How to uninstall apps on Mac without the App Store

Learn how to uninstall apps you downloaded from a website on a Mac. Simple steps for Finder, the app’s own uninstaller, and a warning for installers.

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

Apps you download from a website do not appear in Launchpad with an X. You remove them in Finder instead. Move the app to the Trash, then run its uninstaller if it has one. Check your Library folder afterward for leftover files.

Quick steps

  1. Quit the app.
  2. Open Applications in Finder.
  3. Move the app to the Trash.
  4. Run the app’s uninstaller, if it has one.
  5. Check your Library folder for leftover files.

Step 1: Quit the app

Press Command and Q while the app is open. Check the menu bar for the app’s icon, in case it is still running.

Step 2: Move the app to the Trash

  1. Open Finder and click Applications.
  2. Select the app and press Command and Delete, or drag it onto the Trash icon in the Dock.

Buy and download

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

Step 3: Check for an uninstaller

Some apps include an uninstaller in their folder. Open the app’s folder inside Applications, or check the website where you downloaded the app. Many developers post removal steps there.

Warning: Only use an uninstaller from the app’s official website. Fake uninstallers can install other software.

Step 4: Check the disk image

If you installed the app from a .dmg file, the disk image may include an uninstaller. Open the disk image from your Downloads folder and look for one. Eject the disk image when you are done.

Step 5: Check for leftover files

Apps from websites often store files in your Library folder. Use the guide on app leftovers to check each match. Keep anything that holds your work.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if an app came from the App Store?

Apps from the App Store show an X in Launchpad. Apps from websites usually do not.

Do I need the installer file to remove an app?

No. You remove the app from Applications. You can delete the installer file separately once you no longer need it.

Is it safe to use a free uninstaller I found online?

Only if it comes from the developer’s official website and you have read what it removes. When in doubt, use Finder.

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