I noticed that there is an app named 'Install macOS Mojave'. This is 6 GB and I have installed macOS Mojave successfully. Can I delete it now without harming my computer? I deleted it without any issue.

Quick question – how do you uninstall programs on Mac?

If your answer is to drag the app to the Trash, we’re sorry to say that you’ve been doing it wrong.

You probably know or guess that you can remove apps by dragging them to the Trash bin, but it is not quite so. Dragging normal files like documents and movies to the Trash works fine. But doing the same for apps leaves gigabytes of leftover junk files on your hard drive. We’re going to show you what gets left behind and what you can do to completely uninstall apps from here on out.

How to uninstall on Mac

If you are trying to delete an old application, reinstall a corrupted software or just free up disk space on your Mac, removing all components of the program is important. These include the app, its preferences and support files, and sometimes other hidden files.

To completely uninstall a program on Mac you have to choose one of three options:

• Using Trash.
• Using Launchpad.
• Using a native uninstaller

The ways mentioned above include navigating your Mac’s in search of the apps you want to remove and then locating their remaining data. The latter can take even more place than the app itself and can be stored anywhere in your folders.

I prefer clearing my Mac from apps using special software made for this particular task - CleanMyMac X. It’s Uninstaller feature, is an app-killer that sweeps away any program you don’t want on your Mac and clears remaining junk.

Now let’s go ahead and delete some apps!

1. Uninstall Mac apps using Trash

Whether you're running macOS Catalina or an earlier macOS, like Mojave or Sierra, the process of manually uninstalling remains relatively similar. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to Applications.
3. Choose the app you want to delete.
4. Press Command + Delete (⌘⌫).
5. Open Trash.
6. Click the Empty button in the upper-right corner of the window.

And the app is gone.

Even uninstalling apps on macOS Catalina requires getting rid of leftovers, despite the fact that it's the latest and the most sophisticated system for Mac. Apple has done such a good job on macOS 10.15 but left this unfortunate issue unresolved for another year.

To completely remove programs from Mac manually, you have to find all the associated files that come along with the app. That means not just dragging the app icon to the Trash from your Applications folder, but searching the depths of the system files on your Mac.

We’re going to reveal the locations of the most common files that are associated with apps. To remove the app leftovers from your Mac just navigate to each of these folders and hunt for the app you want to remove. If you find files with the app name you can send them to the Trash.

So, when uninstalling any software, you have to go over each of these folders one by one and remove the following:

• Binary and dock icons are located in /Applications/
• Application support files are located in ~/Library/Application Support
• Support Caches can be found in /Library/Caches/ and
  ~/Library/Caches
  
• Plugins are located in ~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/
• Library can be found in ~/Library/
• App preferences are located in ~/Library/Preferences/
• Crashes are found in
  ~/Library/Application Support/CrashReporter/
  
• App saved states are located in
  ~/Library/Saved Application State/
  

There are many more hidden files, some of which cannot be accessed by the user. And macOS/OS X will prevent you from deleting some app files.

As you can see, it's not that easy to uninstall applications Mac doesn't need, even when you know what to do. By the way, be sure to look for the name of the app in the file names of the files you remove. Don’t remove anything you don’t know! Do your due diligence before removing something from your system.

When you delete software on Mac manually, be sure only to remove an app file or folder when you’re sure of what it is. Look at the name very carefully before you nuke it. Removing the wrong files could cause problems with your system.

Remember, please be careful when deleting system files — you never know how it will affect your Mac if you remove the wrong ones (or the right ones for that matter!).

2. Uninstall Mac programs with Launchpad

How to uninstall on Mac by using the Launchpad? It's easy and this manual method works like this:

1. Click Launchpad icon in your Mac's Dock.
2. Find the app you want to delete.
3. Click and hold the app until it starts shaking.
4. Click X in the top-left corner of the app icon.
5. Click Delete.

