The fastest way to delete an app on Mac
The simplest way to remove an application from your Mac is to drag it to the Trash from the Applications folder. Open Finder, click Applications in the sidebar, find the app you want to remove, drag it to the Trash icon in your dock, and empty the Trash. That removes the app itself, though some leftover files may remain on your computer.
If you want a more thorough removal that cleans up those leftover files, you can use the built-in uninstaller that some apps include, or you can manually find and delete the related files. Most people find the drag-to-Trash method sufficient for everyday use.
Key Takeaways
- Dragging an app to Trash from the Applications folder is the quickest removal method and works for most applications.
- Some apps include their own uninstaller program that removes the app and its related files more completely.
- Emptying the Trash after dragging an app there permanently deletes it from your Mac.
- Leftover preference files and support folders may remain after deletion, but they take up minimal space and do not affect performance.
- You can also delete apps through Launchpad or by right-clicking an app icon and selecting Move to Trash.
Deleting an app by dragging it to Trash
This is the method most people use because it takes about 10 seconds. Open Finder by clicking the Finder icon in your dock (the blue and white face icon). Click Applications in the left sidebar. Scroll through the list until you find the app you want to delete.
Click and hold on the app icon, then drag it to the Trash icon in your dock (usually at the right end of the dock). You will see the Trash icon highlight when you drag over it. Release the mouse button to drop the app into Trash. The app is now gone from your Applications folder, but it is still recoverable until you empty the Trash.
To permanently delete the app, right-click the Trash icon in your dock and select Empty Trash. Once you do this, the app cannot be recovered. If you change your mind before emptying the Trash, you can open Trash, find the app, and drag it back to the Applications folder.
Using an app's built-in uninstaller
Some applications come with their own uninstaller program that removes not just the app but also the supporting files it created. To learn about an app has one, open the Applications folder and look for a folder with the app's name. Double-click the folder to see what is inside.
If you see a file called Uninstall [App Name] or something similar, double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions. The uninstaller will walk you through removing the app and its related files. This method is more thorough than dragging to Trash, though most apps do not include an uninstaller.
If there is no uninstaller folder, the drag-to-Trash method is your standard option. Check the app's website or documentation if you are unsure whether an uninstaller exists.
Deleting apps through Launchpad
Launchpad is the grid view of all your apps that appears when you click the rocket icon in your dock. Open Launchpad and find the app you want to delete. Press and hold the app icon until all the icons start to jiggle and an X appears in the corner of each app icon.
Click the X on the app you want to remove. A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to delete the app. Click Delete to confirm. The app will be removed from Launchpad and from your Applications folder. This method works the same way as dragging to Trash — it removes the app but may leave behind some preference files.
To stop the icons from jiggling, click anywhere on the Launchpad background or press Escape on your keyboard.
What happens to files left behind after deletion
When you delete an app, Mac leaves behind small preference files and support folders in hidden locations. These files store settings the app used, like window size or login information. They take up very little space — usually just a few megabytes — and do not slow down your Mac or cause problems.
You do not need to find and delete these files unless you want a completely clean removal. If you do want to remove them, you can use the Finder's Go menu to navigate to the Library folder (hold Option and click Go in the menu bar, then click Library). Look for folders named after the app you deleted, usually in the Preferences or Application Support folders. Drag these folders to Trash.
Most people skip this step. The leftover files are harmless and hidden from view, so they will not clutter your Applications folder or slow your computer.
Removing apps you cannot find or cannot delete normally
If an app does not appear in your Applications folder, it may be installed in a different location or it may be a system app that Mac does not allow you to delete. Try searching for the app using Spotlight: press Command and Space, type the app's name, and see where Finder says it is located.
If the app is in a non-standard folder, you can still drag it to Trash the same way. If it is a system app (like Mail or Calendar), Mac will not let you delete it, and the delete option will not appear. These apps are part of macOS and cannot be removed, though you can hide them from view in Launchpad by pressing and holding the icon and selecting Remove from Launchpad.
If an app refuses to move to Trash and it is not a system app, the app may be running in the background. Open Activity Monitor (search for it in Spotlight), find the app in the list, click it, and click the X button at the top to force it to close. Then try dragging it to Trash again.
Reinstalling an app after deletion
If you delete an app and later want it back, you can reinstall it from the Mac App Store if you purchased it there, or from the app developer's website. Open the App Store, search for the app by name, and click the cloud icon with a down arrow to reinstall it. If you purchased it before, you will not be charged again.
For apps you downloaded from a developer's website, go back to that website, download the installer file, and run it. Your Mac will walk you through the installation process. Any preference files left behind from your previous installation will be used by the new installation, so your settings may be restored automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting an app from the Applications folder remove it completely?
Dragging an app to Trash removes it from the Applications folder and your dock, but small preference and support files remain in hidden folders. These files take up minimal space and cause no problems. If you want complete removal, you can manually delete these leftover files from the Library folder, though most people do not bother.
Can I recover an app after I empty the Trash?
Once you empty the Trash, the app is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered through normal Mac tools. If you purchased it from the App Store, you can reinstall it for free. If you downloaded it from a website, you will need to download it again from that source.
Why does an app refuse to move to Trash?
An app may be locked because it is currently running, because you do not have permission to delete it, or because it is a system app that Mac protects. Try force-quitting the app through Activity Monitor first. If it is a system app like Mail or Safari, Mac will not let you delete it.
Do I need to use an uninstaller program if the app has one?
Using an uninstaller is more thorough than dragging to Trash because it removes the app and its related files in one step. However, dragging to Trash works fine for most people. Use the uninstaller if the app's documentation recommends it or if you want the most complete removal possible.
Will deleting an app make my Mac run faster?
Deleting unused apps frees up storage space, which can help if your Mac is running low on disk space. However, simply having an app installed does not slow down your Mac unless it is actively running in the background. Deleting an app will not noticeably improve performance unless your storage is nearly full.