Docker is like a special tool kit that people who make computer programs—called developers—use to write code, pack it up, and send it out for others to use. But sometimes, they want to take this tool kit off their Mac computers, and they find it a bit tricky!
Not so long ago, a question showed up on a website called StackOverflow. It’s a place where developers go to talk about coding problems and help each other out. The question was pretty straightforward: “How can I easily take Docker off my Mac?” But guess what, no one could find an answer on the Docker’s own help page!
Since we know that more than a few people are having the same problem, we thought it would be super helpful to create a guide to make this process easy-peasy! We are going to explain, step-by-step, two different ways to completely and correctly get Docker off your Mac.
Let’s Uninstall Docker from Your Mac!
So, every app you use, like Docker, creates some helper files on your Mac so it can work smoothly. But, these helpers can hide deep in your Mac’s folders. That’s why if you just put Docker in the trash, it won’t really be gone. So, let’s make sure we find and remove every part of it.
Step by Step: Uninstalling Docker
Step 1: Close the Docker App
Start by closing Docker if it’s open. This way, we make sure we can safely remove it.
Step 2: Look for Running Docker Processes
Open your Activity Monitor to check if any Docker processes are still running. If you see any, click the “X” button in the corner to stop them.
Step 3: Move Docker to the Trash
Now, find Docker in your Applications folder and drag it to the trash. But, remember, this isn’t the end!
Step 4: Access the Library Folder
Open Finder and press Command+Shift+G. Type ~/Library and click Go. This is where Mac keeps lots of important stuff, including Docker’s helpers.
Step 5: Remove Docker’s Helpers
Look through the Library folder for any Docker service files and move them to the trash, too. Check folders like Application Scripts and Caches, and remove anything related to Docker.
Step 6: Final Cleanup
We’re almost there! Check a few more places and make sure nothing related to Docker is left:
- /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.docker.vmnetd
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.docker.vmnetd.plist
- /usr/local/lib/docker
- And a few more mentioned in the original instructions.
Step 7: Empty the Trash
Now, empty the trash and Docker will be completely removed from your Mac!
Some app files can be tricky and hide really well, so it may be hard to find them all. That’s why using software tools that help you uninstall apps can be a safer and easier option.
Keep reading below, as we’ll share a neat tool that can help you completely uninstall lots of Mac apps, including Docker. It can make this process way simpler and make sure no hidden files are left behind.
Removing Docker from Your Mac: Terminal and App Cleaner Method
So you’ve already learned how to uninstall Docker manually. Now, let’s talk about two more ways to get Docker off your Mac, using the Terminal and a super cool app called App Cleaner & Uninstaller!
Using Terminal to Say Goodbye to Docker
The Terminal is like a superpower tool where you type commands to tell your Mac exactly what to do!
Step 1: Find Docker in Applications
Make sure Docker is in the Applications folder.
Step 2: Open Terminal
Next, open the Terminal app. It’s like a text chat with your Mac!
Step 3: Type in the Command
Now, type in the following command, or even better, copy and paste it! 📋
Then, hit Enter. Boom! Docker should be gone!
The Easiest Way: Using App Cleaner & Uninstaller
Now, if you want an even simpler way, try App Cleaner & Uninstaller! It’s like a magic wand that finds and removes all parts of an app with just a couple of clicks! You can download and try it for free!
Here’s How:
- Open App Cleaner & Uninstaller.
- Find Docker on the list and select it. It will find all the Docker pieces for you!
- Click to Remove Docker.
- Confirm by clicking the Remove button again.
- Finally, don’t forget to empty the Trash to get rid of Docker completely!
Clearing Docker’s Cache
If you want your Mac to be extra clean, use App Cleaner & Uninstaller to clear Docker’s cache too!
- Open the app and turn on Expert mode.
- Find and select Docker.
- Look for Caches and tick the box next to it.
- Hit the Remove button and confirm!
Wrapping It Up!
So, there you have it! Two more ways to remove Docker from your Mac, quick and easy! While using Terminal can be fun and makes you feel like a computer wizard, App Cleaner & Uninstaller is super easy and quick. It makes sure you don’t miss any hidden files and keeps your Mac neat and tidy!
We think App Cleaner & Uninstaller is pretty awesome because it does all the heavy lifting for you and makes sure your Mac stays clean. Download it and forget about the hassle of finding and removing unwanted files or spending time uninstalling apps manually! 🚀
