Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions

To delete apps downloaded from the App Store: Click Launchpad on the Dock of your MacBook Air find the app you want to delete press and hold until all the app icons begin to jiggle then click the Delete button to remove it from your MacBook Air (Learn How To Uninstall Spotify Mac). Actually, it is very easy to understand why there are some stubborn applications on your Mac. The stubborn applications may be the crashed, virus infected applications or even the malware. Sometimes, when the application upgrade fails, the applications me become gray and can’t be removed or used.

1. How to Remove ANY App from Launchpad in 1 Simple Step. The Launchpad on OS X Lion only lets you remove apps that w.
2. Here are the quick methods and steps to remove, delete, or uninstall the unwanted installed applications or programs from a Mac computer fully. Check out below There are 3 ways to delete applications on Mac, 1 - using the apps icon, 2 - using the application uninstaller, and 3 – using drag and drop in trash.

There are various reasons to delete a file. However, whatever reason you might have, your Mac might not agree with you.

Since the creation of on-screen technologies, terms such as 'delete', 'erase', and 'format' has been the go-to options in situations where somebody wanted to get rid of a file or application. Also, to safeguard a system in terms of freeing up space or easy removal of malware, the delete key has been beneficial.

However, in recent versions of operating systems, we have been unable in some cases to delete files from our computers. You have probably faced warnings such as 'folder in use, cannot delete.'

So, how to delete files that won't delete in Mac?

Well, we shall explain why you can't delete a file and also the solutions in the sections below:

Part 1. Why I Can't Delete File on Mac?

You have often wondered why you can't delete an app on Mac. The presence of a Trash bin on Mac has always made it easy to sort out what you don't need. However, this is not true.

There are underlying obstacles that can hinder you from clearing your system of specific files. At times these hindrances save us from deleting sensitive data, probably those required by the system to run.

However, the obstacles can, at times, go overboard. It is when you are unable to get rid of the average local files that you know are not useful to you and the system.

So why would the system or anything else keep you from doing so?

Well, some of the reasons include:

• Your Mac system locks the file: Mac locks sensitive system files that are a must for its operations. When deleted, their absence can cause your Mac OS to 'break.' It might not even be able to boot up.
• The file or folder is in use and can't be deleted: Mostly happens when a file, e.g., a word document is opened and is in use. It prevents the disruption of your ongoing work. You might have wanted to delete the data accidentally.
• An app has locked the file: When an application is developed such that its files cannot be tampered with, e.g., to prevent them from being edited or copied, they might be locked. It is thus a security measure for the program with regards to copyright restrictions.
• The file is not available: Sometimes files are visible but cannot be accessed for one reason or the other. These could be music, documents, or a folder. Usually, they are 'ghost files.' You can't delete such files because they are not there in the first place. It could be a thumbnail left behind.
• Presence of a Finder bug: A bug, in this case, is a glitch of some sort that prevents the system or an app from carrying out its normal operations.

Part 2. Can't Delete Files? Go to the Finder

Usually, the most natural solution to cannot delete files is by dragging them to the Trash. In case you'd want the data back, command + Z would automatically undo your action. To empty Trash, you can access Finder by either double-clicking the Trash icon on your dock or go to the top left section on your Mac and select 'Finder.'

From the Finder menu, you can click on Empty Trash. Also, from the Trash icon at your dock, you can right-click and select Empty Trash.

But that doesn't always work. An error 'file can't be deleted' may pop-up to alert you of this. In such a scenario, you can do the following:

Solution 1. Relaunch Finder

1. Simultaneously press Command + Shift + Escape.
2. On the menu that pops up select Relaunch

Make sure that the Finder loading is complete before you can start deleting.

Solution 2. Force quit Finder

There are several ways to force quit Finder. From the Apple logo at the top right.

1. Click the Apple logo.
2. From the menu, click on 'Force Quit Finder'.

It is the general way of doing it.

Solution 3. Secure Empty Trash

If you are familiar with the Terminal, you can use the 'killall' command to force quit Finder. After the successful deletion of a file, you may not be able to empty Trash as the file can't be deleted from the Trash.

1. Go to Finder on the top left.
2. If Empty Trash didn't work for you, select secure Empty Trash under it.

You can also press command and right-click the Trash icon to secure empty Trash.

Part 3. Cannot Delete Files? Fixes Without Finder

Where the Finder method of deleting apps has not worked out for you, try the following:

Where the item is a folder, delete each file manually to isolate the single erroneous file. If all files get deleted such that the folder is empty, try Trashing it.

Change permissions to empty the Trash. This method makes use of the Terminal using the command 'chflags'.

