How to uninstall apps on a Mac

(Image credit: Apple tree)

Mac apps can start off great, merely learning how to uninstall apps on a Mac will come in handy. Fortunately nosotros at Tom's Guide have been installing and uninstalling macOS apps since it was chosen OS Ten, and we can walk yous through the process.

The one thing to know when learning how to uninstall apps on a Mac is that the process differs based on how yous installed it. If you bought or downloaded a programme from the Apple App Store, uninstalling it is a quick four-pace procedure that is easy equally pie.

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If yous got your app somewhere else, though, things may be difficult. Some programs accept dedicated apps for uninstalling, while others don't brand it so easy.

How to uninstall apps on a Mac: App Store apps

If you got the app from Apple's App Store, this process is very easy. Yous're basically going to open up the Launchpad view of your system's apps, discover the app and delete it. If y'all don't have Launchpad in your dock, you can find it in the Applications folder. Too, the Launchpad icon changed in macOS Large Sur: so if yous've updated, y'all've traded the silver circumvolve with a rockership for a filigree of squares.

Here's how to uninstall apps on a Mac from the App Shop:

How to uninstall apps on a Mac - launchpad — (Epitome credit: Apple)

Open Launchpad
Hold down on an icon
Click the X on an icon
Click Delete

How to uninstall apps on a Mac - delete — (Image credit: Apple)

How to uninstall apps on a Mac: Other apps

This is where things get tricky.

You should first await to see if the application yous're using has an uninstaller app on your system. It may appear in the aforementioned folder every bit the awarding, as Adobe Premiere Pro shares a binder with its uninstaller app. Alternatively, the Utilities folder within of the Applications folder may also house the uninstaller (this is how Logitech'southward LogiOptions works). If yous take such an option, that's a practiced way to remove an awarding.

Additionally, you can poke around in the menu bar tabs, looking for an Uninstall option. Of course, you lot could too go to the website for the app and run across if they have uninstall instructions.

If you don't observe such an selection, get AppCleaner from FreeMacSoft. It thoroughly removes applications, and all the pocket-size things programs could get out behind.

How to uninstall apps on a Mac - App Cleaner — (Image credit: Apple)

Visit this page to download AppCleaner for costless
Option the version that matches your Os (click the Apple icon > Nigh This Mac to cheque what macOS version you're running)
Motion AppCleaner to your Applications folder
Open AppCleaner
Drag an app icon from its Finder directory to AppCleaner (yous tin also click the top right icon in App cleaner and search manually)
Click Remove

How to uninstall apps on a Mac - app cleaner finish — (Epitome credit: Apple tree)

Of course, issues may arise and an application may fail to uninstall. In that case, contact the company that makes the app, and meet what they can tell y'all.

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Henry is a senior editor at Tom'southward Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past six-plus years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's as well covered the wild world of professional person wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.