In this article, we will show you how to delete apps on Mac to free up space and keep your system organized.

How to delete applications on Mac – If you’ve got a Mac, chances are you’ve accumulated quite a few apps over time. Some of them you use regularly, while others may just be taking up valuable space on your hard drive.

If you’re looking to free up some storage or just tidy up your Mac, you might be wondering how to delete apps on Mac effectively. Well, you’re in the right place!

how to delete apps on Mac – Here we will show you how to uninstall apps on a Mac, whether they’re from the App Store, third-party apps, or those pesky apps that don’t want to go away.

Why Should You Delete Apps on Your Mac?

Before we dive into the details of how to delete apps, let’s quickly talk about why it’s a good idea. Deleting unused apps:

1. Frees up storage space – Over time, apps take up more room than you might realize, and deleting the ones you no longer use can free up valuable storage on your Mac.
2. Improves system performance – Fewer apps running in the background means less strain on your Mac’s resources, which can make your computer run faster.
3. Helps with organization – A cluttered desktop or application folder can make it harder to find the apps you actually use. Cleaning things up leads to a more organized workspace!

Now that we’ve established the why, let’s explore how to delete apps on a Mac.

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How to Delete Apps on Mac: The Quick and Easy Ways

Follow the steps below to learn how to delete an app on Mac.

1. Using Launchpad (For Apps from the Mac App Store)

If you’ve installed an app from the Mac App Store, the easiest way to delete it is through Launchpad. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Launchpad – You can find Launchpad in your Dock or by using the F4 key (depending on your Mac model).
2. Find the App – Scroll through your apps or type the app name in the search bar at the top of the screen.
3. Click and Hold – Once you find the app you want to delete, click and hold its icon until all the icons start shaking.
4. Click the X Button – If it’s an app installed from the App Store, you’ll see a small X appear on the top-left corner of the app icon. Click this X to delete the app.
5. Confirm Deletion – A confirmation message will pop up. Click Delete, and the app will be uninstalled.

It’s that simple! However, if the app doesn’t have the X button, it may not be from the App Store or could be a system app.

2. Using Finder (For Any App)

For apps that were installed outside the App Store, you can delete them using Finder:

1. Open Finder – Click on the Finder icon in your Dock to open a Finder window.
2. Go to Applications – On the left sidebar of Finder, click on Applications to see all the apps installed on your Mac.
3. Drag the App to the Trash – Find the app you want to delete, then drag its icon to the Trash bin in the Dock. Alternatively, you can right-click on the app and select Move to Trash.
4. Empty the Trash – To permanently delete the app, you need to empty the Trash. Right-click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash, or you can go to Finder in the menu bar and select Empty Trash.

This method works for most apps, but it might leave behind some residual files.

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3. Using a Third-Party Uninstaller (For a Cleaner Removal)

If you want to ensure that no leftover files or settings remain after you delete an app, using a third-party uninstaller can be helpful. Apps like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac are popular choices.

Here’s how to use AppCleaner:

1. Download and Install AppCleaner – Go to the AppCleaner website, download the app, and install it.
2. Open AppCleaner – Launch the app from your Applications folder.
3. Drag the App into AppCleaner – Drag the app you want to delete into the AppCleaner window. AppCleaner will search for all related files and settings.
4. Click Remove – After the scan, click Remove to delete the app and all its associated files.

This method is perfect if you want a thorough cleanup, especially for apps that leave behind caches, preferences, and other files.

4. Using the Terminal (For Advanced Users)

For those who are comfortable using the Terminal app, it’s also possible to delete apps via the command line. This method should be used with caution, as deleting the wrong files can potentially harm your system.

Here’s a quick guide:

1. Open Terminal – Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

2. Enter the Command – Type the following command to remove an app (replace “AppName” with the actual name of the app you want to remove):

   bash

   Copy

   sudo rm -rf /Applications/AppName.app


3. Press Enter – After entering the command, press Enter. You may be prompted to enter your admin password to confirm the action.

Again, use this method with care, as it bypasses the usual safety nets and can permanently delete files.

See Also: 3 Ways to Right Click on a Mac without Mouse

What Happens After Deleting an App?

Once you’ve deleted an app, whether via the App Store, Finder, or another method, the app will no longer appear in your Applications folder. However, as we mentioned earlier, certain apps might leave behind residual files (preferences, cache, etc.), which is why using a third-party uninstaller can be beneficial for a cleaner removal.

Conclusion: Deleting Apps Made Simple

Whether you’re clearing up space on your Mac or just organizing your apps, knowing how to delete apps on Mac is an essential skill. From using Launchpad for App Store apps to utilizing Finder for third-party apps, there are multiple ways to remove unwanted programs. If you want to go the extra mile, consider using a third-party tool to remove any leftover files for a thorough cleanup.

Now that you know how to delete apps on your Mac, it’s time to take control of your storage and streamline your system! Don’t forget to regularly review your apps and uninstall the ones you no longer use to keep your Mac running smoothly.

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