How to Uninstall Apps on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

to uninstall apps on mac

in terminal type: `brew cask uninstall whatsapp`

Hey Readers! 👋

Welcome to this thorough guide where we dive into the world of app uninstallation on your Mac. With the abundance of apps available, it’s crucial to master the art of removing unwanted or unused ones to keep your digital space tidy and efficient. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to uninstall apps on Mac, making it a breeze for you to regain precious storage space. So, sit back, grab a cuppa, and let’s embark on this uninstalling journey! ☕️

Method 1: Unleashing the Power of the Trash

Drag and Drop: Simplicity at Its Finest

This classic method is as straightforward as it gets. Simply navigate to the Applications folder, locate the app you wish to uninstall, and drag it to the Trash icon on your Dock. Voila! The app and its associated files will be sent to the digital purgatory.

Emptying the Trash: Completing the Uninstallation Process

Once you’ve dragged apps to the Trash, it’s not quite over yet. To permanently erase these apps from your Mac, you need to empty the Trash. Right-click on the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash." Confirm your decision, and your apps will bid farewell to your storage space.

Method 2: Utilizing the App Store

Built-In Convenience for App Deletions

If you’ve downloaded apps from the App Store, macOS offers a dedicated uninstaller within the App Store itself. Launch the App Store, click on your profile icon, and select "Purchased." Here, you’ll find a list of all apps you’ve ever downloaded. Locate the app you want to remove, click on the ellipsis button (…) next to it, and choose "Uninstall."

App Store Restrictions: A Minor Limitation

While the App Store uninstaller is convenient, it does have a slight limitation. You can only uninstall apps that were originally downloaded from the App Store. If you’ve installed apps from other sources, this method won’t work.

Method 3: Going Pro with Launchpad

A Visual Treat for App Management

Launchpad is another handy tool for managing apps on your Mac. To access Launchpad, click on the Launchpad icon in your Dock or use the Spotlight search. Once Launchpad is open, locate the app you want to uninstall. Click and hold the app icon until it starts jiggling, then click on the small "x" button that appears in the corner of the icon. Confirm your decision, and the app will be sent to Trash.

Launchpad Perks: Uninstalling Multiple Apps Simultaneously

One advantage of using Launchpad is the ability to uninstall multiple apps at once. Simply click and hold the Command (⌘) key while selecting the apps you want to remove. Once all the desired apps are selected, click on the "x" button of any of the selected apps, and they’ll all be sent to Trash.

Method 4: Advanced Techniques for Stubborn Apps

Digging Deeper with Terminal

Sometimes, you may encounter apps that don’t want to play by the rules and refuse to uninstall using the conventional methods. In such cases, you can turn to Terminal, a powerful tool that allows you to interact with your Mac’s operating system directly.

Terminal Commands: A Technical Approach

To uninstall an app using Terminal, open Terminal and type the following command:

sudo rm -rf /Applications/<app-name>.app

Replace "" with the actual name of the app you want to remove. Enter your administrator password when prompted, and the app will be forcefully removed.

Comprehensive Table: Uninstallation Methods at a Glance

Method Advantages Disadvantages
Drag and Drop Simple and intuitive Leaves behind some app data
App Store Convenient for App Store downloads Only works for App Store apps
Launchpad Visual and allows multiple app uninstallation Not suitable for non-App Store apps
Terminal Powerful and can remove stubborn apps Requires technical knowledge and can be risky

Conclusion: Uninstalling with Ease

Congratulations, readers! You’ve now mastered the art of uninstalling apps on Mac. Remember, keeping your Mac clutter-free is essential for optimal performance and storage efficiency. Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more tips and tricks to enhance your Mac experience. If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to drop a comment below. Happy uninstalling, folks!

FAQ about Uninstalling Apps on Mac

How do I uninstall an app from the Applications folder?

Simply drag the app icon from the Applications folder to the Trash.

How do I uninstall an app using Launchpad?

Click and hold on the app icon until it wiggles, then click the "X" button that appears.

How do I uninstall an app using the App Store?

Open the App Store, click on "Purchased" in the menu bar, and then select the app you want to uninstall. Click on the "Remove" button.

How do I uninstall an app using the command line?

Open Terminal and enter the following command, replacing "appName" with the name of the app you want to uninstall:

sudo uninstall appName

How do I completely remove all traces of an app from my Mac?

Use AppCleaner, a free utility that will delete all associated files and folders when you uninstall an app.

How do I uninstall a leftover app that doesn’t have an uninstaller?

Try using AppCleaner or one of the other methods listed above. If that doesn’t work, you can manually delete the app’s files and folders.

How do I uninstall an app that is stuck in the Trash?

Empty the Trash in Safe Mode by following these steps:

  1. Restart your Mac.
  2. Immediately press and hold the Shift key.
  3. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo.
  4. Empty the Trash as usual.

How do I uninstall an app that is not responding?

Force quit the app using Activity Monitor, then uninstall it using one of the methods listed above.

How do I uninstall an app if I don’t have administrator privileges?

You can request an administrator to uninstall the app for you, or you can use a third-party app like AppZapper that allows you to uninstall apps without administrator privileges.

How do I prevent apps from automatically installing on my Mac?

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General and uncheck the box labeled "Allow apps downloaded from: Anywhere."