How to Uninstall apps without leaving any files in Mac using built in tools

To uninstall applications on your Mac completely—without leaving any leftover files—using only built-in tools (no third-party apps like AppCleaner), you’ll need to manually remove both the app and its associated files. macOS doesn’t automatically delete support files when you drag an app to the Trash, so here’s a thorough, step-by-step process:

This video describes uninstalling apps without leaving any files in Mac using third party AppCleaner: –

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Steps to Uninstall Applications Without Leaving Files on Your Mac using macOS built in tools only: –

1. Quit the Application

• Ensure the app isn’t running:
  • Right-click its icon in the Dock > Quit, or press Command + Q.
  • If it’s unresponsive, use Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit window and stop it.

2. Remove the Application

• Open Finder > Applications.
• Locate the app you want to uninstall.
• Drag the app icon to the Trash (or right-click > Move to Trash).
• Alternatively, in Terminal: rm -rf /Applications/AppName.app
  • Replace AppName with the app’s exact name (e.g., rm -rf /Applications/Safari.app).

3. Identify and Delete Associated Files

Apps often leave behind files in specific directories. Check these locations:

• User Library Folders:
  • Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder (or Command + Shift + G).
  • Check these paths (replace AppName with the app’s name, e.g., com.apple.Safari):
  • ~/Library/Preferences/ (e.g., com.AppName.plist)
  • ~/Library/Application Support/ (e.g., AppName folder)
  • ~/Library/Caches/ (e.g., com.AppName)
  • Drag any matching files or folders to the Trash.
• System-Wide Library (Less Common):
  • Go to /Library/Preferences/, /Library/Application Support/, and /Library/Caches/.
  • Look for files/folders tied to the app (requires admin password to delete).
• Saved Application State:
  • Go to ~/Library/Saved Application State/.
  • Delete any folder like com.AppName.savedState.
• Launch Agents/Daemons (Rare):
  • Check ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/.
  • Remove any .plist files related to the app (e.g., com.AppName.agent.plist).
  Tip: Use Spotlight (Command + Space) or Finder’s search (Command + F) with the app’s name to find stray files. Set the search scope to “This Mac.”

4. Empty the Trash

• Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock > Empty Trash (or Command + Shift + Delete in Finder and confirm).
• This permanently deletes the app and its files.

5. Verify Removal

• Reopen Finder > Applications to confirm the app is gone.
• Search the above Library folders again to ensure no leftovers remain.
• Check storage usage: Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage to see if space was freed.

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Example: Uninstalling “Zoom application”

1. Quit Zoom.
2. Drag Zoom.us.app from /Applications to Trash.
3. Check:

• ~/Library/Preferences/ for us.zoom.xos.plist.
• ~/Library/Application Support/zoom.us/ folder.
• ~/Library/Caches/us.zoom.xos.
• Delete all matches.

4.Empty Trash.

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Tips for Efficiency

• App Name Variations: Files often use the developer’s domain (e.g., com.google.Chrome for Chrome). Check the app’s website or About menu for its bundle identifier.
• Be Cautious: Don’t delete files unless you’re sure they’re tied to the app—system files in /Library can affect other apps.
• Terminal Shortcut (Advanced): List files with:

  find ~ -name "*AppName*" 2>/dev/null

• Then delete matches with rm -rf.

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