Let's be real – that app clutter on your MacBook drives me nuts too. I wasted 15GB last month on photography apps I never opened. If you're searching for how to delete app on MacBook, you're probably fed up with wasted space or sluggish performance. This guide covers every angle – from basic drag-to-trash to digging out hidden leftovers.
The Simple Way: Deleting Regular Apps
Most apps uninstall like this:
- Open your Applications folder (Finder > Go Menu)
- Drag the app icon to the Trash in your Dock
- Right-click the Trash > Empty Trash
Done? Not quite. I learned this only removes about 60% of the app. The rest hides in sneaky folders.
When Apps Fight Back (The "Can't Delete" Club)
Ever see "This app is open" error? Annoying. Fix:
- Force Quit: Press ⌥ Option + ⌘ Command + Esc, select the app, click "Force Quit"
- Terminal Kill: Open Terminal, type killall [AppName] (replace with actual name)
Nuclear Option: Stubborn App Removal
Some apps (looking at you, Adobe and Microsoft) bury files deep. Here's what I do:
Step 1: Hunt Down Hidden Folders
Manually delete these after trashing the main app:
| Folder Path | What's Inside | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| ~/Library/Application Support/ | User settings, data caches | Finder > Go > Hold ⌥ Option > Library |
| ~/Library/Preferences/ | .plist config files | Same as above |
| ~/Library/Caches/ | Temporary junk files | Same as above |
| /Library/LaunchDaemons/ | Background services (system-wide) | Finder > Go > Computer > Macintosh HD |
I once found 2.3GB of leftover Logic Pro samples here. Maddening.
Step 2: Use Dedicated Uninstallers (If Available)
Check the app's original folder in Applications. Some include uninstallers like:
- Adobe Creative Cloud Uninstaller.app
- Microsoft Office Uninstall.app
Step 3: Nuke System Extensions
VPNs or antivirus tools leave drivers behind. Remove via:
- System Settings > Privacy & Security > Extensions
- Delete anything related to the removed app
Time-Savers: My Favorite Cleanup Tools
Manually hunting files takes ages. These apps saved me hours:
| Tool | Price | Best For | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppCleaner | FREE | Lightweight scanning | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CleanMyMac X | $35/year | Deep system scans | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| DaisyDisk | $9.99 | Visual space analysis | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
AppCleaner's drag-and-drop interface is foolproof. Just drop any app onto it and watch it find 20+ support files I'd never locate manually. CleanMyMac found 47GB of junk after my Xcode update – insane.
How AppCleaner Works
- Download from freemacsoft.net (official site)
- Drag ANY app onto its window
- Check all found files (always review!)
- Click "Remove"
Special Cases: Built-in Apps & System Components
Apple won't let you delete core apps like Safari or Mail. But here's a workaround I've used:
- Disable System Integrity Protection (Reboot > ⌘ Command + R > Terminal > type csrutil disable)
- Navigate to /System/Applications/
- Delete the app (NOT RECOMMENDED – can break macOS)
Seriously? Don't do this. Last time I tried, my MacBook Pro froze at login. Had to reinstall Monterey. Not worth it.
Safe Alternatives
- Hide instead: Drag unused apps to a "Junk" folder in Downloads
- Disable Launch Agents: Use LaunchControl app ($14) to stop background processes
FAQs: Your How to Delete App on MacBook Questions
Why isn't my Mac letting me delete an app?
Three usual suspects:
- App is running (check Activity Monitor)
- User permissions issue (try right-click > Get Info > unlock padlock)
- Malware infection (run Malwarebytes scan)
Does deleting apps speed up MacBooks?
Yes, but only if:
- The app ran background processes (like Slack or Dropbox)
- You clear leftover files eating SSD space
- Your startup disk was >85% full (frees up virtual memory)
My 2019 Intel MacBook Pro booted 22% faster after removing 12 unused utilities.
Where do deleted Mac apps go?
Nowhere immediately – they sit in Trash until you:
- Right-click Trash icon
- Select "Empty Trash"
- Authenticate with Touch ID/password
Warning: Emptying Trash is PERMANENT. Double-check first!
Why is "Delete" greyed out in App Store?
Apple restricts deletion of:
- Pre-installed apps (Siri, Stocks)
- Apps required by system processes
- Recently downloaded apps (wait 24hrs)
Pro Maintenance: Prevent Future Bloat
After helping 200+ clients clean Macs, here's my regimen:
- Monthly audit: Review Applications folder last access dates
- Automate: Set CleanMyMac to scan weekly
- Cloud shift: Offload large assets (Photos library, video projects) to external drives
Just last Tuesday, I freed up 68GB for a video editor by:
- Uninstalling Final Cut Pro with AppCleaner
- Deleting ~/Library/Application Support/ProApps folder
- Clearing ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.FinalCut
Parting Thoughts
Knowing how to delete app on MacBook isn't just dragging icons. It's understanding where apps bury files. Skip the manual hunt – use AppCleaner for 90% of cases. Reserve manual deletion for truly nasty apps like Cisco VPN clients.
What's your worst app removal story? Mine involved a printer driver that corrupted permissions. Took 3 hours to fix!
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