Delete or uninstall apps on Mac

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

How to delete or uninstall an app

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

  1. If the app is currently open, exit 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 you want to delete. Most apps can be found in your Applications folder, which you can open by clicking Applications in the sidebar of any Finder window. Or from the Go menu in the menu bar, choose Applications. You can also use Spotlight to 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 methods to move the app to the Bin:

    • Drag the app to the Bin.

    • Select the app. From the File menu in the menu bar, choose Move to Bin.

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

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

  7. You can now permanently delete the app and make its storage space available for other items: from the Finder menu in the menu bar, choose Empty Bin.

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 the app isn’t open. If necessary, restart your Mac or start up in Safe Mode, then try again.

Learn more

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