How to Delete Apps on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction

Deleting apps on a Mac sounds like an easy task, but if done improperly, it can leave behind unwanted files and take up valuable space. Often, simply dragging the app to the trash bin may not be enough to fully remove the app and all its associated files. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to safely delete apps on a Mac in different ways so that you can free up space and keep your Mac running smoothly.

II. How to Delete Apps on a Mac Using the Drag-and-Drop Method

The most common method to delete an app on a Mac is by using the drag-and-drop method. Here are the steps:

1. Find the app you want to delete in the Applications folder (or on Launchpad).
2. Click and hold the app icon, then drag it to the Trash Bin on your Dock.
3. Right-click on the Trash Bin and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the app.

When the app gets moved to the Trash Bin, it may leave behind some temporary files or caches, but these files are usually small and not harmful to your computer.

III. Advantages of Using Uninstaller Apps to Delete Apps on a Mac

If you want to make sure that a deleted app and its associated files are completely removed, you can use uninstaller apps. These apps are designed to find all the files related to the app and delete them. Here are some benefits of using uninstaller apps:

• More complete removal of the app and its associated files
• Faster than manual deletion
• Safer, since there’s less of a chance of accidentally deleting important files

Here are some recommended uninstaller apps and how to use them:

• AppCleaner: Download and open AppCleaner, then drag the app you want to delete to the AppCleaner window. AppCleaner will find all the app’s files and give you the option to delete them.
• CleanMyMac X: Download and open CleanMyMac X, then select “Uninstaller” from the left menu. Select the app you want to delete and click “Uninstall.” CleanMyMac X will find and delete all the app’s files.

IV. Deleting Mac Apps that Launch on Startup

Some apps may automatically launch when you start your computer, which can slow down your startup time and use up system resources. To prevent this from happening, you can delete apps from the Login Items list in System Preferences. Here’s how:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Select “Users & Groups.”
3. Click on your username, then select “Login Items.”
4. Select the app you want to delete from the list, then click the “-” button to remove it from the list.

Preventing apps from launching on startup can speed up your computer and reduce the number of resources the app uses.

V. Types of Files That Can Be Left Behind When Deleting an App on a Mac

When you delete an app on a Mac, you may be left with several types of files, such as preferences, cache files, and support files. These files can take up space and slow down your computer. Here’s a rundown of the types of files:

• Preferences: These files store information about how you configured the app, such as settings and saved preferences.
• Cache Files: These files store temporary data that the app requires to run.
• Support Files: These files can include logs, plugins, and other data that the app needs to function.

If you want to find and delete these files manually, here’s how:

1. Open Finder and press “Shift + Command + G” to open the “Go to Folder” window.
2. Type in “~/Library” and press “Go.”
3. Open the “Application Support” folder and delete any files related to the app you want to delete.
4. Open the “Preferences” folder and delete any files related to the app you want to delete.
5. Open the “Caches” folder and delete any files related to the app you want to delete.
6. Empty the Trash Bin to permanently delete the files.

VI. Comparison of Manual Deletion to Using Clean-Up Apps Like CleanMyMac X

While you can manually delete app files, it can be time-consuming and difficult to know which files are safe to delete. Clean-up apps like CleanMyMac X make it easier to delete apps and associated files safely. Here are some benefits of using CleanMyMac X:

• Finds and deletes files that are safe to remove
• Can be used to delete app plugins, widgets, and other associated files
• Provides a complete cleaning of your Mac, including system junk and other unused files

Compared to manual deletion, CleanMyMac X is faster and safer, and it can keep your Mac running smoothly.

VII. How to Permanently Delete a Mac App

When you delete an app and empty the Trash Bin, the app and its files may still be recoverable. This can be a security risk if you’re deleting sensitive files. To permanently delete an app, you can securely empty the Trash Bin or use a terminal command. Here’s how:

1. Click and hold the Trash Bin on the Dock, then select “Secure Empty Trash.”
2. Alternatively, you can use a terminal command to permanently empty the Trash Bin. Open Terminal and type in “sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/*”, then press “Enter.”

Permanently deleting an app can reduce the risk of your sensitive data being recovered.

VIII. Conclusion

Deleting apps on a Mac can be simple, but to do it safely and completely, you may need to use different methods. You can use the drag-and-drop method, uninstaller apps, and clean-up apps like CleanMyMac X to delete apps and associated files. You can also prevent apps from launching on startup and find and delete related files manually. By using these methods, you can keep your Mac running smoothly and reduce the risk of sensitive data being recovered.

If you need additional help deleting an app or its associated files, you can consult Apple support or a Mac specialist.