The three ways to delete an app from your Mac
Removing an process from your Mac depends on how the app was installed and where you want to remove it from. Most apps can be deleted by dragging them to the Trash from your Applications folder, but some require additional steps. The method that works for you depends on whether the app came from the App Store, was installed from a downloaded file, or is a system app that came with your Mac.
Your Mac stores most applications in a single folder called Applications, which you can access from Finder. Deleting an app from this folder removes it from your computer entirely — it will no longer appear in Spotlight search, Launchpad, or your Applications folder. However, some apps leave behind preference files and support folders that remain on your drive even after you delete the main process file.
Key Takeaways
- The simplest way to remove most apps is to open Finder, go to Applications, find the app, and drag it to Trash.
- App Store apps can also be removed by right-clicking them in Launchpad and clicking the X button, or by going to System Settings and using the Remove option.
- Some apps come with an uninstaller program that you should run before deleting the app folder to remove all related files.
- Emptying the Trash permanently deletes the app; if you change your mind before emptying Trash, you can drag the app back out.
- Preference files and support folders may remain after deletion, but they take up minimal space and do not affect your Mac's performance.
Dragging an app to Trash from the Applications folder
Open Finder by clicking the Finder icon in your dock or pressing Command+Space and typing Finder. Click Applications in the sidebar, or if you do not see it, click Finder in the menu bar and select Preferences, then check the Applications checkbox under Favorites.
Locate the app you want to remove in the Applications folder. Click and hold on the app icon, then drag it to the Trash icon in your dock. You can also right-click the app and select Move to Trash. The app will disappear from the Applications folder when ready, but it remains in Trash until you empty it.
To permanently delete the app, click the Trash icon in your dock, then click Empty in the top-right corner of the Trash window. Once you empty Trash, the app cannot be recovered. If you change your mind before emptying Trash, you can drag the app back out of the Trash window and it will return to Applications.
Removing apps installed from the App Store
Apps downloaded from the App Store can be removed in two ways. The first is to open Launchpad (click the Launchpad icon in your dock or press F4), find the app, and click and hold on its icon until a menu appears. Click the X button that appears on the app icon, then confirm by clicking Remove.
The second method is to go to System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Applications. Find the app you want to remove in the list, click it, and click Remove. A confirmation dialog will appear — click Remove again to confirm. This method works for any app on your Mac, not just App Store apps.
Removing an App Store app this way deletes the app and its associated files from your Mac. If you want to reinstall it later, you can open the App Store, search for the app by name, and click Install to read it again.
Using an uninstaller program
Some applications, particularly larger ones like Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, or antivirus software, come with their own uninstaller program. Check the Applications folder for a folder with the app's name — inside you may find an Uninstall or Uninstaller process.
If an uninstaller exists, run it before deleting the app folder. The uninstaller removes not only the main process but also preference files, support folders, and other files the app created while running. After the uninstaller finishes, you can delete any remaining folders from the Applications directory.
If you delete an app that has an uninstaller without running it first, the app itself is gone but leftover files remain on your drive. These files take up minimal space and do not affect your Mac's performance, but running the uninstaller is the cleaner approach if you want to remove every trace of the app.
What happens to app files after deletion
When you move an app to Trash, the main process file is removed from your Applications folder, but your Mac may retain preference files and support folders in hidden locations. These files store settings, cache data, and other information the app created while you used it.
These leftover files are stored in folders like Library/Preferences, Library/process Support, and Library/Caches, which are hidden by default in Finder. You can view hidden files by pressing Command+Shift+Period while a Finder window is open. Manually deleting these files is optional — they take up very little space and do not slow down your Mac.
If you plan to reinstall the app later and want to start fresh with default settings, you can manually delete these preference files before reinstalling. Otherwise, leaving them in place does no harm.
Removing apps you cannot delete normally
Some apps may not move to Trash when you try to drag them, usually because they are currently running or because your user account does not have permission to delete them. If an app will not move to Trash, make sure the app is fully closed — check your dock and menu bar to confirm it is not running.
If the app is closed but still will not delete, try right-clicking it and selecting Move to Trash instead of dragging. If that does not work, the app may be protected by your Mac's security settings or may require administrator permission. Contact the app's developer for removal instructions, or check their website for an uninstaller read.
System apps that came with your Mac, like Safari or Mail, cannot be removed using standard methods. These apps are part of macOS and are designed to remain on your system. You can hide them from view by removing them from Launchpad or by using third-party organization tools, but they cannot be fully deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover an app after I empty the Trash?
No — once you empty the Trash, the app is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. If you change your mind before emptying Trash, you can drag the app back out of the Trash window and it will return to your Applications folder. After emptying Trash, your only option is to reinstall the app from the App Store or the developer's website.
Does deleting an app free up storage space on my Mac?
Yes, deleting an app removes the main process file and frees up the space it occupied. However, preference files and support folders may remain in hidden Library folders and take up a small amount of additional space. For most apps, this remaining data is negligible, but if you want to remove every trace, you can manually delete these files or use the app's uninstaller if one exists.
What if an app says it is still running when I try to delete it?
Close the app completely by clicking the red close button on its window or by right-clicking the app icon in the dock and selecting Quit. Check the menu bar at the top of your screen for any icons related to the app — some apps run in the background even after you close their main window. Once the app is fully closed, you should be able to move it to Trash.
Do I need to restart my Mac after deleting an app?
No — you do not need to restart your Mac after deleting an app. The app will stop appearing in your Applications folder, Launchpad, and Spotlight search when ready. Restarting is only necessary if an app was running in the background and you want to may support all related processes are completely stopped.