How to Delete Apps on Mac That Won't Delete: Simple Fixes

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Quick ways to get rid of any app on your Mac or Macbook

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Using the Launchpad
|
• Using the Finder
|
• Using Terminal
|
• Troubleshooting
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

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Is there an app on your Mac that won't uninstall? If you can't delete an app from your Launchpad, you can use the Finder or the Terminal. Here's how to delete apps on a Mac that won't delete.

Uninstalling Apps That Won't Delete on Mac

Before you try to delete an app, make sure to Force Close the app. Locate the app in the finder, and drag the icon to the Trash. Click Finder in the menu bar and select Empty Trash.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Using the Launchpad

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1. 
   1
   Click the Launchpad. This is the icon with multicolored squares on your dock.

   • This method will work on apps installed through the App Store. If you're trying to uninstall an app from another source, use the Finder.
2. 
   2
   Click and hold the app you want to delete. Similar to deleting apps on an iPhone, the icon will start to shake.
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3. 
   3
   Click x. This will be at the corner of the app.

   • The app will be deleted.
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Section 2 of 4:

Using the Finder

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1. 
   1
   Open the Finder. You can find this on the Dock.

   • If you can't find the x button to delete an app, then you've likely downloaded it from somewhere other than the App Store. You can use the Finder to delete apps downloaded from another source.
   • Make sure the app is closed before you try to delete it.
   • You can't delete apps that are required on your Mac, such as Mail, Music, Books, etc.
2. 
   2
   Locate the app you want to delete. You can find most apps in your Applications folder, unless you specified a different save location.
3. 
   3
   Drag the app to the Trash. You can also select the app and click File > Delete or press Command + Delete on your keyboard.

   • You may be asked to verify the administrator account name and password to do so.
4. 
   4
   Click Finder. This is in the top menu bar.
5. 
   5
   Select Empty Trash. The app will be deleted.
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Section 3 of 4:

Using Terminal

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1. 
   1
   Open the Terminal. Click the Launchpad icon and type "terminal". Click the app to open it.

   • You can also find the Terminal in the Finder > Applications > Utilities.
2. 
   2
   Type sudo uninstall file:// and press ⏎ Return. The command will run.
3. 
   3
   Drag and drop the app icon into the Terminal. This will add the app's path.
4. 
   4
   Press ⏎ Return. The code will run.
5. 
   5
   Enter your admin password. Once your credentials are entered, the Terminal will remove the app.
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Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting

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1. 
   1
   Check for an Uninstaller. If you downloaded your app from another website, you may find an Uninstaller in the app's folder. Locate the folder, and then run the Uninstaller.

   • The Uninstaller will remove all files associated with the app.
2. 
   2
   Make sure the app is fully closed. If the app is open in the background, you won't be able to delete or uninstall the app. You can use the Force Quit window to confirm it's closed.

   • Click the Apple menu and select Force Quit.
   • If you see your app open, click it, and then click Force Quit.
3. 
   3
   Restart your Mac. If you can't delete the app, a simple restart could help. Once restarted, try the methods again.
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