- AppCleaner allows you to uninstall applications on macOS, also removing associated files such as preferences, caches, and support items.
- Its use is very simple: drag the app to the AppCleaner window, review the detected files and confirm the deletion.
- Being free, lightweight, and focused on a single function, it is a practical alternative to more complex or paid cleaning suites.
- Combined with good organizational habits, it helps keep your Mac clean of software remnants and optimizes available space.
If you've just landed on macOS after years on Windows, you might easily miss tools like Revo Uninstaller To delete programs and all traces they leave on the system, you can consult our Tips and differences for macOS usersOn a Mac, things work differently: you drag the app to the Trash and that's it… but, in reality, not everything always goes awayConfiguration files, caches, and other remnants remain hidden in system folders.
To solve this, there is AppCleaner for MacUninstaller, a lightweight and very simple utility that has become a classic for thoroughly uninstalling applications on macOS. In this tutorial, we'll see, step by step, how to use it, what it does exactly, what differentiates it from other uninstallers, and some practical tips to help you keep your Mac clean without complicating things.
What is AppCleaner and why is it worth using on a Mac?
AppCleaner is a free application Designed specifically for macOS, its goal is to help you uninstall apps and remove the files they leave behind on your system. Unlike Windows, where many programs come with their own uninstaller, on a Mac most applications are managed simply by deleting the .app file, which doesn't always remove preferences, caches, and other add-ons.
When you drag an app to the Trash, macOS does not search for associated files in your user folder or system paths. AppCleaner takes care of just that: it locates libraries, support files, preferences, and other items linked to the application you want to remove, and presents them to you so you can decide if you want to delete everything.
An important point is that it is software very lightweight and easy to useIt doesn't clutter your Mac with background services or consume resources unnecessarily. You open it when you need it, drag the app to the window, review what it will delete, and confirm. Ideal if you're coming from Windows and don't want to deal with complicated processes or hidden menus.
Furthermore, AppCleaner is especially useful if you install and test many applications. Over time, these leftover software files that you've only partially deleted accumulate and can take up valuable storage space. several gigabytes of space on the disk, something that is quite noticeable if you use a Mac with a limited capacity SSD.
How to download and install AppCleaner on your Mac
The installation process is very simple and not much different from what you've probably seen with other macOS apps. However, it's important Download AppCleaner from a trusted source to avoid modified versions or those with suspicious additions and consult others programs to clean Mac.
First, make sure your macOS version is compatible with the current version of the tool. While AppCleaner is generally supported across many versions, it's always a good idea to check the official website to confirm compatibility. Mac mini with Apple Silicon chip or any other model is covered and you won't have any compatibility problems.
Once you have downloaded the .dmg file, open it with a double-click. You will usually see the standard window where you just need to drag the AppCleaner icon to the Applications folder. This gesture copies the app to the correct location and integrates it like any other macOS application.
The first time you launch the app, you may see a macOS security warning indicating that it was downloaded from the internet. Simply tap on it. “Open” to authorize itIf the system doesn't allow it, check System Preferences > Security & Privacy, where you can manually allow it to run.
When AppCleaner is installed, you won't see complex menus or endless wizards. The interface is minimalist. And it's designed so you can start uninstalling in a matter of seconds, which is perfect if you're coming from an environment like Windows and are still getting used to so many changes.
Basic operation: how to uninstall apps with AppCleaner
AppCleaner is so straightforward to use that you'll master it in minutes. The quickest way to uninstall is to open the app and drag the program icon that you want to delete directly to the AppCleaner window.
After that action, AppCleaner will scan your system for all files associated with that application. You will see a list on the screen with preference files, caches, support items and even components that load at startup if the app uses them. All of this is grouped together so you can review it at your leisure.
In this list, each item is marked by default, meaning it will be deleted upon confirmation. If for any reason you want to keep a specific file (for example, a preference you want to maintain), you can uncheck it manually before pressing the permanent erase button.
When you're happy with the selection, click the delete button. AppCleaner will send all those files to the MacOS TrashSo, if you change your mind at the last minute, you can still restore them before emptying the drive. It's an extra layer of security so you're not left stranded if you accidentally delete something.
This way of working allows the uninstallation process to be much more comprehensive than the traditional method by dragging the app icon to the Trash. The result is a cleaner system, fewer useless files scattered throughout your user folder, and better management of available disk space.
Advanced options and tricks to get the most out of it
Although at first glance it may seem like a very basic tool, AppCleaner hides some useful features for those who want to go a little further and keep their Mac as clean as possible in the long term. One of them is the list of installed applications which is displayed within the interface itself.
Instead of dragging icons, you can open AppCleaner and view the list to see all the apps detected on your system. From there, simply select the one you're interested in, and the tool will locate its associated files, presenting them to you just like in the standard uninstallation process.
Another interesting aspect is that AppCleaner can help you identify components you no longer use But they remain installed, like small plugins or utilities that load in the background. While it's not an aggressive cleaner, it does help you review what you actually have installed and get rid of anything you've forgotten about.