This will uninstall the app from your Mac. However, keep in mind that after removing the program, you should also delete its leftovers as we've described above.

Can't delete apps on Mac?

Unfortunately, manual methods won’t get everything. Some apps are pre-installed macOS components and protected by the system while others will refuse to delete because they are already open (even though that’s often not true).

So, how to delete the apps on Mac that won't delete? You can try the manual removal after force quitting the app in question (press Command-Option-Esc and if the app is on the list shut it down) or rebooting your Mac.

If you're still unable to delete apps on Mac or if you’re worried you won't do it correctly and want a safer alternative, there’s the easy method of uninstalling apps from your Mac so you don't have to force delete applications. It actually does a better (and safer) job and in a fraction of the time. Read on to learn how to delete apps on Mac automatically.

3. Uninstall apps with CleanMyMac X

When I referred to the easy method of uninstalling apps, I meant using CleanMyMac X. As for me, deleting apps is a pretty tiresome task. I’ve always put away this chore, as it will waste a huge amount of my time. But, my Mac was running low on free storage, so I decided to try CleanMyMac X to fix this problem and uninstall programs on Mac with ease. I used the Uninstaller module to get rid of multiple apps at once. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download CleanMyMac X, install, and launch it (it takes less than a minute).
2. Go to Uninstaller.
3. Choose All Applications.
4. Check the boxes next to the app you want to remove.
5. Press Uninstall.

As you can see, CleanMyMac X shows precisely how much place each app takes, so it’s easier to detect the heaviest programs. Another benefit is that you can bulk uninstall programs on Mac without dragging each app and its files to the Trash.

Is it possible to delete system files on Mac?

CleanMyMac X doesn’t let you delete system apps like Safari. Neither of Mac cleaners can do that. But, CleanMyMac X allows you to delete the data associated with system apps and reset them completely. Click CleanMyMac X’s menu in the upper-left corner and choose Preferences. Go to Ignore List and click Uninstaller. Here uncheck the box next to “Ignore system applications.”

Now, you can close Preferences and go back to Uninstaller. Click ► next to the app's icon to show its files. Then check the data you want to delete and choose Reset from the drop-down list next to the app’s icon. Then press Remove.

It will help to clear some space on your Mac. Note that your app logs may also disappear after the reset.

4. Use the native uninstaller

Many applications are designed to clean after themselves. They come with a built-in uninstaller — a self-destroying utility bundled with the main app. This is mostly true for third-party apps that you download from the internet. That’s why native uninstallers remain more of a Windows thing, not much heard of in the Mac world.
The original uninstallers can be found in Finder > Applications. If your app looks like a folder (within the Applications folder) most likely it will have a separate uninstaller. The name will read [Your app] Uninstaller or Uninstall [Your App].

Open the folder, find the launcher, and just follow the onscreen instructions. After the removal is complete, you can enjoy your extra storage space!

Clear app leftovers: preferences files and caches

No sane developer wants people to delete their application. As your desperate ex, they would do everything to stay on your Mac, like planting pieces of their software around your Mac so one day they can return. Support files, preference files, and caches — all these will likely remain even if you’ve deleted the app itself.
Here I’ll show you how to root out these remaining traces. I’ll use the Telegram app as an example.

Delete application support files

Click on Finder > Go to Folder… (in the upper menu).
Paste in: ~/Library/Application Support/Your App Name

In my case it's: ~/Library/Application Support/Telegram

Now, delete the content of this folder.

Delete application Preferences

The Preferences folder contains your user settings. These files are tiny but there’s no reason not to delete them, just out of principle.
Click on Finder > Go to Folder…
Paste in: ~/Library/Preferences/

Open the folder. Now type the name of your app in the search bar. Click to search 'Preferences.” Delete the found items.

Delete the caches

In the same vein, you’ll have to delete the remaining app caches.
This time, use the following command to paste in Finder > Go to Folder...
Paste this: ~/Library/Caches/Your App Name

Note: In some cases, you need to search for the app developer's name, rather than the name of the app.

