Delete or uninstall apps on Mac

Deleting or uninstalling an app removes it from your Mac and makes the storage space it was using available for other items.

How to delete or uninstall an app

Deleting an app doesn't remove any documents or other files that you may have created with the app. It also doesn't cancel any subscription that you may have purchased with the app.

  1. If the app is currently open, quit the app before continuing.

  2. Switch to the Finder, such as by clicking your desktop or clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.

  3. Find the app that you want to delete. Most apps are in your Applications folder, which you can open by clicking Applications in the sidebar of any Finder window. Or choose Go > Applications from the menu bar in the Finder. You can also use Spotlight find and show the location of the app.

  4. Some apps come with a separate uninstaller app, which usually includes "Uninstall" or "Uninstaller" in the name. If your app has an uninstaller, it’s usually in the same folder as the app itself. In that case, open the uninstaller and follow its instructions to remove the app from your Mac.

  5. If your app did not come with an uninstaller, use any of these ways to move the app to the Trash:

    • Drag the app to the Trash.

    • Select the app and choose File > Move to Trash from the menu bar.

    • Select the app and press Command-Delete on your keyboard.

  6. If you're asked for a user name and password, enter the name and password of an administrator account on your Mac. This is usually the name and password that you use to log in to your Mac.

  7. To permanently delete the app and make its storage space available for other items, choose Finder > Empty Trash from the menu bar.

If you can't delete the app

  • You can't use the Finder to delete apps that are required by your Mac. This includes many apps that are installed by macOS, such as Mail, Music, Books, Notes, Podcasts, Maps, News, and Stocks.

  • If you can't delete an app because your Mac says that it's in use, make sure that the app isn't open. If necessary, restart your Mac or start up in Safe Mode, then try again.

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