To remove a program from your Mac, quit it, open the Applications folder in Finder, and move the program to the Trash. On a Mac, people usually say “app” instead of “program,” but they mean the same thing. Many programs also include their own uninstaller, which can clean up more of what they installed.
Quick steps
- Quit the program.
- Open Applications in Finder.
- Drag the program to the Trash.
- Run the program’s uninstaller, if it has one.
- Empty the Trash when you are sure you do not need it.
Step 1: Quit the program
Look at the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click the program’s name, then choose Quit. You can also press Command and Q while the program is active.
If the program will not quit, check whether it is running in the background. Look for its icon near the clock at the top right of the screen.
Step 2: Move the program to the Trash
- Open Finder and click Applications in the sidebar.
- Drag the program onto the Trash icon in the Dock.
- Or click the program once and press Command and Delete.
If macOS asks for an administrator name and password, the program was installed by an administrator. Enter the details if you have them. If you do not, see the guide on removing apps without an admin password.
One-time purchase. Works on macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Step 3: Check for an uninstaller
Some programs include an uninstaller. Look in the program’s folder inside Applications. You can also check the installer you used first. Some installers include an “Uninstall” option.
If the program came from a website, check that website for an uninstaller. Use only the developer’s own site.
Warning: Do not remove anything in /System. Those files belong to macOS. Warning: Empty the Trash only when you are sure. Emptying the Trash is permanent.
Safari and Mail are built into macOS. They cannot be removed.
Step 4: Check for leftover files
Some programs leave settings or support files in your Library folder. You can check for them after you remove the program. The guide on removing app leftovers explains how to check each one safely.
Frequently asked questions
Is a program the same as an app?
Yes. On a Mac, both words usually mean the same thing. Apps appear in the Applications folder with an icon.
Can I remove several programs at once?
Yes. In Finder, hold Command and click each one, then press Command and Delete. Uninstallzy can also remove up to 10 apps you pick, after one confirmation.
What if the program will not move to the Trash?
Quit it first. If it still will not move, it may be running in the background or owned by an administrator account. Uninstallzy explains these cases when it happens, and it never force-quits a program.
Want one simple step instead?
Uninstallzy shows every app with its size. Pick the app, confirm once, and it goes to the Trash.
One-time purchase. Works on macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.