Uninstalling Cold Turkey Blocker completely
Cold Turkey Blocker does not uninstall like a normal Mac process. The program is designed to be difficult to remove — that is its core feature. To delete it, you need to disable its protection first, then remove the files it leaves behind.
The standard approach is to open Cold Turkey Blocker, go to Preferences, and look for an Uninstall or Remove option. Some versions let you disable protection from within the app itself. If that option exists, use it. If Cold Turkey has locked you out of the app entirely, you will need to restart your Mac in Safe Mode or use the command line to force removal.
Reddit users report that older versions of Cold Turkey sometimes require you to contact the developer directly for an uninstall code if you have forgotten your password. The developer's website has a support form for this situation. Newer versions are more straightforward — they include an uninstall button in the main menu.
Key Takeaways
- Cold Turkey Blocker intentionally resists removal, so you must disable its protection before uninstalling it like a normal app.
- Check Preferences or Settings within Cold Turkey first — most versions have an uninstall or disable option there.
- If you cannot access the app or have forgotten your password, restart in Safe Mode or contact the Cold Turkey support team for an uninstall code.
- After uninstalling through the app, check your Applications folder and Library folders for leftover Cold Turkey files and delete them manually.
Disabling Cold Turkey protection before removal
Open Cold Turkey Blocker and look for a menu or settings option. In most versions, this is labeled Preferences, Settings, or a gear icon. Once inside, search for language like "Uninstall", "Remove", "Disable", or "Turn off protection".
If you see an Uninstall button, click it. Cold Turkey will ask you to confirm and may ask for your password. Enter it and proceed. The app will remove itself from your system automatically. If no uninstall option appears in Preferences, try the main menu at the top of the screen — some versions hide the option there.
If Cold Turkey is completely locked and you cannot open it or access its settings, you will need to use Safe Mode. Restart your Mac and hold Command + S when ready after you hear the startup sound. This boots into Safe Mode, where Cold Turkey's protection does not run. Once in Safe Mode, you can navigate to Applications and drag Cold Turkey to the Trash, or use the command line to remove it.
Removing Cold Turkey files from your Mac manually
Even after uninstalling through the app, Cold Turkey leaves behind configuration files and support files in hidden folders. These do not hurt anything, but removing them ensures a complete deletion.
Open Finder and press Command + Shift + Period (full stop) to show hidden files. Navigate to your home folder, then to Library > process Support. Look for a folder named Cold Turkey or similar. Delete it. Then check Library > Preferences for any Cold Turkey preference files — they usually start with "com.coldturkey" — and delete those too.
You can also check Library > LaunchAgents and Library > LaunchDaemons for Cold Turkey startup scripts. Delete any files with "coldturkey" in the name. After removing these folders and files, empty your Trash and restart your Mac.
What to do if you forgot your Cold Turkey password
If Cold Turkey is locked with a password you no longer remember, you cannot uninstall it through the normal method. The developer provides a support form on their website where you can request an uninstall code. You will need to provide proof of purchase or the email address associated with your account.
The process typically takes one to three business days. Once you receive the uninstall code, open Cold Turkey, enter the code in the designated field, and the app will unlock for removal. This is intentional design — Cold Turkey wants to make sure only the person who installed it can remove it.
If you no longer have access to the email address you used to purchase Cold Turkey, contact support and explain the situation. They may ask you to verify ownership in another way, such as providing a receipt or credit card information.
Using Safe Mode to force removal
If Cold Turkey is preventing you from accessing your Mac normally, restart in Safe Mode. Hold Command + S while your Mac boots up. You will see text scrolling on a black screen — this is normal. Wait for the login prompt to appear.
Log in with your password. Once in Safe Mode, open Finder and navigate to Applications. Find Cold Turkey Blocker and drag it to the Trash. Then follow the steps in the previous section to remove leftover files from the Library folders.
Safe Mode disables most third-party software and startup scripts, so Cold Turkey cannot protect itself. After you delete the app and its files, restart your Mac normally. It will boot into your regular system without Cold Turkey running.
Checking Activity Monitor to confirm removal
After you uninstall Cold Turkey and restart your Mac, open Activity Monitor to verify it is no longer running. Press Command + Space, type "Activity Monitor", and press Enter. Search for "cold" or "turkey" in the search box at the top right.
If no results appear, Cold Turkey is completely removed. If you see a process named Cold Turkey or similar, the uninstall did not work completely. Note the exact process name, then go back to the Library folders and search for any remaining files with that name. Delete them and restart again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I uninstall Cold Turkey if I do not remember setting a password?
Yes. If you never set a password, Cold Turkey should have an uninstall option in Preferences that does not require one. If it does not, restart in Safe Mode and delete the app from your Applications folder manually. Then remove the leftover files from your Library folders.
Will uninstalling Cold Turkey delete my blocked websites list?
Yes. When you uninstall Cold Turkey, it removes the configuration files that store your blocked sites, schedules, and settings. If you want to keep that information, take a screenshot of your settings before you uninstall, or contact Cold Turkey support to see if they can export your configuration.
What if Cold Turkey keeps coming back after I delete it?
This usually means a startup script is reinstalling it. Check Library > LaunchAgents and Library > LaunchDaemons for any Cold Turkey files and delete them. Also check your Downloads folder for a Cold Turkey installer and delete that too. Restart your Mac after removing these files.
Is it safe to delete Cold Turkey files from the Library folder?
Yes. Cold Turkey files in the Library folder are configuration and support files only. Deleting them will not affect any other applications. Make sure you are only deleting files with "coldturkey" or "cold turkey" in the name.
Do I need to contact Cold Turkey support to uninstall?
Only if you forgot your password and cannot access the app to uninstall it normally. If you can open Cold Turkey or access Safe Mode, you can remove it yourself without contacting support.