Delete leftovers with CleanMyMac X

If you’ve been doing a 'spring cleaning' in your Applications folder, chances are some files are still left somewhere in your Mac’s system. CleanMyMac X detects and collects them into the Leftovers tab.

Go to Uninstaller once again and select Leftovers. Select all the remaining files and press Uninstall to say goodbye to the app remains.

Now you are just as good at uninstalling applications on Mac as any Apple engineer. Hopefully, you now have plenty of free space. Don't miss a few related articles below.

These might also interest you:

Downloading & installing Mac Apps is pretty straightforward. However, getting rid of them, along with its associated files, isn’t always easy. The most popular way to remove a Mac program is “Move to Trash”, but certainly, it doesn’t remove the attached files & data that gets installed while setting up. Hence, you will never be able to get rid of the app entirely & not recover the significant amount of space, occupied by these useless files.

But don’t worry, at Systweak, you’ll always find the best & most effective solutions to your everyday tech problems. We are listing the Top 10 Easy To Use Mac App Uninstallers that can help you delete bulk programs in a few clicks & clean all the associated files that arrive with it.

Most Popular Mac Uninstallation Software To Remove Apps (2020)

All the software mentioned in the list comes with extensive features and, therefore, can be used for various purposes. However, if you don’t want to go through an entire article and want our opinion, then you must go with TuneupMyMac. It’s a dedicated Mac Cleaning Tool that comes with lots of features to keep your computer in good shape. Its advanced uninstaller module is one such functionality that helps users to get rid of unwanted Mac applications in a few clicks. Additionally, you can get rid of unwanted, large files, malware infections, and more to keep your Mac optimized.

Top 5 App Uninstallers For Mac 2020 (Compared)

We have tested more than 20 uninstalling applications for Mac & have prepared a quick review of the top five choices that are worth trying.

Best Mac Uninstaller 2020: Remove Useless Programs Quickly

To Remove Mac apps completely, Here’s the list of the best uninstaller apps for Mac:

1. CleanMyMac X

USP: Lots Of Modules To Clean Useless Apps, Caches, Logs, Duplicates & More

Latest Version: 4.6.5

Read Review: CleanMyMax: A Must-Have Tool For Mac

CleanMyMac has made its space in the technology world for a long time now. It has undoubtedly become a leading player in the market to provide best & practical utilities, majorly for Mac. The uninstaller program removes all types of apps along with its associated files for complete cleaning. It offers both paid & free uninstallation service. The premium version allows you to optimize Mac & protect from online threats.

• Has a Duplicate Finder, Driver Updater etc
• Gives your Mac overall protection
• Extra features to offer complete care

• Free version lets you uninstall two apps only

2. TuneupMyMac

USP: All-Rounder Mac Cleaner; Uninstaller, One-Click Cleaning, Duplicate Finder, Shredder

Latest Version: 10.15.6

Read Review: Speedup & Optimize Your Mac With Systweak TuneupMyMac

Download TuneupMyMac Now and Get 20% OFF

As the name entails, TuneupMyMac is a power-packed tool with an essential set of features to optimize & tune up your Mac to run in the best shape. TuneupMyMac is an efficient app remover for Mac. With its Uninstaller wizard, you can go through all the apps installed on your system & delete the unwanted ones with ease. Additionally, you can manage login items, delete duplicate files, old downloads, large files & other junk to recover space on Mac.

