- For apps downloaded from the Mac App Store, just go to Launchpad by clicking the icon in the Dock or pinching the thumb and three fingers together on the Trackpad. Find the app you want to remove, hold down its icon until you see it jiggles, then hit the “X” button to delete it.
- Apple computers have no way of uninstalling or installing OS features, which means there is no easy way of uninstalling standard built-in apps that come with your Mac. Prior to macOS 10.11 El Capital there was a way of removing built-in apps by means of terminal commands.
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The simplest way to get rid of the old or useless applications from macOS is through their uninstallation. Deleting apps from Apple computers is by design simpler and faster than doing the same on Windows PCs.
To begin with, we’ll cover the easy way to remove the app from macOS Sierra or macOS High Sierra with the help of built-in utilities. However, even simpler methods exist, but they will be covered after we examine traditional approach.
The Classics: Delete Apps from the Finder
Since the dawn of Apple computers, the traditional method of deleting apps was associated with the native Mac OS tool called Finder. For starters, we will describe how to remove any software from the computer with the help of Finder (for example, uninstall Steam on Mac).
Here is a step-by-step guide to the classical way of eliminating applications – that is, via Finder:
- Launch Finder.
- Open the Applications folder.
In case the target application is located in a separate folder, open it to find out whether it has a built-in uninstaller. If yes – launch it and stick to the developer’s guidelines. If a software has no folder or special native uninstaller, just drag the app’s icon from Applications to the Trash bin. Trash is located at the end of the Dock.
Note that at this point you still can restore the selected item. For this, open Trash, select the file’s icon and choose File → Put Back.
- Optionally, you can plough through Library folder to check out if there are some residual data left after the main app’s removal and eliminate it manually.
- Once you’ve made sure that you want to remove the app permanently, select Finder → Empty Trash.
NB Command + Delete keys combination is another method to place the chosen application into Trash.
Here’s how you can remove the app from Mac by the example of Steam (the ultimate online game platform):
- Open the Applications folder.
- Drag and drop Steam to the Trash.
- Launch Finder and browse to Application Support, which is located in Hard Drive → Users → [Mac’s Username] →Library.
- Now, toss the Steam folder with all its contents to the Trash.
- Empty Trash.
That is how you prevent yourself from playing the Steam supported games.
Uninstalling Apps from the Mac App Store through Launchpad
There’s another method to remove applications on Mac – via Launchpad. The trick is, this way can be applied only to those apps you have downloaded from the official App Store. It just won’t work for the third-party apps obtained elsewhere.
- Launch Launchpad.
- Click and keep holding the target software’s icon.
- Wait until it starts jiggling. Then, push the X icon that will appear next to the app you’re trying to uninstall.
- The dialog window will pop up requesting your confirmation. Press Delete to verify your decision.
In case the X sign does not appear near the app after you click and hold its icon, you won’t be able to delete it through Launchpad.
How to Fully Uninstall Apps on Mac: The Comprehensive Approach
Without erasing the applications’ library and support files, caches and preferences, it is impossible to uninstall the software completely. These elements are also known as the leftovers. The support files do not usually weigh too much, but still might be a thorn in the eye. Besides, if you leave the support files each time you delete another application, sooner or later your system will be full of suchlike garbage!
That is a bit more complicated manual process, which can be avoided thanks to the third-party cleaners. However, if you believe that you can handle it without erasing something really important – welcome! Check the variety of locations to make sure the app is gone forever with all its supporting elements.
- To detect the Application Support files (preferences, caches, temporary files), go to: ~/Library/Application Support/(App Name)
- To find the left Preferences, have a look at: ~/Library/Preferences/(App Name)
- App’s Caches are saved in: ~/Library/Caches/(App Name)
From time to time, it is necessary to learn the developer’s name – some types of software cannot be defined by its name only.
In case you are an owner of a tiny SSD with the limited storage space, it is important to take care of the leftovers. One app which definitely leaves tones of junk is Steam, so when you decide to get rid of this gaming platform completely, the method described above is not enough, and you should search for the supporting files in the offered locations.
Under the Hood: How to Delete Default Mac OS Apps
Mind that the offered method will lead to the complete deletion of the default macOS apps. It may be the cause of the abnormal operating system behavior and errors in work. So we strongly advise you start with making a backup – that’s an ironclad rule before performing any significant cleaning or maintenance tasks on a Mac.
After you’re done with the backup, do the following:
- Launch Mac’s Terminal. To do so, go Applications.
- Enter the special command in the offered line: cd /Applications/
This action will take a Mac owner to the Applications folder where he may remove default applications. The system won’t even ask for your verification, so be careful and think twice before erasing anything. Once you are sure, apply the corresponding commands to each unwanted app.
Toss Away Safari
sudo rm -rf Safari.app/
Get Rid of FaceTime
sudo rm -rf FaceTime.app/
Delete Mail
Install Mac Os High Sierra
sudo rm -rf Mail.app/
Remove QuickTime Player
sudo rm -rf QuickTime Player.app/
Eliminate Photo Booth
sudo rm -rf Photo Booth.app
Tired of Stickies?
sudo rm -rf Stickies.app/
Armed with the knowledge provided in this article, you can become a true guru of keeping your Mac clean and uncluttered.
Use Launchpad to delete an app
Launchpad offers a convenient way to delete apps that were downloaded from the App Store.
- To open Launchpad, click it in the Dock or open it from your Applications folder. You can also pinch closed with your thumb and three fingers on your trackpad.
- If you don't see the app in Launchpad, type its name in the search field at the top of the screen. Or swipe right or left with two fingers on your trackpad to show the next or previous page.
- Press and hold the Option (⌥) key, or click and hold any app until the apps jiggle.
- Click next to the app that you want to delete, then click Delete to confirm. The app is deleted immediately. Apps that don't show either didn't come from the App Store or are required by your Mac. To delete an app that didn't come from the App Store, use the Finder instead.
Deleting an app doesn't cancel any subscription you may have purchased with that app. Learn how to cancel subscriptions for apps that were downloaded from the App Store.
Use the Finder to delete an app
- Locate the app in the Finder. Most apps are in your Applications folder, which you can open by clicking Applications in the sidebar of any Finder window. Or use Spotlight to find the app, then press and hold the Command (⌘) key while double-clicking the app in Spotlight.
- Drag the app to the Trash, or select the app and choose File > Move to Trash.
- If you're asked for a user name and password, enter the name and password of an administrator account on your Mac. This is probably the name and password you use to log in to your Mac.
- To delete the app, choose Finder > Empty Trash.
Learn more
To use an app again after deleting it, either reinstall it or restore it from a backup.
Uninstall Apps Mac Os Sierra Installer
- To reinstall apps that were installed as part of macOS, reinstall macOS. This applies to apps such as Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
- You can also redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books that were installed from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books.
Uninstall Apps Mac Os Sierra Mac
Learn how to delete apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Learn what to do if the Dock contains an icon with a question mark.