How to Delete Apps on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

If you’re a Mac user, you know how important it is to keep your system clean and tidy. One of the ways to do this is by deleting apps you no longer need or use. However, deleting apps on a Mac is not always straightforward, and it can be confusing to know where to start. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to delete apps on Mac using various methods. Whether you’re using the Finder, Launchpad, CleanMyMac X, or Terminal, we’ve got you covered.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Apps on Mac

The most common method used to delete apps on a Mac is through the Finder. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Finder by clicking the blue face icon in the Dock.
2. Select the Applications folder on the left-hand side of the Finder window.
3. Find the app you want to delete and click on it once to select it.
4. Hold down the Command key and press the Delete key. Alternatively, you can right-click on the app and select Move to Trash.
5. You will be asked if you want to keep the app’s files or move them to the Trash. Click on your preference.
6. The app will be moved to the Trash folder located on the Dock.
7. To permanently delete the app, right-click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

It’s important to note that some apps may require you to enter your admin password before they can be deleted.

Using the Launchpad to Delete Apps on Mac

Another method for deleting apps on a Mac is using Launchpad. Here are the steps:

1. Click on the Launchpad icon located in the Dock. The icon looks like a silver circle with a rocket ship inside of it.
2. Find the app you want to delete. You can swipe left or right with two fingers on your trackpad or use the arrow keys to navigate through the apps.
3. Click and hold on the app until it starts to jiggle.
4. Click on the X icon on the top left corner of the app icon.
5. You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to delete the app. Click on Delete.

Using the Application Folder to Delete Apps on Mac

The Application Folder is another method for deleting apps on a Mac. Here are the steps:

1. Click on the Finder icon located in the Dock.
2. Select the Go menu and then select Applications.
3. Find the app you want to delete, click once on it to select it, and then drag it to the Trash icon located on the Dock.
4. Alternatively, you can right-click on the app and select Move to Trash.
5. You will be asked if you want to keep the app’s files or move them to the Trash. Click on your preference.
6. To permanently delete the app, right-click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Using CleanMyMac X to Delete Apps on Mac

If you want to delete apps on your Mac quickly and easily, CleanMyMac X is a great option. Here are the steps:

1. Open CleanMyMac X.
2. Select the Uninstaller option on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. Select the app you want to delete by clicking on the checkbox next to it.
4. Click on Uninstall at the bottom of the screen.
5. You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to delete the app. Click on Uninstall again.
6. The app will be deleted, and any associated files will also be removed.

Using Spotlight to Delete Apps on Mac

Spotlight is a useful tool on Mac that allows you to find and delete apps quickly. Here are the steps:

1. Click on the magnifying glass icon located on the top right corner of the screen or press Command + Space on your keyboard.
2. Type in the name of the app you want to delete. The search results will appear below the search bar.
3. Click and hold on the app until it starts to jiggle.
4. Click on the X icon on the top left corner of the app icon.
5. You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to delete the app. Click on Delete.

Using Terminal to Delete Apps on Mac

If you’re an advanced user, you can use Terminal to delete apps on your Mac. Here are the steps:

1. Open Terminal by clicking on the Spotlight icon and typing Terminal, or by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Type in the command: sudo rm -r followed by a space.
3. Drag the app you want to delete from the Applications folder into the Terminal window.
4. Press Enter on your keyboard.
5. You’ll be asked to enter your admin password. Type it in and press Enter.

Using a Workflow App to Delete Apps on Mac

Workflow apps can be incredibly helpful in streamlining tasks on your Mac, including deleting apps. Here’s how to use Alfred to delete apps:

1. Download and install Alfred.
2. Open Alfred by pressing Command + Space on your keyboard.
3. Type in “delete” followed by the name of the app you want to delete.
4. Select the app by using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
5. Press Enter, and Alfred will automatically delete the selected app.

Conclusion

Deleting apps on a Mac can be a simple and straightforward task if you know where to start. From using the Finder to Terminal and workflow apps, we’ve covered a range of methods to help you delete apps from your Mac. We recommend trying out these different methods to find the one that works best for you. Keep your system clean and tidy by regularly deleting apps you no longer need or use.