Mac Tutorials
How to Delete Apps on MacBook: A Comprehensive Two-Way Guide
Ever wondered how to delete an app on your MacBook? This guide will help. We’ll explore two different methods to uninstall both types of apps – those downloaded directly from the App Store and the ones installed using your browser. Let’s dive in. 😃
Deleting Apps downloaded from the App Store
First, to uninstall an app that you’ve downloaded from the App Store, follow these simple steps:
- Launch the Launchpad on your MacBook. This will provide you with an overview of all installed applications.
- Press and hold any app. The apps will start to ‘jiggle’, and an ‘X’ will appear next to the ones you can delete. These are the apps downloaded from the App Store.
- To delete an app, simply click on the ‘X’. For instance, to delete Garageband, click on the ‘X’, and then confirm your decision by clicking Delete. Poof! 🌬️ Just like that, the app is permanently removed from your MacBook.
Deleting Apps installed from the Internet
To remove apps installed from the Internet using your browser, take the following steps:
- Open the Finder application on your MacBook.
- Look for the tab that says Applications and click on it.
- All your downloaded applications, similar to what you saw on the Launchpad, will be displayed.
- To delete an app, like Microsoft Teams for example, either right-click on the app and move it to Trash, or simply drag the app to the Trash.
- A password prompt for your admin account will appear. After entering the password, your app will move to the Trash. Remember, the app isn’t completely deleted yet. 🗑️
- To fully delete the app, empty your Trash. A warning will appear, stating you can’t undo this action. If you’re sure, proceed to Empty the Trash.
Be Aware of App Subscriptions
A crucial point to note: deleting an app doesn’t delete your subscription to that app.📝 So, if you have a subscription on the app you’ve deleted, ensure to separately cancel it either on the app’s website or within the app itself prior to deleting. This prevents unnecessary charges from an unused subscription.
Conclusion: 🏁
There you have it! You now know how to delete apps on your MacBook in two different ways. Be it apps from the App Store or those installed from the internet, this guide has got you covered. Remember to always check for active subscriptions before deleting any app. Happy organizing! 🥳
FAQ
How can I delete an app from my MacBook?
To delete apps from a MacBook, you can move the app to the Trash or use the Finder’s ‘Delete Immediately’ function.
What is the Finder?
The Finder is a default application in macOS used for navigating and organizing your files.
Do I need any software to delete applications?
No, deleting applications on a MacBook does not require any additional software.
Can I delete any app on my MacBook?
You can delete most apps, but some system apps required by macOS cannot be deleted.
Why can’t I delete some apps?
Some apps, like Safari or Mail, are essential parts of macOS and can’t be removed.
What happens to the data when I delete an app?
When you delete an app, its associated data might also be deleted unless the app has a specific back-up or cloud storage service.
Can I recover a deleted app?
If the deleted app was downloaded from the App Store, you can re-download it from there. If it’s a system app, you may need to reinstall macOS.
How can I ensure all app data is deleted?
After sending an app to the Trash, empty the Trash to ensure all app files are deleted.
What does ‘Delete Immediately’ do?
‘Delete Immediately’ is a Finder function that deletes the selected files or apps without sending them to the Trash.
How do I use ‘Delete Immediately’?
After selecting an item in the Finder, press Option-Command-Delete to ‘Delete Immediately’. Be cautious, as there is no recovery from this action.
Is it safe to delete apps from the MacBook?
Yes, it is safe as long as you know that you no longer need the app and its associated data.
Does deleting apps free up space?
Yes, deleting apps you no longer need can free up storage space on your MacBook.
How can I see how much space an app is taking up?
You can use the ‘Storage Management’ tool in ‘About This Mac’ to see how much space each app is using.
Can I delete apps from the Launchpad?
Yes, you can delete apps from the Launchpad by clicking and holding the app until it shakes, then clicking the ‘X’ button.
Can I delete apps that came pre-installed on my MacBook?
Some pre-installed apps may be deleted, but others, like system apps, cannot be removed.
Do I need to restart my MacBook after deleting an app?
No, you don’t need to restart your MacBook after deleting an app, though in some cases it might be beneficial to do so.
Does deleting an app cancel any subscriptions to the service?
No, deleting an app will not cancel associated subscriptions. To cancel subscriptions, you have to go to the subscription settings.
Why can’t I find the ‘X’ button to delete an app from the Launchpad?
If there is no ‘X’ button when an app icon jiggles in the Launchpad, it’s possible the app can’t be deleted through this method.
Does my MacBook have a recycle bin for recovering deleted files, like Windows?
Yes, the MacBook has something similar to a recycle bin called the ‘Trash’, but once you empty it, files cannot be restored.
How do I empty the Trash?
Right-click on the Trash icon in your Dock and select ‘Empty Trash’.
What happens if I don’t empty the Trash?
If you don’t empty the Trash, the deleted files will still occupy storage space on your MacBook.
What do I do if I accidentally deleted an app?
If you accidentally deleted an app and haven’t emptied the Trash, you can restore it by dragging it out of the Trash. If the Trash has been emptied, you may need to re-download the app.
Can I automatically have the Trash emptied regularly?
Yes, you can set up ‘Remove items from the Trash after 30 days’ under Finder Preferences.
Can I delete multiple apps at once?
Yes, you can delete multiple apps at once. Use Shift-click or Command-click to select multiple apps in the Finder, then send them to the Trash or ‘Delete Immediately’.
Why do I need to enter my Apple ID password when deleting some apps?
Some apps require administrator permissions to be deleted. Entering your Apple ID password grants these permissions.
How can I see a list of all my installed apps?
You can see a list of your installed apps in ‘Applications’ in Finder, or Launchpad.
Can I delete an app directly from the ‘Applications’ folder?
Yes, you can delete an app directly from the ‘Applications’ folder by sending it to the Trash or using ‘Delete Immediately’.
Can I delete an app from the ‘Applications’ folder while it’s running?
No, you cannot delete an app while it’s running. You first need to close the app.
Can a deleted app still receive updates?
No, once an app is deleted, it will no longer receive updates from the App Store.
What do I do if I can’t delete an app?
If you can’t delete an app, ensure it’s not running and that you have the necessary permissions. If problems persist, contact Apple Support.