How to Delete or Uninstall Apps on MacBook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there! 🌟 Do you have some old apps on your Mac that you don’t use anymore? Getting rid of them can make your Mac work like it’s brand new again! This is super important, especially if you have a naughty app causing problems. So, let’s dive into some easy ways to get rid of those apps and make sure we don’t leave anything behind!

How to Uninstall Apps on a Mac Using Trash

One super easy way to remove an app is by using the Trash. Just imagine the app is like a crumbled piece of paper you want to throw away!

Steps to Use the Trash:

1. Open Finder: Look for a half-gray, half-blue face icon on your Dock and click it.
2. Go to Applications: On the left side, you’ll see “Applications”. Click it! Or, you can press Command + Shift + A on your keyboard all at the same time to open it.
3. Drag the App to the Trash: Find the app you don’t want anymore, click it and drag it to the Trash icon on your Dock.
4. Empty the Trash: Right-click on the Trash bin and choose “Empty Trash”. If you’re using a trackpad, press the Control key and click on the Trash icon.

👉 Remember: This method mainly gets rid of the app but might leave some tiny files behind. These little leftover files are usually no big deal, but sometimes they can be troublesome.

I know, it might seem a bit strange to talk about emptying the trash, but it’s important! When you throw something into the trash bin in real life, it stays there until you take the trash out, right? It’s the same with your Mac. If you don’t empty the trash, the app is still there, just hiding in the bin. So, make sure to take out the digital trash to keep your Mac happy and healthy!

Dragging the app to the trash is like throwing away the main piece of trash, but sometimes tiny bits can be left behind. It’s like when you have a sticker, and you peel it off, but it leaves some sticky residue behind. These little bits are usually harmless, but sometimes they can contain naughty bits that can cause problems, so it’s good to make sure everything is cleaned up properly!

How to Uninstall Apps On a Mac Using 3rd-Party Uninstallers

Did you know there are some cool apps that can help you clean up other apps from your Mac, making sure nothing is left behind? Let’s learn how to use them to keep our Macs clean and happy!

Using a Special Cleaner App

If you want to make absolutely sure that you remove every part of an app you don’t want, you can use a special cleaning app like App Cleaner. It’s like a super cleaner for your Mac!

Steps to Use App Cleaner:

1. Download App Cleaner: Visit the AppCleaner website and download the app. It’s free! Make sure to pick the version that matches your macOS.
2. Install App Cleaner: Find the downloaded file in your Downloads folder and open it. If you want to keep App Cleaner, drag it to your Applications folder.
3. Drag an App to App Cleaner: Open App Cleaner and drag the app you want to remove into the App Cleaner window. It will look for all files related to that app.
4. Remove the App: Click the “Remove” or “Delete” button. You can choose which files and folders you want to delete by checking the boxes next to each file.

👉 Note: I’m using App Cleaner as an example, but there are many other cleaning apps you can try too!

Using Built-in Uninstaller Tools

Some apps have their own uninstaller tools. It’s like they bring their own little trash bags! It’s always good to use these when they are available because they know exactly what needs to be thrown away.

Steps to Use an App’s Uninstaller Tool:

1. Open Finder: You can do this by pressing Command + N keys or clicking on the desktop.
2. Find the App: Click on “Applications” in the left sidebar and open the folder of the app you want to uninstall.
3. Use the Uninstaller Tool: If the app has an uninstaller tool, double-click on it and follow the instructions to remove the app.

Uninstall Apps from the App Store with Launchpad

For the apps you got from the App Store, you can use the Launchpad app. It’s like the app’s launching pad, and from there, you can also send it away!

Steps to Uninstall with Launchpad:

1. Open Launchpad: You can find this app in your Applications folder or your Dock.
2. Find the App you Want to Uninstall: Locate the app you want to remove.
3. Click and Hold the App Icon: After a few seconds, the app will start to shake, and an “X” will appear.
4. Click the “X”: Then click on the “X” and select “Delete” to confirm.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning up old apps is like giving your Mac a refreshing shower! 🚿 Use these special tools and tips to make sure your Mac is neat and tidy. Remember, a clean Mac is a happy Mac! Keep exploring and learning, and let’s take good care of our Macs! 🌈

Frequently Asked Questions