Forum Discussion
How to delete apps on mac that won't delete?
Okay, this is driving me a bit crazy!
Trying to clean up my Mac, but a few apps just won't delete. I drag them to Trash, and either nothing happens or they come back after restart. Some even say they’re in use when I'm pretty sure they're not. What is the proper way to delete apps on mac that won't delete? Any simple steps would help a lot!
Not super technical, so not sure if this is a permissions issue, background process, or something else. I just want these stubborn apps gone completely so I can free up space.
Using a MacBook Air (M4, macOS).
8 Replies
- NoahWangIron Contributor
For completely deleting apps on mac without leaving any leftover files, app uninstaller does this job much better than manual uninstall.
- LawrenceppCopper Contributor
If you already use Node.js/npm, this is an obscure command-line tool that scans your Mac for applications and related support files. To completely delete apps on Mac, using CleanMac is an effective method. CleanMac is a dedicated cleaning tool designed to help you remove applications along with all their associated files and data. Here's how you can use CleanMac to achieve a thorough deletion:
To completely delete an app on Mac, you'll typically need to follow these steps:
1.) Launch the CleanMyMac application on your Mac.
2.) Navigate to the 'Cleanup' or 'Uninstaller' section, depending on the version you're using.
3.) Select the unwanted app you wish to delete from the list of available options.
4.) Click the 'Uninstall' or 'Remove' button to initiate the deletion process.
5.) Confirm that you want to delete the app and its associated files.
Once the process is complete, you can be confident that the app has been completely deleted from your Mac, along with any data it created during its usage. This approach helps maintain the overall health and performance of your Mac, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.
- BrycenninBrass Contributor
How to delete apps on Mac? you may want to explore a more manual approach. Manual Finder Cleanup is a straightforward method for removing apps and associated files from your Mac.
Manual Finder Cleanup: How to delete apps on Mac
1. Locate the App Folder: Open the Finder and navigate to the Applications folder, which is usually found in the dock or by clicking on the Go menu and selecting Applications. Find the app you want to delete and note its location.
2. Identify Associated Files: Look for the app's associated files, usually located in the following directories:
/Library/Application Support/: Preference files and other support data.
/Library/Preferences/: Configuration files and settings.
~/Library/Application Support/: User-specific preference files.
3. Delete the App: Right-click (or control-click) on the app and select Move to Trash to delete it.
4. Remove Associated Files: Manually search for and delete the associated files you identified in step 2. You can also use the Finder's search function to locate these files and remove them.
5. Empty the Trash: After deleting the app and associated files, right-click (or control-click) on the Trash icon in the dock and select Empty Trash to permanently remove them.
Tips for a Complete Cleanup:
Make sure to remove any associated files and folders to prevent the app from reappearing.
If the app has a companion file, such as a preferences file, delete it as well.
If you're unsure about deleting a particular file or folder, you can always skip it and consult online resources for further guidance.
- SawyeryoIron Contributor
When you need to completely delete apps on Mac, you may encounter stubborn apps that won't budge. In such cases, a reliable tool can help you safely and permanently remove them. One such tool is the App Eraser.
App Eraser is a free, user-friendly tool that allows you to completely delete apps on Mac. It's designed to remove apps and their associated files, including preferences, support files, and other remnants that might be left behind. This tool is especially useful for apps that won't delete normally or are stuck in the Trash.
How to Use App Eraser:
- Download and Install: Get the App Eraser software from a reliable source and install it on your Mac.
- Select the App: Choose the app you want to delete completely.
- Confirm Deletion: Review the list of files and folders that will be deleted, and confirm that you want to proceed with the deletion.
- App Eraser Takes Care of the Rest: The tool will remove the selected app and its associated files, leaving no remnants behind.
Benefits of Using App Eraser:
- Thorough Deletion: App Eraser ensures that all associated files and folders are deleted, leaving no clutter behind.
- No More "In Use" Messages: With App Eraser, you won't encounter "in use" messages when trying to delete apps.
- Free and Easy to Use: This tool is completely free and easy to use, even for those who are new to Mac.
