How to Delete or Uninstall Apps on Mac

Apple’s latest support video on YouTube details the process of deleting or uninstalling apps on a Mac, allowing storage space to become available for other items.

Deleting or uninstalling an app doesn’t remove any documents or other files that you created with the app, though you might need the app in order to open such files. Deleting or uninstalling an app also doesn’t cancel any subscription that you purchased with the app.

Here’s how to delete or uninstall an app on Mac:

1. Locate the app in the Finder.
2. Most apps are in the Applications folder, which you can open by clicking Applications in the sidebar of a Finder window. Or choose Applications from the Go menu in the menu bar.
3. Find out whether the app includes an “Uninstall” or “Uninstaller” app, which might be in the same folder as the app itself. If your app includes an uninstaller, it’s the best way to delete the app and any login items, extensions, or other data the app might have stored in other locations.
4. If your app doesn’t include an uninstall app or feature, manually drag the app to the Trash.
5. If you’re asked for a user name and password, enter the name and password of an administrator account on your Mac.
6. To permanently delete the app and make its storage space available for other items, choose Finder > Empty Trash from menu bar in the Finder.

You can’t use the Finder to delete apps that are required by your Mac. This includes many apps that are installed by macOS, such as Mail, Music, Books, Notes, Podcasts, Maps, News, and Stocks.