• One-click cleaning
• Shredder file to make recovery impossible
• Manage browsing history, cookies & more
• Delete old downloads, backups to recover space

Read This: Smart Mac Care VS CleanMyMac X: Brief Comparison

3. Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller

USP: Quickly Disable Launch Agents, Login Credentials & Other Core Extensions

Latest Version: 6.7

Read Review: App Cleaner & Uninstaller: Efficient Tool To Uninstall Apps Swiftly From Mac

Yet another excellent uninstallation software for Mac, App Cleaner & Uninstaller is a great tool to get rid of unwanted apps safely & securely. Moreover, it can remove caches, app support files, preference files to recover a significant amount of disk space. Using such an uninstaller app for Mac, one can also delete unwanted service files and reset apps to their initial state.

• Remove leftovers from previously uninstalled apps as well
• Helps you manage browser extensions
• Convenient interface
• Remove screensavers, plugins, widgets

• Free version lets you locate apps only not delete them

4. Smart Mac Care

How To Uninstall Gmail App On Mac

USP: Feature-Rich Uninstaller For Mac With Tools To Clean, Optimize & Protect

Latest Version: 1.5.5

Read Review:Smart Mac Care: A Complete Guide For Mac Cleanup & Optimization

Smart Mac Care is a one-stop solution to clean and optimize your Mac. One of the best features that come with this Mac cleaner is Uninstaller. Under the same module, you will get to know which apps have not been used for a long time so that you can get rid of them in a jiffy. Additionally, the Mac program allows you to remove junk, log files, leftovers, caches & other residues.

• Quickly remove associated files with apps
• Has lots of modules to clean & protect Mac
• Includes Duplicate Finder
• Tools to protect Mac from malware & more

5. AppZapper

USP: Easy to use Mac Programs Uninstaller With Clear & Straightforward Interface

Latest Version: 2.0.3

AppZapper uses the drag & drop feature, which is a natural way of doing things on Mac and uninstalls apps along with its support files in no time. Just drag unwanted apps to AppZapper, and it will find all the associated files & enables you to delete all of them in a click. Well, this is not the only feature that comes with this app remover. It comes with a Hit List feature, which lets you browse applications installed on your Mac.

• Clear interface
• Drag & Drop apps to remove from Mac
• Lets you keep a record of purchased apps

6. IObit MacBooster 8

USP: Famous Mac Cleaner With Advanced Features To Keep Your Mac In Tip-Top Shape

Latest Version: 8.0.4

Read Review: Make Your Mac Faster & Secure With MacBooster 7 (Previous Version)

Served as an all-in-one solution to make your Mac run faster & smoother, IObit MacBooster 8 is a reliable utility with lots of features to clean more than 20 different file types. Additionally, MacBooster brings lots of antimalware tools to protect your Mac from new & existing viruses, malware, & other online threats. All these extraordinary features are packed in an intuitive interface to provide users with a seamless experience.

• Boost Mac speed in a click
• Budget-friendly Mac app uninstaller
• Through cleaning, including associated files
• Offers complete details of app removal

7. CCleaner

How To Uninstall App From Mac Pro

USP: Popular & Reliable Mac Cleaning Utility To Achieve Plenty Of Optimization Tasks

Latest Version: 5.68.780

Despite CCleaner’s tainted security history, the Mac Cleaning Program has managed to receive overall positive reviews to manage & speed up Mac. It features multiple modules to uninstall apps, manage startup items, delete duplicate files, & thorough system cleaning. CCleaner offers both free & paid versions. The free version brings tools to keep your Mac running fast & delete unwanted cookies, logs & more, while the paid version does the same and also includes real-time monitoring & more.

• Automatically removes extra data to speed up Mac
• Variety of antimalware tools
• Safest Mac Cleaning utility
• Price of the premium version is reasonable

8. AppDelete

USP: Free Mac Uninstaller To Delete Useless Apps, Widgets, Preferences, Panes, Plugins etc.

Latest Version: 3.2.9

AppDelete is a fantastic program to uninstall apps on Mac. Along with this, the uninstaller for Mac can also remove widgets, preference panes, plugins, and screensavers. Moreover, the app also gets rid of the leftover files of the deleted apps, which not only recovers space but also prevents further issues. AppDelete’s smart algorithm helps to find files faster to get your work done in no time.

