How to Add & Remove Menu Bar Icons on macOS

The macOS menu bar (top-right of your screen) displays app icons and system controls. Some icons are useful, while others may clutter the space.

Here’s how to add, remove, and rearrange them.

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1. Removing Menu Bar Icons

Method 1: Drag & Drop (For Most Apps)

• Hold the ⌘ (Command) key.
• Click and drag the icon out of the menu bar.
• Release when you see a “poof” animation (like deleting an app).

Works for:
✔ Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Volume, Battery, Time Machine, and some third-party apps.

Method 2: System Settings (For Built-in Icons)

1. Go to → System Settings (⚙) > Control Center.
2. Scroll to see options like:

• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Focus, Battery, etc.

1. Toggle “Show in Menu Bar” to ON/OFF.

Method 3: App Preferences (For Third-Party Apps)

• Open the app (e.g., Dropbox, Bartender, OneDrive).
• Look for “Menu Bar,” “Preferences,” or “Settings.”
• Disable “Show in Menu Bar” or similar.

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2. Adding Menu Bar Icons

Method 1: Enable in System Settings

1. Go to → System Settings > Control Center.
2. Toggle ON the icons you want (e.g., Battery, AirDrop, Sound).

Method 2: Open an App That Uses the Menu Bar

• Some apps (e.g., iStat Menus, Dropbox, Magnet) automatically add icons when running.
• Check their Preferences to customize visibility.

Method 3: Use Bartender (For Advanced Control)

• Bartender app lets you hide, rearrange, and organize menu bar icons.
• Great for decluttering if you have too many icons.

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3. Rearranging Menu Bar Icons

• Hold ⌘ (Command) + Drag icons left or right.
• Works for most system & third-party icons (except some like Spotlight).

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