Remove Apps on a Mac.. Usually, removing an application on the Mac requires dragging the app to the Trash. This article provides three methods for deleting stubborn apps that refuse to be removed.
Use an Uninstaller to Delete an App on a Mac
When installing apps on your Mac, the usual method involves using an installer program that is included with the app download. Just like a computer scientist, you can utilize an uninstaller to effectively remove an application, particularly if it’s being stubborn and refusing to delete.
There are two types of uninstallers available: those that are bundled with specific applications and can only remove those particular apps, and all-purpose uninstallers that have the capability to remove any application.
If the app you wish to remove contains an uninstaller, you will locate the uninstaller within the app’s designated folder. Just open the uninstaller and carefully follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
If the app you wish to remove does not come with an uninstaller, you can utilize a third-party tool. In this case, we will be using AppCleaner, although there are various other reliable uninstaller options for Mac users. Here are the steps to follow:
1.After the installation is complete, go ahead and open AppCleaner.
2. Please follow the instructions provided to uninstall an application. To complete the process, simply drag the app from the Applications folder onto the uninstaller window.
3. Carefully examine all the files that are going to be removed. Deleting apps in this manner is highly efficient as it ensures the complete removal of not only the app itself, but also all associated files scattered throughout your Mac. This includes preference and configuration files that may have gone unnoticed.
4.Click on the “Remove” button to delete the app.
Use the Mac’s Terminal App to Delete an App
If you’re facing difficulty in removing an app with an uninstaller, there’s an alternative solution available: utilizing the Terminal. This task demands a certain level of technical expertise and is not suitable for beginners, but it can be accomplished.
Removing applications using the Terminal app is straightforward and efficient. Nevertheless, there is an element of risk involved; errors have the potential to create significant issues for your computer. Exercise caution when selecting this option.
If you want to delete a troublesome app using the Terminal’s command line, here’s what you need to do:
1. navigate to your Mac’s Applications folder. Once there, locate the Utilities folder and open it. Look for an application called Terminal and double-click on it to launch it.
2. Enter the command “sudo rm -rf” to remove the specified files or directories.
Tip: According to other sources, you can use the command “sudo uninstall file://” to delete apps. That is incorrect. This command is not compatible with Macs.
Step 3: Move the app you wish to remove from your Applications folder and drop it onto the Terminal window. To delete the app, you need to provide the app’s location on your Mac to the Terminal app.
Step 4: Press the Return key.
5. Please provide the password you use to access your computer.
The file has been removed. There is no indication or verification; it has simply disappeared.
Remember that not all applications on your Mac can be uninstalled using the command line. Additionally, it solely removes the application without affecting any accompanying files. If you’re unable to delete the app using this method, you can explore alternative options mentioned in this article.
How to Delete an App That Won’t Close on a Mac
At times, it can be challenging to remove an app from your Mac when it’s still running and doesn’t respond to the usual methods of closing. If you want to quit the app and delete it, there are two methods you can use.
To close an app that refuses to shut down, you can utilize the Force Quit menu. To quit an app, follow these steps: Click on the Apple menu, then select Force Quit. Choose the app you want to quit from the list, and click Force Quit.
If that doesn’t work, then the application is still experiencing issues and requires a more robust solution. That’s where the Activity Monitor comes in.
Activity Monitor is a handy utility that is included with macOS. It provides you with a comprehensive view of all the apps, processes, services, and other activities happening on your computer. It even reveals the hidden background tasks that are meant to stay out of sight. In addition, it offers a robust tool for force quitting applications.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to utilize it:
1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor. Double click on the app to launch it.
2. Browse through the running processes or search for the name of the app that is refusing to close. It will probably be displayed in red and show “Not Responding” next to it.
3. Select the desired app to close by highlighting its row, and then click on the X icon.
4. Select the option to Force Quit.
Please close the app now. Attempt to remove it using the typical procedures or utilize an uninstaller as outlined in the initial section.
Here are two additional troubleshooting tips that you might find helpful: restarting your Mac and making sure you have installed any available macOS updates. Both of these options may not provide a direct solution to an app that refuses to delete, but they are effective troubleshooting methods for various issues and are worth attempting if other solutions have failed.
