How to Uninstall Apps on the Mac

This article explains how to delete and uninstall apps on the Mac using several methods. Information covers Mac OS X Lion and later macOS versions.

Uninstall Apps Using the Trash Can

The easiest way to uninstall an app or program from your Mac is by using the trash can located on the Dock.

Drag the application from wherever it is located on your Mac and drop it on the trash can. When you empty the trash, your Mac deletes it.

Removing Apps With the Finder

The drag-and-drop method of deleting apps with the trash can doesn't work for all apps, but when you combine it with the Finder, you can delete almost any application. Here's how:

1. Open a Finder window by selecting File > New Finder Window in the Apple menu bar or by clicking the Finder icon on the Dock.

   

2. Click Applications in the left panel of the Finder window to view the installed applications on your computer.

   

3. Click the Application that you want to uninstall.

4. Click File from the drop-down menu in the upper-left corner of the screen.

5. Click Move to Trash.

   

6. Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock.

   How to Right-Click on a Mac

7. Click Empty Trash in the pop-up menu to remove the application from your Mac.

   

Uninstall Apps Using an Uninstaller

Certain apps may include an Uninstall tool inside their Application folder. In this case, you want to uninstall using that tool.

These are often large apps like Creative Cloud products from Adobe or Valve's Steam client. To ensure that they completely uninstall from your computer, use the uninstaller if it's included with the application. 

1. Open Finder window > click Applications to view all the apps on your Mac.

2. Click the application you want to uninstall. A folder opens to show its contents, including an Uninstall program if one exists.

3. Double-click the file entitled Uninstall inside the folder. 

   

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the application. The directions vary depending on the program you're deleting.

Uninstall Apps Using Launchpad

Another option for uninstalling apps on a Mac is by using the Launchpad. This is an easy no-fuss way to uninstall the programs that you purchase from the App Store. 

1. Click the Launchpad icon on Dock. 

   

2. Locate the app you want to delete by entering its name in the search field at the top of the screen or by scrolling the pages of the Launchpad.

   

3. Click and hold the app until all the apps start to shake. 

4. When the icon starts shaking, click the X that appears next to it. 

   If there is no X next to the app, you can't delete it through the launchpad. It may be required by the operating system or have an uninstall option you need to use.

5. Click Delete to confirm the app's removal.