If you frequently try out new software, it's recommended that you periodically open AppCleaner and review your applications to avoid accumulating programs you no longer need; learn more 4 methods to uninstall programs on a Mac. This way, you prevent your Mac from ending up full of utilities you tried once and never used again. residual files taking up space without contributing anything.
It's also wise not to obsess over deleting absolutely everything. There are system files that are best left untouched, and although AppCleaner focuses on app-related content, it always makes sense to review the list calmly to ensure that what you delete is truly unnecessary and won't affect your system. daily workflow.
Differences between AppCleaner and other uninstallers on macOS
In the Mac world, there are various tools designed for cleaning and uninstalling software, many of them included within larger optimization packages. AppCleaner stands out from this approach as a highly focused utilityIts mission is to remove apps and their related files, without any extra features that might be distracting.
If you're coming from Windows and used suites like Revo Uninstaller, you might be looking for something similar on macOS. The reality is that AppCleaner doesn't attempt to replicate all the advanced installation tracking or deep registry cleaning options, partly because on a Mac... There is no Windows registry and the system architecture is different.
The great advantage of this tool over some alternatives is that it is free and very lightweightWithout subscriptions or additional modules. There are other solutions for Mac that integrate an uninstaller, cache cleaning, malware protection, and much more, but in return, they usually require payment, use more resources, and can be overwhelming if you just want to remove apps without leaving a trace.
Compared to traditional manual deletion (draggling the app and forgetting about it), AppCleaner adds the possibility of see exactly what will be removedas we explained in our article on uninstall programs on MacThis gives you much greater control. It doesn't act blindly: you decide whether you want to delete everything or keep some parts, which doesn't happen if you simply drag the icon to the Trash.
For those who just need a simple, no-frills tool that does a specific task well, AppCleaner becomes a sort of equivalent to the advanced uninstaller you knew in Windows, adapted to the way macOS organizes application files and their associated information.
Relationship with other software programs and tools
It may be surprising that, when discussing free utilities, references appear to projects of open source like GIMP, a well-known image editor. Although its purpose is different from that of AppCleaner, both share a similar philosophy: to offer a powerful solution at no cost to the user.
GIMP, for example, is an image editing tool that provides a wide range of functions Similar to paid programs, with layers, custom brushes, filters, and all sorts of creative resources. It fits perfectly into the ecosystem of those looking for free but comprehensive applications for their Mac, just as AppCleaner does in the field of uninstallation.
Another point in common is the existence of a active community of users and developersIn the case of GIMP, there are forums, tutorials, and constant contributions that improve the tool over time. AppCleaner, while a simpler project, also benefits from user feedback that helps refine compatibility with newer versions of macOS.
These types of free and open-source software ecosystems allow you to have a very complete set of reliable tools on your Mac without always needing paid subscriptions, combining utilities like AppCleaner for maintenance with editing applications like GIMP for everyday creative work.
If you're coming from an environment dominated by commercial software, these alternatives are worth exploring, as they typically receive regular updates, adapt well to different hardware configurations (including the new Apple Silicon chips), and offer a very solid experience no entrance fee.
Practical tips for keeping your Mac clean and organized
Beyond the specific use of AppCleaner, it's a good idea to adopt certain routines to keep your Mac in good condition and prevent it from becoming cluttered with digital junk. One of the keys is check from time to time Which apps do you have installed and which ones do you actually use?
When you find programs you haven't opened in months, uninstall them with AppCleaner to free up space and prevent them from leaving residual files. At the same time, try not to install everything you find "just to try it out"; accumulating unnecessary software is one of the fastest ways to fill up your SSD. useless data.
It's also a good idea to keep your Documents, Downloads, and Desktop folders organized. While this isn't directly related to AppCleaner, it helps you get a clearer picture of what you use daily and what you can delete. If you frequently download installers and don't delete them afterward, you'll end up with a lot of duplicate files taking up space. space you might need.
Another recommendation is to combine the use of AppCleaner with the system's own tools, such as macOS's storage options that show what's taking up the most space. This way, you can identify if you have many large apps that you rarely use and that you could uninstall with the help of the uninstaller to also get rid of their hidden components.
When uninstalling, always exercise caution. Although AppCleaner is designed to work on application-related files, review the list before confirming the deletion and make sure you're not deleting anything. something you still needespecially if you work with complex projects or software that manages large data libraries.
By adopting these habits and taking advantage of what AppCleaner offers, it's much easier to have a smooth macOS experience, prevent your disk from filling up with unnecessary files, and reduce the longing for the old cleaning tools you used during your Windows days.
All these practices, combined with a straightforward tool like AppCleaner and the ability to combine it with other free and open-source applications, make keeping your Mac in good shape and free of residual files quite manageable, even if you've only been in the Apple ecosystem for a few weeks and are still adapting to the change from Windows.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.