When you install an app on macOS, it scatters various support files across your system. While dragging an app to the Trash might seem like enough, it often leaves behind residual files that take up space and clutter your Mac. If you want to completely remove an application, doing it manually is one way to go—but it requires a bit of system knowledge.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Uninstalling Apps
1. Quit the Application
Before you start deleting anything, make sure the app you want to remove is not running. If it is, quit it from the Dock or use Cmd + Q.
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- Move the App to Trash**
Open Finder → Go to the Applications folder.
Locate the app you want to uninstall.
Drag it to the Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash.
3. Remove Leftover Files
Even after moving the app to Trash, residual files remain on your Mac. Here’s how to find and remove them:
Open Finder and press Cmd + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder window.
Type ~/Library and press Enter.
Look for files related to the deleted application in the following locations and delete them:
~/Library/Application Support/
~/Library/Caches/
~/Library/Logs/
~/Library/Preferences/
~/Library/Containers/
~/Library/Cookies/
4. Empty the Trash
Once you've deleted all associated files, don't forget to empty the Trash to permanently remove them from your system.
Final Thoughts
Manually uninstalling apps gives you full control over what stays and what goes, but it also requires extra caution. If you’re looking for a faster and safer way to remove applications and their residual files, consider using an uninstaller tool like App Cleaner & Uninstaller from Nektony.
Do you manually remove apps or prefer an automated tool? Find more ways to delete apps from Mac.
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