Buzz
Fast methods to uninstall any stubborn app from your Mac or MacBook
Struggling with an app that won’t uninstall on your Mac? If Launchpad can’t remove it, try using Finder or Terminal instead. Here’s how to wipe apps that just won’t go.
Getting Rid of Apps That Refuse to Uninstall on Mac
Before deleting any app, make sure it’s closed by Force Quitting it. Find the app using Finder, drag it to the Trash, then click Finder in the top menu and select Empty Trash to finalize.
Instructions
Deleting Apps via Launchpad
Select the Launchpad icon. It looks like a grid of colorful squares on your Dock.
- This method is effective for apps downloaded from the App Store. For apps installed elsewhere, use Finder instead.
Press and hold the app you wish to remove. The icon will begin to wiggle, just like on an iPhone.
Click the x. This will appear in the corner of the app.
- Clicking it will uninstall the app immediately.
Deleting Apps via Finder
Launch Finder. It’s available on your Dock.
- If the x button is missing when trying to delete an app, it likely came from outside the App Store. Use Finder to remove these types of apps.
- Ensure the app is not running before attempting to delete it.
- Core apps like Mail, Music, and Books cannot be removed from your Mac.
Find the app you wish to remove. Most are in the Applications folder unless saved elsewhere manually.
Move the app to the Trash. Alternatively, highlight the app, then go to File > Delete, or press Command + Delete.
- You might need to enter your admin credentials to proceed.
Click Finder. You'll find this in the upper menu bar.
Choose Empty Trash. This final step removes the app completely.
Removing Apps via Terminal
Launch Terminal. Click the Launchpad icon, type "terminal," and select it from the results.
- You can also open Terminal by navigating through Finder > Applications > Utilities.
Enter sudo uninstall file:// and hit ⏎ Return. This will initiate the command.
Drag the app's icon into the Terminal window. This action automatically fills in the app's file path.
Press ⏎ Return. This will execute the command.
Type your administrator password. After entering it, Terminal will proceed to delete the application.
Fixing Issues
Look for a built-in Uninstaller. If the app was downloaded from a third-party source, its folder might include an Uninstaller. Open the folder and launch it.
- This will completely remove the app and all related files.
Ensure the app is not running. If it's active, the uninstall won't work. Open the Force Quit menu to close it.
- Click the Apple logo and choose Force Quit.
- Select the app from the list and hit Force Quit.
Restart your computer. If you're still having trouble, rebooting your Mac might resolve the issue. Then try removing the app again.
