How to uninstall apps on mac

If you’re a Mac user, you may have noticed that uninstalling apps is not as straightforward as it is on other operating systems. Unlike Windows, there is no “Add or Remove Programs” feature on Mac. So, how do you uninstall apps on Mac? In this article, we’ll explore different methods for uninstalling apps on Mac and provide step-by-step instructions for each method.

Why Uninstall Apps on Mac?

Before we dive into the different methods for uninstalling apps on Mac, let’s first discuss why you may want to uninstall apps in the first place.

Free Up Space

One of the main reasons for uninstalling apps on Mac is to free up space on your hard drive. As you download and install more apps, your storage space can quickly fill up. By uninstalling apps that you no longer use, you can free up space for new apps or files.

Improve Performance

Having too many apps on your Mac can also slow down its performance. Uninstalling unnecessary apps can help improve the speed and performance of your Mac.

Organize Your Apps

Uninstalling apps can also help you declutter and organize your Mac. By removing apps that you no longer use, you can have a cleaner and more organized app library.

Method 1: Uninstalling Apps from the Launchpad

The Launchpad is the easiest and most common way to uninstall apps on Mac. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Launchpad by clicking on the rocket icon in your dock or by pressing the F4 key on your keyboard.
2. Find the app you want to uninstall. You can use the search bar at the top or scroll through the list of apps.
3. Click and hold on the app until it starts to wiggle.
4. Click on the “X” icon on the top left corner of the app.
5. A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to delete the app. Click “Delete” to confirm.
6. The app will be uninstalled and removed from your Launchpad.

Method 2: Uninstalling Apps from the Applications Folder

Another way to uninstall apps on Mac is by using the Applications folder. Here’s how:

1. Open the Applications folder by clicking on the Finder icon in your dock and selecting “Applications” from the sidebar.
2. Find the app you want to uninstall and drag it to the Trash bin in your dock.
3. Right-click on the Trash bin and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the app.

Method 3: Uninstalling Apps with a Third-Party Uninstaller

Some apps come with their own uninstaller, which makes it easier to remove them from your Mac. If you have an app that comes with an uninstaller, follow these steps:

1. Open the uninstaller app.
2. Follow the instructions provided by the app to uninstall it.
3. Once the app is uninstalled, you can delete the uninstaller app from your Mac.

Method 4: Uninstalling Apps with a Third-Party App

If you have a lot of apps to uninstall, using a third-party app can save you time and effort. There are several apps available that can help you uninstall apps on Mac, such as AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, and AppZapper. Here’s how to use AppCleaner as an example:

1. Download and install AppCleaner from the App Store.
2. Open AppCleaner and click on the “Applications” tab.
3. Find the app you want to uninstall and click on the checkbox next to it.
4. Click on the “Remove” button.
5. A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to delete the app. Click “Remove” to confirm.
6. The app will be uninstalled and removed from your Mac.

Method 5: Uninstalling Apps with Terminal

If you’re comfortable using the command line, you can also uninstall apps using Terminal. Here’s how:

1. Open Terminal by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Type in the following command: sudo rm -rf /Applications/AppName.app
3. Replace “AppName” with the name of the app you want to uninstall.
4. Press Enter and enter your password when prompted.
5. The app will be uninstalled and removed from your Mac.

Method 6: Uninstalling Apps with CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X is a popular app that can help you uninstall apps on Mac. It not only uninstalls apps but also removes all associated files, ensuring a complete uninstallation. Here’s how to use CleanMyMac X to uninstall apps:

1. Download and install CleanMyMac X from the App Store.
2. Open CleanMyMac X and click on the “Uninstaller” tab.
3. Find the app you want to uninstall and click on the checkbox next to it.
4. Click on the “Uninstall” button.
5. A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to delete the app. Click “Uninstall” to confirm.
6. The app will be uninstalled and removed from your Mac.

Method 7: Uninstalling Apps with AppZapper

AppZapper is another popular app for uninstalling apps on Mac. It works by dragging and dropping apps into the AppZapper window, and it will find and remove all associated files. Here’s how to use AppZapper:

1. Download and install AppZapper from the App Store.
2. Open AppZapper and drag the app you want to uninstall into the AppZapper window.
3. AppZapper will find all associated files and display them in a list.
4. Click on the “Zap” button to uninstall the app and all associated files.

Conclusion

Uninstalling apps on Mac may not be as straightforward as it is on other operating systems, but it’s still a simple process. Whether you use the Launchpad, Applications folder, or a third-party app, you can easily uninstall apps and free up space on your Mac. We hope this article has helped you learn how to uninstall apps on Mac and improve the performance and organization of your Mac.