On the macOS operating system There are two types of applications. First, we have those that have your own installer and, secondly, we have the ones that they are containers. Of the first we have several examples such as the Adobe suite of programs, while within the latter we can include the vast majority of applications in the Apple store.
This categorization is really important because it is what determines how to uninstall a program on mac. For example, deleting the Photoshop application by dragging its icon to the trash can would not be entirely correct, since we would continue to leave a huge amount of useless files along the way. However, what is that of the containers? In macOS, a large number of applications are really containers, that is, they are folders that contain everything necessary to be able to run the specific application without having to install anything else.
So dragging a container app directly to the trash can It does not mean that it has been completely uninstalled.. This is mainly because there would still be useless files that will only take up more storage space.
Next, we will show you the most correct way to uninstall an application on the macOS operating system:
The best way to uninstall programs on mac without leaving a trace
The most important thing to know about uninstalling an app on macOS is to be aware of if the application you have installed has its own uninstaller. If so, you should use it without thinking several times. It is extremely important that when you install a new application you note whether or not an uninstaller has been created.
For the rest of the applications, that is, the container applications, our recommendation is to use uninstaller tools like AppZapper or Cleaner-App. These types of tools will uninstall every last file of the application that we are trying to expel from our storage.
Another way to uninstall programs on mac completely
Next we want to introduce you another different way to install programs on macOS. Very helpful!
Locate the program to uninstall in the “Applications” folder
Installed programs are usually saved in the folder "Applications". To enter it you only need to open your Finder and select the corresponding folder.
In this folder you will be able to recognize all the applications by their icon. Now, you have to know that this icon is also a kind of package with all the necessary files that will allow you to use the app.
In other words, all the information related to the program in question is condensed in a single icon, which facilitates the uninstall task, allowing you to only have to move said icon to the Trash to uninstall it completely.
The truth is that this process works with practically all programs. Although it is advisable to bear in mind that, in some cases, you may have to confirm your action by entering your account password.
The exceptions that prove the rule
Everything we have explained sounds very good, however, there are certain programs that cannot be uninstalled so easily. From our personal experience, some of these programs are either from Adobe or Microsoft.
And it is that this type of programs have a particular way of complicating the elimination process. That is, when you download it, the program will install files in places that are difficult to access even for its own uninstaller.
The truth is that it is because of these kinds of things that You must always be very careful when installing any third-party application.
IMPORTANT: If you're a fairly experienced Mac user, you might want to give Terminal.app a try. With this program you will be able to find and eliminate all these unwanted files for your computer. Of course, if you choose this route, be very careful because you can inadvertently delete certain essential system files for its proper functioning. Be very clear about what you are going to do and think twice before doing it.
The best applications to completely uninstall programs on mac
Next, we will detail top seven apps to uninstall programs on macOS:
Cleaner App
We are 100% sure that this application will be of tremendous help to you to remove any type of duplicate content from your storage or to uninstall any type of program. Also, this application is free, although it offers purchases within the same application.
AppCleaner
Appcleaner is a completely free application that is very easy to use.
The operation of this tool is simply based on dragging the application that we want to eliminate. Thus, AppCleaner will find all the files that are related so we can remove them all in one click.
AppZapper
AppZapper is an exclusively paid application with a cost of €12. However, despite this huge drawback, It is one of the best tools when it comes to uninstalling programs and applications on macOS.
The operation of AppZapper is very similar to that of AppCleaner. By dragging the program that we want to eliminate, this tool will find all the files and files that are related so that we can eliminate them all with a single click.
Daisydisk
Daisydisk is a very visual and very easy-to-use tool that will show you the files that are taking up the most space on your storage disk, and will allow you to delete all those you want with a simple click. The only problem with DaisyDisk is that it costs €10.
Gemini 2: The Duplicate Finder
Gemini 2 is not a tool to uninstall programs as such, however, it is an extremely useful application to find duplicate files and files and eliminate them with ease. Also, this app is free, although it offers in-app purchases
The main characteristics of Gemini 2 are
- Identification of duplicate files and folders.
- Search for files that are almost identical.
- Search for very similar photos.
- Deletion and restoration of files in the recycle bin.
- Delete duplicate files immediately.
Disk Cleaner – Free HD Space
Disk Cleaner is a tool that fulfills its function perfectly and is really very simple to use. The problem is that it contains a single payment of €3. Even so, The purchase is totally recommended due to its visual and elegant design and its perfectly optimized operation.
The main characteristics of Disk Cleaner are:
- Very visual and simple.
- Delete all unusable files.
- Clearing the cache you don't need.
- Storage disk release.
MacKeeper
This app is not a tool to uninstall programs like most of the above, however, It will be of great use to us to be able to eliminate from our computer the garbage and the files that we no longer use. In addition, it will also help us considerably to improve the performance of our Mac.
This application includes a monthly payment, although it is possible to buy it through different plans (monthly, semi-annual, annual and bi-annual).
The main characteristics of MacKeeper are:
- Release files you don't need.
- Improved performance and optimization of memory and boot time.
- Protection of your computer against computer threats.
These options are available for the following operating systems:
- OS X 10 beta: Kodiak
- OS X 10.0: Cheetah
- OS X 10.1: Cougar
- OS X 10.2: Jaguar
- OS X 10.3 Panther (Pinot)
- OS X 10.4 Tiger (Merlot)
- OS X 10.5 Leopard (Chablis)
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
- OS X 10.7 Lion (Barolo)
- OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (Zinfandel)
- OS X 10.9 Mavericks (Cabernet)
- OS X 10.10: Yosemite (Syrah)
- OS X 10.11: El Capitan (Gala)
- macOS 10.12: Sierra (Fuji)
- macOS 10.13: High Sierra (Wolf)
- macOS 10.14: Mojave (Liberty)
- macOS 10.15 Catalina (Jazz)
- macOS 11 BigSur
Graduated in Computer Science, passionate about writing and technology. In Digital Guides I am going to offer you the best tutorials of the tools that I master the most, as well as recommendations of apps and programs that will surely interest you.