- GiovanninimCopper Contributor
Let's talk about Pearcleaner and how to delete apps on Mac. If you want to delete apps on your Mac, you might have come across Pearcleaner. This tool helps you manage your installed apps and clean up your Mac by removing unnecessary apps and related files.
What Pearcleaner Does
Pearcleaner performs the following tasks:
1. App Uninstaller: The tool allows you to uninstall apps, including those that don't have a built-in uninstaller.
2. App Cleaner: Pearcleaner can also clean up app leftovers, such as preference files, caches, and logs, which can help free up storage space on your Mac.
3. System Cleanup: The tool can detect and remove system junk files, such as system logs and crash reports, to help optimize your Mac's performance.
How to delete apps on Mac:
To use Pearcleaner, follow these steps:
1. Download and install Pearcleaner from the official website.
2. Launch the tool and select the apps you want to uninstall or clean up.
3. Choose the types of files you want to remove, such as preference files, caches, and logs.
4. Review the list of files to be removed and confirm the cleanup process.
5. Restart your Mac to complete the cleanup process.
Note: Be cautious when using any app uninstaller or cleanup tool, as it can potentially delete important files. Always review the list of files to be removed before confirming the cleanup process.
- BoboinIron Contributor
This is a great way to delete apps on mac that won't delete without any extra software. It essentially lets you spot and shut down hidden background processes that are blocking deletion in just a few simple steps, allowing you to immediately remove the blockage and take action to uninstall the stubborn app.
Usage Guide: Open Activity Monitor from the Applications → Utilities folder. In the top-right search bar, type the name of the app you want to delete. If any related processes appear in the list, select all of them, click the Stop (X) button at the top of the window, and choose "Force Quit" to fully terminate every background task associated with the app. This method requires no software installation and swiftly helps you clearly follow delete apps on mac that won't delete, effectively resolving the issue of apps that can't be uninstalled normally due to running background processes.
It is particularly useful for troubleshooting stubborn app uninstalls, closing hidden background processes that prevent deletion, and ensuring a smooth uninstall of software that won't move to the Trash.
- EorkuIron Contributor
Using the Terminal, a powerful native method, can help delete apps on mac that won't delete; it is particularly useful for stubborn software that cannot be uninstalled via standard graphical methods.
Step 1: Open Terminal: Go to the Applications → Utilities folder to launch the tool
Step 2: Enter the command: `cd /Applications/` to navigate to the Applications directory
Step 3: Enter `ls` to list all applications and confirm the exact name of the target application
Step 4: Enter: `sudo rm -rf AppName.app`, replacing `AppName` with the actual name of the application
Step 5: Enter your Mac login password to complete the forced deletion
Please be aware that this command will permanently delete the files outright; they will not be moved to the Trash. By using Terminal to close a programme’s deep-seated files, you can fully delete apps on mac that won't delete, thereby resolving various tricky uninstallation issues on your Mac.
Pros
- Can force the permanent deletion of locked, hidden or stubborn programmes, effectively removing applications that cannot be uninstalled on a Mac.
- Completely removes core files and residual folders, leaving no caches to take up storage space.
- Suitable for applications that cannot be dragged to the Trash or where standard uninstallation methods have failed.
Cons
- High operational risk; incorrect commands or names will permanently delete important system files.
- The `sudo rm -rf` command bypasses the Trash, making it difficult to recover deleted data.
- You must verify the application’s full name; incorrect input may result in operation failure or accidental deletion.
- bonirlBronze Contributor
This handy method for force-quitting applications can help you remove Mac applications that cannot be completely uninstalled, thereby resolving the common issue where applications continue to run in the background and prevent them from being deleted:
How to delete apps on mac that won't delete
1. On your Mac, press the Command + Option + Esc shortcut keys
2. In the Force Quit Applications pop-up window, browse the list and locate the target application
3. Select the application, then click the Force Quit button to close all its running processes
4. Wait a few seconds to allow the background processes to close completely
5. Go to the Applications folder and try deleting the application again
Closing all hidden running programs thoroughly removes the main blockage, letting you easily delete apps on mac that won't delete and clear stubborn software files smoothly.