How to Uninstall Apps Fully on macOS

This guide shows you how to completely remove applications and their leftover files from your Mac, freeing up storage and ensuring a clean system.

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 2-10 minutes

Best for: Cleaning storage, fixing app issues

Steps may vary by device and OS version. Make a backup before major changes.

Quick Answer

To fully uninstall a Mac app, drag it from the Applications folder to the Trash, then use a manual cleanup or a dedicated uninstaller tool.

Move to Trash: Open the Applications folder, drag the app to the Trash in your Dock (or right-click and select “Move to Trash”).
Empty Trash: Right-click the Trash icon and choose “Empty Trash” to permanently delete.
Check for left-behind files: Look in ~/Library (especially Application Support, Caches, Preferences) and /Library for leftover folders.
Use App's own uninstaller: Some large apps (like Adobe Creative Cloud) include their own uninstaller in their folder.
Consider a dedicated app remover: Third-party tools can automate finding and removing associated files.

If this didn’t work: The app may have system components. Check the Common Causes and Step-by-Step Guide for a deeper cleanup.

Before You Start

What You Need

Administrator password for your Mac.
Quit the application you want to uninstall.
Know the exact name of the app.
Check if the app uses a license manager (deactivate license first).
Recent Time Machine backup (recommended).

What Not to Do

Don’t delete files from system directories like /System manually.
Don’t force-quit apps while they are uninstalling.
Avoid deleting random preference files you don’t recognize.
Don’t use terminal commands from untrusted sources without understanding them.

Fast Checklist

Quit the target app completely.
Drag app from Applications folder to Trash.
Empty the Trash.
Check for an app-specific uninstaller.
Look in ~/Library/Application Support for leftover folders.
Look in ~/Library/Preferences for .plist files.
Look in ~/Library/Caches for cache folders.
Check /Library for system-level support files.
Restart your Mac.
Use Spotlight to search for remaining app-name files.
Check Login Items in System Settings.
Verify storage was freed in About This Mac.
Consider a dedicated uninstaller app for a thorough job.

Mind Map: Uninstall Paths on macOS

      ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
      │                        How to Uninstall an App on Mac                       │
      └───────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                                      │
                  ┌───────────────────┴───────────────────┐
                  ▼                                       ▼
        ┌─────────────────┐                    ┌─────────────────────┐
        │  Standard App   │                    │ App with Uninstaller│
        │  (Drag & Drop)  │                    │ (e.g., Adobe, MS)   │
        └─────────┬───────┘                    └──────────┬──────────┘
                  │                                       │
        ┌─────────▼──────────────────────────┐           ▼
        │ 1. Drag to Trash & Empty           │   Run the provided uninstaller
        │ 2. Clean ~/Library                 │   (often in the app's folder)
        │    - Application Support            │
        │    - Preferences (.plist)          │
        │    - Caches                        │
        └─────────┬──────────────────────────┘
                  │
        ┌─────────▼────────────┐
        │  Leftovers Detected? │─────No─────┐
        └─────────┬────────────┘            │
                  Yes                       │
                  │                         │
        ┌─────────▼─────────────────┐       │
        │ Advanced Cleanup Path     │       │
        └─────────┬─────────────────┘       │
                  │                         │
        ┌─────────▼────────────┐   ┌────────▼──────┐
        │ 1. Check /Library    │   │    Done!      │
        │ 2. Search with       │   │ App is fully  │
        │    Spotlight/Terminal│   │ removed.      │
        │ 3. Use Dedicated     │   └───────────────┘
        │    Uninstaller Tool  │
        └──────────────────────┘

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Quit the Application

What to do: Right-click the app's icon in the Dock and select “Quit,” or use Command+Q while the app is active.

Why it helps: You cannot delete a running application. Quitting ensures all related processes are closed.

Expected outcome: The app’s windows close and its icon disappears from the Dock.

Step 2: Move the App to Trash

What to do: Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, find the app, and drag its icon to the Trash in your Dock. Alternatively, right-click and select “Move to Trash.”

Why it helps: This removes the main application bundle, which is the core executable file.

Expected outcome: The app disappears from the Applications folder. The Trash icon looks full.

Note: Some apps from the App Store might ask for your password when moving to Trash. This is normal.

Step 3: Empty the Trash

What to do: Right-click or Control-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash.” Confirm the dialog.

Why it helps: Permanently deletes the app from your storage. Until you empty the Trash, you can still recover it.

Expected outcome: The Trash icon appears empty, and the app’s main file is gone.

Step 4: Clean Up Leftover Files

What to do: In Finder, press Command+Shift+G and type ~/Library. Look in these subfolders for files/folders named after the app:

Application Support: Contains data and support files.
Preferences: Contains .plist files with your settings.
Caches: Contains temporary files (safe to delete).
Logs: May contain app-specific logs.

Why it helps: These files can take up space and retain old settings if you reinstall.

Expected outcome: You find and delete a few extra files, freeing more space.

Common Causes (Explain Like I’m Busy)

App Store vs. Direct Download: App Store apps are sandboxed and leave fewer files. Direct downloads often scatter files.
Complex Suites (Adobe, Microsoft): Use custom installers and license managers, leaving many components.
Kernel Extensions (Kexts) / System Extensions: Security or hardware apps install low-level drivers that survive a standard delete.
Background Agents & Daemons: Apps that run at startup place files in LaunchAgents or LaunchDaemons folders.
Preferences & Caches: User-specific settings and temp files are stored separately in your Library.
Application Support Data: Databases, templates, or plugins stored in ~/Library/Application Support.
Login Items: The app may be set to launch at login, which remains as a setting even after deletion.
Remnants in System /Library: Some apps install shared frameworks or support files at the system level.

