The Best Way to Uninstall Apps on Mac

Uninstalling applications on a Mac is often misunderstood as simply dragging an app to the trash, but this method can leave behind numerous files that consume valuable storage space and potentially cause issues with other apps. That's why there's another way, safer and easier.

When you install an application on your Mac, it creates various files in different locations to function properly. These files include configuration files, temporary files, and more. If you simply remove the app from the Applications folder without deleting these associated files, they will remain on your computer, wasting space and potentially causing problems.

To completely uninstall an app on macOS, you need to locate all files related to the app. There are two ways to do this: manual deletion or using a dedicated uninstaller software. In this article, we'll explain the manual method step by step.

Step 1: Identify the App's Name and Editor

First, identify the name of the application (this should be easy) and the editor used to create it. For example, an app like Photoshop from Adobe might have files related to it in the `/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Photoshop` folder.

Step 2: Locate Related Files and Folders

Next, look for files and folders related to the app in various locations on your Mac. These include:

* Open the Finder and navigate to your Library folder (e.g., `~/Library/`)

* Look for subfolders like `Application Support`, `Caches`, `Preferences`, and more

* Check the `/Users/'YourUsername'/Library` folder

Step 3: Verify File Reliability

When searching for files, be cautious not to remove any unrelated files. Verify that the files you're about to delete are indeed related to the app by checking their filenames and editors.

Step 4: Move Files to Trash

Once you've located all related files and folders, move them to your Trash. Make sure to only delete files matching the app's name and editor.

The Importance of Complete Uninstallation

Removing only some files can cause issues with other apps or even make your system buggy. Therefore, it's crucial to completely uninstall an app on macOS by removing all related files.

By following these steps, you'll be able to safely and effectively uninstall applications on your Mac, freeing up valuable storage space and maintaining a healthy computing environment.

Best way to uninstall apps on mac