How to uninstall apps on Mac
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Kamso Oguejiofor-Abugu
Mac apps can usually be uninstalled in a few ways, but the best method depends on whether you want a quick removal or a more complete uninstall.
Finder and Launchpad are quick options for removing the main app. For a more complete uninstall, use the app’s official uninstaller or an app uninstaller like SmartClean to remove the app and its related files together.
This guide explains how to uninstall apps on Mac using Finder, Launchpad, built-in uninstallers, and SmartClean, plus what to do when an app won’t delete.
Which method should you use?
Use this table to choose the best uninstall method for your situation.
| If you want to… | Best method |
| Remove most Mac apps quickly | Move the app from the Applications folder to the Trash |
| Delete an App Store app | Use Launchpad if the app shows an X |
| Uninstall an app more completely from the start | Use SmartClean to remove the app and related files together |
| Remove apps that install extra components | Use the app’s built-in uninstaller, or use SmartClean if you want a cleaner uninstall from one place |
| Remove Adobe apps | Use Adobe Creative Cloud or Adobe’s official uninstaller |
| Remove an app that won’t delete | Close the app, restart your Mac, or check permissions |
What to do before you uninstall apps on Mac
Before uninstalling any app on your Mac, it helps to take a few quick precautions to avoid losing important data or running into issues later:
- Check if the app has its own uninstaller before using any other method.
- Back up important files or app data so you don’t accidentally lose projects, saved documents, or other information you may need later.
- Export settings or preferences in case you want to reinstall the app later and keep your original setup.
- Check whether the app is tied to a subscription, since uninstalling it does not automatically cancel recurring payments.
- Close the app completely before deleting it, because active background processes may prevent removal.
- Make sure you no longer need the app before emptying the Trash, especially if it contains files, settings, or data you haven’t backed up.
1. Use an app’s uninstaller (if it has one)
Some Mac apps come with their own uninstall tool, and using it is often the best way to remove the app as well as its support folders, preferences, and other files. This is especially common with larger apps that install additional components, such as antivirus software, VPNs, and productivity suites.
How to locate an app’s uninstaller
A good place to start is your Applications folder (you can get there quickly by pressing Command + Shift + A in Finder).
Look for a folder named after the app or a separate icon specifically for removal. You might see names like “[App Name] Uninstall” or “Remove [App Name].” Open that tool and follow the prompts; your Mac will likely ask for your password to confirm you want to delete the app.
If you can’t find the uninstaller in the Applications folder, try using Spotlight to search for it. Press Command + Space, type “uninstall” and see if any relevant tools appear in the list.
If you still can’t find it, try searching for it on the web. Be careful to use the official website from the company that makes the app, as unofficial download sites can sometimes include malware.
You may also come across suggestions for third-party uninstaller apps in the App Store. If an app provides its own uninstaller, that’s usually the best place to start because it’s designed to remove that app and its associated files.
If you want a simpler way to uninstall apps from one place, SmartClean in Intego ONE can remove an app and its related files together. For apps with their own official uninstallers, especially larger security, VPN, or productivity apps, the official uninstaller is still a good place to start.
2. Move an app to the Trash
For many apps, removing them is as simple as moving them to the Trash. This is the standard uninstall method for most apps that don’t include their own uninstaller.
Open Finder and press Command + Shift + A to open the Applications folder. From there, find the app and drag it to the Trash icon at the end of your Dock. You can also right-click the app and select Move to Trash from the menu.
You may need to enter your administrator password to confirm the change. After that, you can empty the Trash to remove the app from your Mac. To do this, right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
This removes the main app, but it may leave related files behind. If you want to remove the app and related files together, use SmartClean or the app’s official uninstaller instead.
Tip: If you’re already in the Applications folder in Finder, you can select an app and press Command + Delete to move it to the Trash without dragging it. You may be asked to enter your administrator password or use Touch ID to confirm the change.
3. Delete apps from Launchpad
You can also remove apps through Launchpad, which displays all the apps installed on your Mac. This approach is specifically for apps you’ve downloaded from the App Store.
Click the Launchpad icon in your Dock. If it isn’t there, press Command + Space and type “Launchpad.”
Once the grid opens, click and hold your cursor on any icon until the apps begin to shake. You will see a small “X” in the corner of the ones you can remove. Click that “X,” then confirm that you want to delete the app.
If an “X” doesn’t appear, the app was likely installed outside the App Store, uses a different uninstall method, or is required by macOS.
