Our Macs are workhorses, but sometimes, they get overloaded with apps we no longer use. These unused apps can not only clutter your Launchpad but also gobble up precious storage space. So, it’s important to learn how to uninstall them properly. Here’s a breakdown of how to remove apps from your MacBook Air, Pro, or any other macOS device:
1. The Classic Method: Using Launchpad
Launchpad is like your Mac’s app drawer. It’s the quickest way to remove apps you downloaded from the App Store. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Launchpad: Click on the rocket ship icon in your Dock, or swipe up with three fingers on your trackpad (if you have a Force Touch trackpad).
- Find the App: If you have a lot of apps, use the search bar at the top to find the one you want to remove. You can also swipe left or right with two fingers to switch between pages.
- Get Jiggy with It: Hold down the Option key (or click and hold any app icon) until all the apps start wiggling. Now you’ll see little “x”s appear in the top left corner of each app.
- Click and Confirm: Click the “x” next to the app you want to uninstall. A confirmation dialog box will pop up – click “Delete” to confirm.
2. Finder’s Finest: Removing Apps from the Applications Folder
Launchpad is great for downloaded apps, but some apps, especially those downloaded from websites, might not show up there. This is where Finder comes in. Finder is your Mac’s file management system, and it’s another way to remove apps. Here’s how:
- Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in your Dock (it looks like a blue happy face).
- Navigate to Applications: In the left sidebar of any Finder window, look for the “Applications” folder and click on it. This is where most apps are stored.
- Drag and Drop: Locate the app you want to remove. Drag and drop it onto the Trash icon in the Dock. Alternatively, you can right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash.”
- Empty the Trash: Don’t forget to empty the Trash! Uninstalled apps sit in the Trash until you empty it. To do this, right-click on the Trash icon and select “Empty Trash.”
3. Digging Deeper: Removing Leftover App Files (Optional)
While the methods above remove the main app itself, sometimes leftover files and preferences can linger on your Mac. This isn’t always a bad thing, but if you’re looking for a super clean uninstall, you can try this (be careful, though, as you might accidentally delete important files):
- Open Finder: Just like before, open Finder.
- Go to Library: This step is hidden by default. Click on “Go” in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Then, hold down the Option key (⌥) and select “Library” from the dropdown menu.
- Search and Destroy (Carefully): Library contains various folders related to your Mac’s settings and apps. Look for folders with names that might be related to the app you just uninstalled. Here are some common locations:
- ~/Library/Application Support
- ~/Library/Caches
- ~/Library/Preferences
- Be Wary: Do not delete anything unless you’re absolutely sure what it is. If you’re unsure about a file or folder, it’s best to leave it alone.
4. Special Cases: Uninstalling Built-in Apps and Uninstalling with Uninstallers
Built-in Apps: Most built-in macOS apps cannot be uninstalled using the traditional methods. However, you can disable them using System Preferences.
Uninstallers: Some apps, especially those downloaded from outside the App Store, might come with their own uninstallers. These uninstallers can be found within the application folder itself, or they might be separate files. Look for an “Uninstall” or “Uninstaller” application and follow the on-screen instructions.
Bonus Tip: Keeping Your Mac Tidy
Uninstalling unused apps is a great way to free up space and keep your Mac organized. Here’s a quick tip:
- Review Regularly: Take some time every few months to go through your apps and remove any that you no longer use.
By following these simple steps, you can easily uninstall apps from your Mac and keep your device running smoothly. Remember, a clean Mac is a happy Mac
