Uninstalling apps on your MacBook allows you to free up space to install your most desired apps, remove bloat or boost the functionality of your machine. During installation, apps carry multiple files, and most people only remove what appears on the desktop. So, how do you do this? This post gives methods on how to uninstall apps on a Mac.
How to Uninstall Apps on a Mac
If you want to eliminate apps on your MacBook, you have several ways of achieving this. Do the following:
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How to Delete Mac Apps using the Trash
Moving unwanted apps to the trash app is the easiest and most common way of deleting apps on your machine. However, doing this still leaves residual apps on the computer, so here is how to remove both.
- Open Finder and select Application.
- Choose the app you want to delete and either move it to trash or right-click and tap on Move to Trash on the drop-down menu.
After this, you want to delete the residual files. You might not know how to do this because these files tend to be hidden, but it is not impossible. Here’s how to go about this:
- Right-click the Finder and select Go to Folder from the pop-up menu.
- In the search bar, type Library and hit Return.
- Check the subfolders in the Library to find lingering apps, including the Cache, Logs, Preference, and Application Support. Find the non-essential items and remove them.
- Move the leftover files to Trash.
- Right-click the bin and Empty Trash.
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How to Delete Mac Apps using Launchpad
Another way to delete apps on a Mac is to use the Launchpad. Use these steps:
- From the Dock or Applications folder, open Launchpad.
- Click and hold on the icon you want to delete. The app will begin to jiggle.
3. An “X” sign will appear on the top left of the app; click on it to remove the app.
4. Follow the procedure above to remove residual files.
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How to Delete Mac Apps Through Terminal
Terminal is an app that allows you to interact with the Command Line interface (CLI) instead of using the graphical interface. If you’re willing to learn how to use CLI or are already familiar, here’s how to go about deleting your files.
- Find the exact name of the app and its location.
- From the dock, Open Terminal.
3. In the terminal window, use “cd” to navigate the app’s directory. For example, if it’s located in the application, type cd/Applications.
4. Type sudo mr-f<application name>. Replace <application name> with your app’s name and then add a space after -f. When done, hit Return, and enter your password.
If some system files remain, you’ll have to remove the residual apps.
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How to Delete Mac Programs Using Uninstallers
Some apps come with an uninstaller from the developer. However, the uninstaller is hidden, so you have to search for it. Here’s how to use a developer-provided installer for an app you want to delete.
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- To open the spotlight, press the Command button and the space bar.
- Type uninstall to see what options you have.
- Open the relevant uninstaller.
- If the process doesn’t start immediately, click Uninstall to remove the apps, corresponding files and leftover data.
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Uninstalling Mac Programs Using an Optimization Tool
Using a designated cleaner is helpful as you can specifically target the apps and files you want to remove. Follow these steps:
- Download the Avast Cleanup for Mac.
- Launch the app and follow the instructions.
- Under the Uninstall app, click Show.
4. Avast Cleanup will analyze the apps and categorize them as all apps, unused apps, and your largest programs.
5. Decide what files you want to remove and click Uninstall.
6. A prompt box will appear asking you to confirm the uninstallation of these programs. Click Uninstall, enter your password and click OK.
7. Avast Cleanup will delete all the files you select, including their residual service files, hidden logs, and other leftover files.
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How to Remove an App that Won’t Delete
You might have a problem uninstalling some non-iOS apps because they are running in the background or there is an error associated with them. Therefore, start by force-quitting the app and restarting your Mac before removing it.
- Press and hold Option+Command+esc.
- Choose the app you want to delete from the Force Quit Application menu and hit Force Quit.
- Restart your Mac.
- Remove the app manually or use an optimization tool.
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Time to Delete Unnecessary Apps
So, if you were wondering, “How to uninstall apps on a Mac”, these are the multiple options you have. For many people, the problem is removing the residual apps after deleting the apps, and this post shows you how to completely remove them. Do you have an issue deleting apps from your MacBook, or which method do you prefer?
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