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

re looking to free up space, streamline your applications, or simply tidy up your Mac, deleting unwanted apps is a straightforward process. With a few clicks, you can remove applications you no longer need. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to delete apps from your Mac, regardless of where they’re located.

Introduction

As your Mac accumulates apps over time, you might find it necessary to remove those you no longer use. This process not only frees up valuable storage space but also helps keep your system organized and efficient.

Uninstalling Apps from the Applications Folder

1. Open the “Finder” from your Mac’s Dock.
2. Navigate to the “Applications” folder on the left sidebar.
3. Locate the app you wish to delete, right-click on it, and select “Move to Trash.”
4. Alternatively, drag the app icon to the Trash bin in the Dock.

Removing Apps from Launchpad

1. Open “Launchpad” from your Dock or search for it using Spotlight (Cmd + Space and type “Launchpad”).
2. Find the app you want to remove.
3. Click and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle.
4. Click the “X” icon that appears on the app’s top left corner and confirm the deletion.

Deleting Apps from the Dock

1. Find the app’s icon on the Dock.
2. Right-click (or Ctrl + click) on the app icon.
3. Select “Options” and then click “Remove from Dock.”

Clearing Apps from System Preferences

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose “System Preferences.”
2. In the System Preferences window, click on the app you want to remove.
3. Right-click on the app icon and select “Remove” or “Uninstall.”

Managing Built-In Apps

Be cautious when deleting built-in apps, as some may be integral to macOS functionality. However, you can hide them from view:

1. Find the app you want to hide in the Applications folder.
2. Right-click on the app and choose “Move to Trash.”
3. If the app can’t be trashed, it’s a core macOS app. To hide it, open Terminal (you can find it in Applications > Utilities) and enter the command sudo chflags hidden /Applications/AppName.app (replace “AppName” with the app’s name).

Using Third-Party Uninstallers

There are third-party uninstaller apps available that offer more comprehensive app removal, including associated files. Some popular options are AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, and AppZapper.

Emptying the Trash: Finalizing the Deletion

1. After moving apps to the Trash, it’s essential to empty the Trash to permanently delete them.
2. Right-click on the Trash icon in the Dock and select “Empty Trash.”
3. Confirm the action, and the apps will be permanently removed from your Mac.

Conclusion

Deleting apps on your Mac is a simple process, regardless of where the apps are located. By regularly cleaning up your applications, you can maintain an organized and efficient system, ensuring that only the apps you truly need occupy your valuable storage space.