This removes the app itself, but saved settings, caches, and other related files may remain.
How to fully uninstall apps on Mac with SmartClean or an official uninstaller
If the app has its own uninstaller, that’s usually a good place to start, especially for apps that install extra components.
You can also use SmartClean in Intego ONE to remove an app and its related files together, instead of dragging the app to the Trash manually. Open Intego ONE, go to SmartClean, then choose App Uninstaller. Select the app you want to remove and follow the prompts. You don’t need to delete the app separately afterward.
If you’ve already deleted the app, some leftover files may still remain. You can check your Library folder manually if you’re comfortable doing so, but avoid deleting files you don’t recognize, as some are used by macOS or other apps.
How to uninstall apps on Mac that won’t delete
If the app still won’t close, open Activity Monitor. You can find it by searching with Spotlight. Look for any processes connected to the app, quit them, then try deleting the app again.
If macOS says you don’t have permission to delete the app, make sure you’re signed in with an administrator account. Sometimes, it may ask for your password before it allows an app to be deleted.
Some apps, especially security software, VPNs, and larger applications, may need their own uninstaller or a dedicated app uninstaller to remove them properly. If the app starts automatically when you log in, restart your Mac, then try uninstalling it again before opening the app.
How to uninstall apps on Mac that are locked
If macOS says an app is locked, the file may have been set to prevent accidental changes or deletion. You can usually fix this in Finder.
If the app appears to be part of macOS or you’re not sure what it does, confirm what it is before removing it. Some system apps and files are protected because macOS relies on them to work properly.
How to uninstall default apps on Mac
Some default Apple apps can be removed, but others are protected by macOS and can’t be uninstalled. If macOS doesn’t offer a delete option, it’s usually because the app is needed for your Mac to work properly.
For removable Apple apps, try Launchpad first. If the app shows an X, you can delete it the same way you would delete an App Store app. If there’s no X or delete option, don’t try to force it through Finder or by removing system files manually.
If you don’t use a protected app, you can still keep it out of the way. Remove it from the Dock, move it into a folder, or hide it from your usual workspace without affecting macOS.
How to uninstall Adobe apps on Mac
Adobe apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Acrobat are usually installed and managed through Adobe Creative Cloud. Because that main hub handles your license and updates, it’s also the best place to go when you want to uninstall a program.
Start by opening the Creative Cloud desktop app, then go to Apps > All Apps. Find the specific app you want to delete and select the three small dots for more options. Hit Uninstall and select Remove.
If you didn’t download the app through Creative Cloud, look for an uninstaller tool inside the application’s folder on your hard drive.
If you need to download an uninstaller, use Adobe’s official website rather than third-party download sites. Adobe’s own tools are designed to remove its apps and associated files more thoroughly than simply moving them to the Trash.
Frequently asked questions
Does deleting an app on Mac remove all its files?
In most cases, no. Deleting an app usually removes only the main application file. Related data such as caches, preferences, support files, and logs may still remain on your Mac. For a more complete uninstall, use the app’s official uninstaller or use SmartClean to remove the app and related files together.
Does uninstalling an app cancel its subscription?
No. Removing an app from your Mac doesn’t cancel any active subscriptions. You’ll need to cancel subscriptions separately through your account settings.
Why can’t I delete some apps from Launchpad or Finder?
Some built-in macOS apps can’t be removed, while other apps may not delete because they’re still running in the background. Make sure the app is fully exited, then try moving it to the Trash again.
What is the safest way to fully uninstall an app on Mac?
The safest way to fully uninstall an app is to use the app’s official uninstaller if it has one, or a trusted app uninstaller like SmartClean. These methods can remove the app and related files together, which is more complete than simply moving the app to the Trash.
Why is there no “X” to delete an app in Launchpad?
Apple only shows “X” for apps you got through the App Store. Apps downloaded directly from the website often use a different uninstall method, so they won’t display the “X” button in Launchpad.
Can I uninstall default Apple apps?
Some built-in Apple apps can be removed, while others are required by macOS and can’t be uninstalled. If an app doesn’t offer a delete option, it’s likely protected by the system. If you don’t use certain apps, you can remove them from the Dock or move them into a folder to keep them out of the way.
How do I uninstall Adobe apps on Mac?
Adobe apps can be uninstalled using the Creative Cloud desktop app or their official Adobe uninstaller. This helps remove the app more completely and can reduce leftover files.
