How to remove launch agents on Mac

Learn what launch agents are and how to remove them on a Mac. Turn off login items first, then check the file. Advanced steps with clear warnings.

Edited by the Uninstallzy teamUpdated 29 October 2026For macOS 15 or later

Launch agents are small files that tell an app to start in the background, often when you log in. They sit in the LaunchAgents folder in your Library. Turn off the app’s login items first. Only then check the launch agent files for an app you have already removed.

Quick steps

  1. Turn off the app’s login items in System Settings.
  2. Move the app to the Trash.
  3. Open ~/Library/LaunchAgents in Finder.
  4. Find files named after the app.
  5. Move only the matching files to the Trash.

Step 1: Turn off login items

Start here, because it is the simplest and safest step.

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Click General, then Login Items & Extensions.
  3. Turn off the app’s entries under the list of apps that open at login.

Buy and download

One-time purchase. Works on macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.

Step 2: Move the app to the Trash

Remove the app using the steps in the guide on completely uninstalling apps.

Step 3: Check the LaunchAgents folder

  1. In Finder, press Shift, Command, and G.
  2. Type ~/Library/LaunchAgents and press Return.
  3. Look for files whose names match the app or its company.

If the folder is empty, or none of the files match, there is nothing to remove.

Warning: This is an advanced step. A wrong file can stop another app from starting. Warning: Never change files in /Library/LaunchDaemons or /Library/LaunchAgents. Those need administrator rights and belong to macOS or other software.

Step 4: Move the matching files to the Trash

Select only the files that belong to the removed app. Press Command and Delete.

Frequently asked questions

Will removing a launch agent delete the app?

No. It only stops the app from starting in the background. The app itself stays until you move it to the Trash.

Is this step required?

Usually not. Turning off login items is enough for most people.

What if I remove the wrong file?

If you have not emptied the Trash, open it and choose Put Back.

Want one simple step instead?

Uninstallzy shows every app with its size. Pick the app, confirm once, and it goes to the Trash.

Buy and download

One-time purchase. Works on macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.

More guides

All Mac uninstall guides