Freeing up storage space on your Mac by uninstalling applications you no longer need is a smart way to keep your system running smoothly. Whether you downloaded an app from the App Store or directly from a developer, macOS offers straightforward methods to remove them completely. This guide will walk you through the process of how to uninstall apps on your Mac using two primary methods: Launchpad and Finder.
Uninstalling Apps Downloaded from the App Store via Launchpad
Launchpad provides an easy and visual way to uninstall apps, especially those obtained from the Apple App Store. Here’s how to do it:
- Quit the Application: If the app you intend to uninstall is currently running, ensure you completely close it before proceeding.
- Open Launchpad: Access Launchpad by clicking its icon in the Dock. Alternatively, you can open it from your Applications folder, or use a trackpad gesture by pinching closed with your thumb and three fingers.
- Locate the App: If you don’t immediately see the app, use the search bar at the top of the Launchpad window and type in the application’s name. For users with multiple pages of apps in Launchpad, navigate between pages by clicking the dots at the bottom or swiping left or right on your trackpad with two fingers.
- Enter Jiggle Mode: Press and hold the Option key, or click and hold any app icon until all the icons start to jiggle. This indicates you’ve entered the app deletion mode.
- Delete the App: Apps downloaded from the App Store will display a Delete button (represented by an “X” icon) next to their icon. Click this Delete button for the app you wish to uninstall.
- Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the app. Click “Delete” to confirm. The application will be instantly removed from your Mac.
Troubleshooting Launchpad Deletion Issues
If you don’t see the Delete button next to an app in Launchpad, it typically means the app was not downloaded from the App Store. For these apps, you’ll need to use the Finder method described below.
Uninstalling Apps Using Finder: For All Apps
The Finder method is a universal approach for uninstalling any application on your Mac, regardless of its source. Here’s How To Uninstall Apps On Mac using Finder:
- Quit the Application: As with Launchpad, ensure the app is fully closed before attempting to uninstall it.
- Open Finder: Switch to Finder by clicking on your desktop or by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.
- Navigate to the Applications Folder: The Applications folder is the standard location for most apps. You can access it quickly by clicking “Applications” in the Finder sidebar. Alternatively, use the menu bar and select “Go” > “Applications”. You can also use Spotlight (Command-Space) to search for the app and then “Show in Finder” to locate its file.
- Move the App to Trash: Once you’ve found the app, there are several ways to move it to the Trash:
- Drag and Drop: Simply drag the app icon to the Trash icon in your Dock.
- Move to Trash Option: Select the app, then from the menu bar, choose “File” > “Move to Trash”.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Select the app and press the Command (⌘) + Delete keys simultaneously.
- Administrator Authentication (If Required): You might be prompted to enter your administrator username and password to confirm the action, especially for system-level applications or those installed for all users.
- Empty the Trash: Moving an app to the Trash doesn’t immediately remove it from your system. To finalize the uninstallation and reclaim storage space, you need to empty the Trash. In the Finder menu bar, select “Finder” > “Empty Trash”.
Troubleshooting Finder Deletion Issues
- System-Required Apps: macOS prevents the uninstallation of core system applications like Mail, Music, Notes, and Safari through Finder, as they are essential for the operating system’s functionality.
- App in Use Error: If you receive a message stating that the app cannot be deleted because it is in use, double-check that the application and any related background processes are closed. If the problem persists, restarting your Mac or booting into Safe Mode can resolve the issue, allowing you to uninstall the app.
Important Considerations After Uninstalling
- Data and Documents: Uninstalling an app only removes the application itself. Documents and files created using the app are not automatically deleted. You’ll need to remove these separately if desired.
- Subscriptions: Uninstalling an app does not cancel any associated subscriptions purchased through the App Store. Remember to cancel subscriptions manually if necessary to avoid future charges.
- Dedicated Uninstallers: Some applications, particularly more complex software, come with their own dedicated uninstaller applications. These are often found within the application folder itself or provided by the software developer. If available, using the dedicated uninstaller is recommended as it can ensure a more thorough removal of the application and its associated files.
By following these methods, you can effectively uninstall applications on your Mac, keeping your system organized and optimized for performance.
