own built-in uninstallers.
How to Use Built-In Uninstallers:
Open the app's folder in /Applications.
Look for a file labeled “Uninstall [AppName]” or similar.
Launch the uninstaller and follow the on-screen instructions.
This is the safest method for apps like Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, and Zoom.
Method 6: Delete Apps from System Settings (macOS Ventura and Above)
With macOS Ventura and later, System Settings includes a built-in app management interface.
Steps:
Open System Settings.
Go to General Storage.
Click Applications.
Review the list and click the (i) button next to the app.
Choose Delete and confirm.
This is one of the easiest ways to remove large apps and free up storage quickly.
How to Remove Leftover Files Manually
After deleting the app, manually cleaning up residual files ensures maximum performance and disk space recovery.
Common Residual File Locations:
~/Library/Application Support/~/Library/Caches/~/Library/Preferences/~/Library/Logs/~/Library/Containers/~/Library/LaunchAgents/
Use Finder’s Go to Folder (Cmd + Shift + G) and input these paths. Search for folders or files named after the app you deleted.
How to Free Up Disk Space After Uninstalling Apps
Once you've deleted unnecessary apps:
Restart your Mac to clear RAM and background processes.
Use Disk Utility First Aid to repair disk permissions.
Use Storage Management Tools under System Settings General Storage to clear large files, documents, and duplicates.
Tips for Managing Apps on Mac
Regularly audit your Applications folder to spot unused apps.
Use Storage Optimization features built into macOS.
Avoid installing unknown apps from unverified sources.
Use trusted tools like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac for clean uninstallations.
Back up your Mac with Time Machine before removing major applications.
FAQs About Deleting Mac Apps
Q: Can I reinstall an app after deleting it?
A: Yes. Apps can be redownloaded from the App Store, the official website, or restored via Time Machine backup.
Q: Will deleting an app delete my data too?
A: In most cases, yes. Always back up important data associated with the app before deleting.
Q: Why can’t I delete some system apps?
A: macOS restricts removal of system-critical applications like Safari, Mail, and FaceTime. These are protected by System Integrity Protection (SIP).
Q: What do I do if an app won’t quit to uninstall it?
A: Open Activity Monitor, find the app, and click the Force Quit (X) button before trying again.
Conclusion
Knowing how to delete apps on Mac efficiently and completely is crucial for maintaining system performance, freeing up storage, and avoiding future app conflicts. Whether you're using Finder, Terminal, Launchpad, or third-party tools, each method plays a role in comprehensive Mac maintenance. Make it a habit to audit and clean your Mac regularly to ensure a smooth and responsive user experience.