• Affordable premium Mac uninstaller
• Deleted apps can be achieved to a Zip file
• Smart search filters to quickly locate apps
• Force empty trash button to remove stubborn items

9. TrashMe

USP: Fastest Drag & Drop Uninstaller For Mac

Latest Version: 2.1.21

If you want to uninstall apps on Mac, Trash Me is another excellent option to choose. The program can remove apps from Mac along with all the hidden files, temp files, caches and settings to recover precious space in no time. Whenever you drag an app to Trash, this app remover offers a clean uninstall process. The app also notifies the user when your Trash bin is full, and you can empty it by clicking the alert button.

• Smart Detection to remove app & residues
• Drag & drop software to delete in a click
• Resolve potential system issues
• Free up a significant amount of space

10. Osx Uninstaller

USP: Straightforward Interface With Clear Instructions On Screen To Remove Programs

Latest Version: 3.30.6.2801

Our list of Best Mac Uninstallers is undoubtedly incomplete without mentioning Osx Uninstaller. The app remover features a handy design with clear interface & easy to navigate buttons. Its single scan scours the whole system and lists all the elements & files related to each application. Using Osx Uninstaller, you can delete both default system apps & third-party software without any hassles.

• Offers on-screen instructions to use the tool
• Fastest app remover for Mac
• Offers Force Remove option for stubborn apps

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Is The Best App Remover For Mac?

These are some of the best uninstaller apps for your Mac. Try them and remove unwanted applications along with the associated files from your system without any hassles. Removing large, unwanted & unused programs helps you recover a significant amount of storage space & make your Mac perform faster. After comparing lots of Mac Uninstallation Utilities, we found Smart Mac Care to be the most convenient choice among users. It not only helps to remove apps from Mac in bulk, but you can certainly use its additional modules to speed up & optimize Mac performance.

2.Is Mac App Remover Safe?

Yes, the process of removing a Mac app is safe when you are using the best app uninstaller for Mac. While doing this manually can be unsafe as you might end up deleting the wrong files. Therefore, we suggest you take the help of Smart Mac Care, which is the best Uninstaller app for Mac. It not only removes the app safely but keeps your Mac safe from malware and online threats.

3. How Do I Completely Remove An Application From My Mac?

How To Fully Uninstall App On Mac Mojave Mac Pro

Using the best uninstaller for Mac, you can quickly get an application removed completely. It also eliminates the files associated with the deleted application. It can become a tedious job if you choose to do it manually. Therefore, we advise you to use the best app uninstaller for Mac to get the best results.

4. How Do I Uninstall Programs On Mac Completely?

Deleting the program is not enough, and all the support files for the application must be deleted too. Use Smart Mac Care as it is the best Uninstaller for Mac and removes all files related to the program along with it. This is a user-friendly program that will provide you with a solution to uninstall unnecessary programs on Mac completely.

5.How To Select An Uninstaller For Mac?

While looking for an uninstaller for Mac, always keep a few things in your checklist. First, It must be user friendly, so the tools and features must be easy to recognize. Second, it should give you great results when uninstalling a program entirely from Mac. The best uninstaller for Mac should make your life easier by making the task of uninstalling apps as simple as possible. Looking for all these qualities, one must select an uninstaller for Mac

6. Which Is A Free Mac Uninstaller?

How To Uninstall App From Mac Completely

If you are looking for a free uninstaller application for Mac, you can choose AppDelete. It is one of the best free app uninstallers for Mac as it lets you uninstall the programs for no charge. One can also choose to use CleanMyMac, another best app uninstaller for Mac to remove two applications in the free version.

Verdict:

We recommend using TuneupMyMac as the uninstaller for Mac because it shows the best results. You are most welcome to add valuable feedback in the comment section below while not forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and Facebook page.

How To Fully Uninstall App On Mac Mojave Installer