To remove an app from your Mac permanently, move it to the Trash, then empty the Trash. Emptying the Trash deletes the app for good. Before you do it, check that you do not need the app or its files, because you cannot undo it in Finder.
Quick steps
- Move the app to the Trash in Finder.
- Open the Trash and check its contents.
- Put back anything you still need.
- Choose Finder from the menu bar, then Empty Trash.
Step 1: Move the app to the Trash
Open Applications in Finder. Select the app and press Command and Delete.
Step 2: Check the Trash
Open the Trash and look at each item. Right-click an item and choose Put Back if you still need it. Items you put back return to where they came from.
One-time purchase. Works on macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Step 3: Empty the Trash
Choose Finder, then Empty Trash. macOS asks you to confirm. Click Empty Trash again.
Warning: Emptying the Trash is permanent. You cannot undo it in Finder. Warning: After you empty the Trash, you may need a backup or the app’s installer to get the app back.
Before you empty the Trash
- Make sure you do not need any file in it.
- Check whether you have a recent backup, such as a Time Machine backup.
- Keep the installer, if you might want to reinstall the app later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an app back after I empty the Trash?
Only from a backup, such as Time Machine, or by installing the app again from its source.
Does Uninstallzy empty the Trash?
No. Uninstallzy never empties the Trash. You choose when to do it.
Does emptying the Trash remove leftover files?
No. It only removes the items that were in the Trash. Leftover files in your Library folder stay until you remove them.
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.