Diagnostics

macOS

Use built-in tools to see what's left behind.

Storage Management: Go to Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage. Check “Applications” to see if the app still appears.
Spotlight Search: Press Command+Space, type the app's exact name. If you see related files in your user folder, they are leftovers.
System Settings: Go to General > Login Items. See if the app is listed under “Open at Login.”
Terminal (basic): Use mdfind "kMDItemFSName == *AppName*" to find all files with that name. Replace "AppName" with the app's name.

Fixes by Symptom

Symptom: App reappears after deletion.

Likely cause: iCloud syncing or a backup restoration.

Best first fix: Turn off iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents sync temporarily, then delete again.

Next fix: Check if you have a Time Machine backup that’s restoring it.

Symptom: "This app is in use" error.

Likely cause: A background process is still running.

Best first fix: Restart your Mac and try deleting immediately after startup.

Next fix: Use Activity Monitor to force quit any related process, then delete.

Symptom: Can't delete, "requires administrator password."

Likely cause: The app was installed system-wide or has enhanced permissions.

Best first fix: Enter your admin password when prompted.

Next fix: Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift at startup) and try deleting.

Symptom: Storage not freed after uninstall.

Likely cause: Large leftover files in Library folders.

Best first fix: Perform the manual Library cleanup described in Step 4.

Next fix: Use a dedicated uninstaller app to scan for all remnants.

Symptom: App's name still in Launchpad.

Likely cause: Launchpad cache is outdated.

Best first fix: Restart your Mac. The icon should disappear.

Next fix: In Terminal, run defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true; killall Dock.

Symptom: System alerts from deleted app.

Likely cause: Leftover system extension or notification agent.

Best first fix: Check System Settings > Notifications for the app and remove it.

Next fix: Look in /Library/LaunchDaemons and /Library/LaunchAgents for related .plist files.

Advanced

Using Terminal to Find All Related Files

The mdfind command uses Spotlight's index. Run mdfind -name "AppName" (replace AppName) to list all files with that name. For a more thorough search, use sudo find / -name "*AppName*" 2>/dev/null. This searches the entire drive (requires password) and suppresses permission errors.

Removing Kernel Extensions (Kexts)

If an app installed a kernel extension, you may need to remove it from /Library/Extensions or /System/Library/Extensions. Note: macOS Catalina and later require signed, notarized kexts and they are being phased out for System Extensions. Always check the app's official uninstall guide.

Cleaning Package Receipts

Some older apps installed via .pkg files leave a receipt in /var/db/receipts/. You can list them with pkgutil --pkgs and remove with pkgutil --forget com.vendor.packagename. This doesn't delete files but cleans the installer database.

Monitoring File System with Console

Open the Console app (in Utilities) before uninstalling. Use the search filter for the app's name or process ID. You can see which files the app is accessing in real-time, giving clues about where it stores data.

Prevention & Best Practices

Prefer downloading apps from the official Mac App Store when possible—they are sandboxed and easier to remove.
When installing from the web, note if the app includes its own uninstaller.
Use a dedicated uninstaller application for regular maintenance if you frequently test new software.
Before installing a complex suite, check the vendor’s website for specific uninstall instructions.
Keep a simple text file note of apps you install manually outside the App Store.
Regularly review your Applications folder and uninstall apps you no longer use.
Deactivate software licenses within the app before uninstalling, if applicable.
Before major OS upgrades, clean out unused apps to avoid migration of unnecessary files.
Use Time Machine or another backup solution so you can restore if you accidentally delete something important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dragging an app to Trash enough to uninstall it?

For simple App Store apps, usually yes. For many direct-download apps, no. Support files in your Library folders often remain.

What are the best dedicated uninstaller apps for macOS?

There are several well-known tools, but we avoid specific product recommendations. Look for reputable apps with features like deep system scans, batch removal, and free trials.

Is it safe to delete .plist files in ~/Library/Preferences?

Generally, yes. They only store your settings for that app. If you reinstall the app later, it will create a new default one. Delete only the files related to the uninstalled app.

Why can't I find the ~/Library folder?

It's hidden by default. In Finder, press Command+Shift+G and type ~/Library, or hold the Option key while clicking the “Go” menu in Finder.

Do I need to restart after uninstalling an app?

It's a good practice, especially if the app ran background processes. A restart ensures all components are cleared from memory.

What's the difference between /Library and ~/Library?

/Library is at the root level and affects all users on the Mac. ~/Library (with the tilde) is inside your home folder and contains files specific to your user account.

When should I stop and ask a professional?

If you are unsure about deleting system-level files, if you accidentally deleted something critical and your Mac malfunctions, or if you're dealing with complex enterprise software. A professional can help recover data or repair the system.

Can I reinstall macOS to remove everything?

Reinstalling macOS via Recovery does not remove user data or most applications by default. It replaces the core system files. To wipe everything, you need to erase the disk first, which is a much more drastic step.

References / Sources

Apple Support documentation on uninstalling apps on Mac.
Apple Support articles on macOS file system structure.
Man pages for Terminal commands: mdfind, find, pkgutil.
General software vendor uninstallation guides (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft).

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How to uninstall apps fully on macOS

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