Uninstall an App Completely on a Mac (Including Leftover Files)

You want to remove an app from your Mac completely so it’s no longer taking up space or running.

Why: Most Mac apps are self-contained, so removing one is usually as simple as moving it to the Trash and emptying it. Some apps ship with their own uninstaller — using it is the cleanest way, because it removes the app’s extra pieces too. Note that you can’t remove the apps macOS needs (such as Mail, Music, Books, Notes, Maps, News, and Stocks).

Fix 1: Use the app’s own uninstaller if it has one

Larger apps (especially security tools, drivers, and creative suites) include an uninstaller that’s more thorough than dragging to the Trash.

1. In the Finder, open your Applications folder.
2. If the app is inside its own folder, open that folder.
3. Look for an item named Uninstall [App] or [App] Uninstaller. If it’s there, double-click it.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish removing the app.

If there’s no uninstaller, use Fix 2 instead.

Fix 2: Drag the app to the Trash

This is the standard way to remove most Mac apps.

1. Quit the app if it’s open.
2. In the Finder, open the Applications folder (in the Finder sidebar, or choose Go > Applications).
3. Drag the app to the Trash at the end of the Dock — or select it and choose File > Move to Trash.
4. If you’re asked for an administrator name and password, enter them.

The app is moved out but not yet permanently gone — finish with Fix 3.

Fix 3: Empty the Trash to finish removing it

The app isn’t truly deleted until the Trash is emptied.

1. In the Finder, choose Finder > Empty Trash from the menu bar (or Control-click the Trash in the Dock and choose Empty Trash).
2. Confirm if prompted. The app is now permanently removed and its space is freed.

Tip: once you empty the Trash, you can’t open files you created with that app unless you reinstall it — so make sure you no longer need the app first.

FAQ

Does deleting an app remove the files I made with it? No. Deleting or uninstalling an app doesn’t remove documents or other files you created with it — those stay where you saved them.

How do I remove an app I got from the App Store? Use the same Finder steps above (drag to Trash, then Empty Trash). To reinstall it later, you can re-download it from your purchase history in the App Store at no extra charge.

The app keeps reopening or won’t go to the Trash. Quit it first. If it still won’t quit, force quit it, then try again. An app that’s running can’t be moved to the Trash.

Does uninstalling cancel a subscription I bought in the app? No. Deleting the app does not cancel any subscription you purchased through it — cancel the subscription separately.

Sources: Apple Support — Delete or uninstall apps on Mac · Apple Support — Uninstall apps on Mac (macOS User Guide)