How to Completely Uninstall Apps on Mac

Want to thoroughly remove an application from your Mac, ensuring no associated files are left behind to clutter your system? Simply dragging an app icon to the Trash might not be enough. This comprehensive guide will show you how to completely uninstall apps on your Mac, including those often-hidden supporting files.

Why Completely Uninstall Apps?

When you just drag an application to the Trash, you’re primarily removing the main application bundle. However, many apps install additional files in various locations on your Mac, such as:

• Preferences files: These store your personalized settings for the app.
• Cache files: Temporary data that the app uses to run faster.
• Support files: Libraries and other resources the app relies on.

Leaving these files behind can take up valuable disk space and, in some cases, even cause conflicts with other applications. A complete uninstall ensures a clean removal.

Step 1: Finding the Application

First, locate the application you want to uninstall.

1. Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in your Dock (the smiling blue face).
2. Search for the App: In the Finder window, use the search bar in the top right corner. Type the name of the application you want to uninstall (e.g., “VLC”).
3. Identify the Main Application: You’ll likely see the application bundle in the search results.

Step 2: Searching for Associated Files (Including Hidden System Files)

This is where we go beyond a simple drag-and-drop to the Trash. We’ll use Finder’s advanced search to look for all files related to the application.

1. Initiate a New Search: If your previous search results are still visible, click the “+” button at the top right of the Finder window, next to the “Save” button. If not, start a new search for the application name as described in Step 1.
2. Filter by Name:
   • In the first dropdown menu (usually labeled “Kind”), select “Name”.
   • In the next dropdown menu (usually labeled “contains”), ensure it says “contains”.
   • In the text field next to it, type the name of the application (e.g., “VLC”).
3. Include System Files: To find those often-hidden supporting files:
   • Click the “+” button again.
   • In the first dropdown menu, select “Kind” and then choose “Other…” from the bottom of the list.
   • In the search field that appears, type “System files” and select it from the results. Click “OK”.
   • A new dropdown menu will appear. Make sure it is set to “are included”. This ensures that system files related to the application are included in your search results.
4. Review the Search Results: Now, carefully examine the list of files that appear. They should all contain the name of the application you’re uninstalling. You might see preference files (often ending in .plist), cache folders, support files, and more.

Step 3: Moving All Associated Files to the Trash

Once you’ve reviewed the search results and are confident that the listed files are indeed related to the application you want to uninstall:

1. Select All Files: Press Command + A (⌘ + A) to select all the files in the search results window.
2. Drag to the Trash: Click and drag the selected files to the Trash icon in your Dock.

Step 4: Emptying the Trash

Moving the files to the Trash doesn’t permanently delete them. To completely uninstall the application and its associated files:

1. Open the Trash: Click on the Trash icon in your Dock.
2. Empty the Trash: In the Finder menu at the top of your screen, click on Finder and then select “Empty Trash…”.
3. Confirm Deletion: A dialog box will appear asking if you’re sure you want to permanently erase the items in the Trash. Click “Empty Trash” to confirm.

Important Considerations:

• Be Careful: Double-check the names of the files before deleting them to avoid accidentally removing important system files or files belonging to other applications.
• Application-Specific Uninstallers: Some applications come with their own dedicated uninstallers. Check the application’s website or installation folder for an “Uninstall” application. These uninstallers are often designed to remove all associated files automatically. Using these is generally the safest and most recommended method when available.
• Third-Party Uninstall Utilities: Several third-party applications are available that can help you uninstall apps and their associated files more easily. These tools often scan your system for related files and offer a more user-friendly interface.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can ensure a more thorough uninstall of applications on your Mac, helping to keep your system clean and running efficiently.