1. Go to Finder on the top left.
2. If Empty Trash didn't work for you, select secure Empty Trash under it.
3. Change the folder to that of the Trash. Type 'cd ~/.Trash' without the quotes.
4. Change permissions by using 'chflags -R nouchg ' without the quotes.

The command line can also be used to forcibly empty the Trash using the command 'sudo rm -rf'. Beware, this command erases everything in the Trash without warning.

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1. Open the Terminal as described above. Also, you can use the spotlight to search for Terminal
2. In the Terminal, change to the Trash folder as described above.
3. Type 'ls 'to get a list of files in the Trash.
4. Remove the specific stubborn file by typing 'rm file.png,' where the data is the item of your choice.

Using the sudo command erases everything in the Trash. Thus, you should only use it if you know what you are doing. You can also do a workaround.

1. Create a file or folder with the same name as the file that can't be deleted but in a separate location.
2. Move this newly created file to the same location as the stubborn one and allow it to replace.
3. The previous one automatically disappears. Now you can quickly delete the new one.
4. Create a folder into which you then move the items you want to delete. The newly created folder will hopefully have permissions different from the previous one.
5. Lastly, try to log in using an admin account. It will give you more power over your content.

If you accidentally deleted important files, just jump to Part 5 for the solutions or directly download Recoverit Data Recovery. It will help you recover all deleted files.

Part 4. Can't Delete File Because File Is in Use on Mac

When MacOS thinks the file you are trying to delete is in use by another process, emptying the Trash will not work. Therefore, the first thing to do is to quit all other programs to ensure no other application could use any of the files on your Mac.

To force quit apps on the dock:

1. While pressing option on your keyboard, right-click on the app.
2. On the menu that appears, click on force quit.

With this method, you'll have to quit all apps one by one.

Using the Apple menu:

1. Click on the logo on the top left.
2. On the drop-down menu, select Force Quit.
3. On the next menu of available apps, select the app, you would want to quit and click on the Force Quit button.

After force quitting all apps, now try deleting the file or folder.

If force quitting all programs doesn't work for you, you can try restarting your Mac or even shutting it down then power it on.

Part 5. How to Retrieve Deleted Files on Mac

In the process of trying to delete one file, you can end up deleting several of them, and in extreme cases, you might get frustrated and accidentally format your drive.

However, that is not the end of the road. Wondershare offers you Recoverit Data Recovery Mac version 8.0. Recoverit data recovery software is a suitable comprehensive way to cater for recovery options irrespective of how data was lost.

The software has access to various storage devices including a corrupted Mac Hard drive, USB drive, iPod, SD card, etc. featuring compatibility with FAT 16/32, NTFS, and HFS+ file systems.

• A more organized main menu page: The main menu now displays drives that are both internal and external, including lost partitions.
• Enhanced precision: You can now choose the specific location on which to run a scan.
• Enhanced retrieval of files: Recoverit can now retrieve raw files from internal drives and other external devices that even the computer cannot recognize.
• Better preview of images: When scanning for images, recoverit data recovery software offers a sneak preview of images, videos, and documents in a larger window to enhance the experience.
• Allows for recovery of data from Drone camera and GoPro
• It's able to recover files from more than ten drives.

So, how do you use Recoverit to recover lost files?

Step 1. Select a location where files are deleted

Launch the software and select the drive from where the data files are lost. If you don't know which drive to search, tap on the 'I can't find my partition' option and hit the Start button.

Step 2. Scan the selected location

Typically, the software will run an all-around scan and search for the lost and deleted files on the entire drive.

Step 3. Preview and recover deleted Mac files

When the scan completes, the files will be listed on the screen. The software will sort out the files according to format to make the search easier. You can select multiple files at a time and have a preview at them.

You also have the option of doing a deep scan of the files at the bottom.

Part 6. Tips Against 'Can't Delete Files on Mac'

Some of the issues that you face with deleting files on your Mac and end up believing that they can't be deleted is false. 'Why so?' You ask.

• 1. Settle your mind

First things, first, you needed to relax. Frustrations often lead to irrational behavior. When you feel like it's becoming impossible and you have done everything don't start throwing tantrums. Realize that some files can't be deleted for a reason or you probably are yet to find out.

• 2. Research online on various methods

To find out what kind of files you should or shouldn't get rid of, check on sites and articles such as this one. You can look at various methods of troubleshooting for an easy time.

• 3. Use past experiences

As a Mac user, you must have heard of similar cases from friends. Ask yourself what they did differently and try to follow their footsteps.

• 4. Seek assistance

When memory fails you, and you can't remember what to do, call the right people. Reach out to online experts who can assist.

• 5. Be cautious

Finally, with all that you do, be cautious. While struggling to delete a file, you can quickly end up getting rid of something as important as a system file. Double-check on stubborn files when clearing your Hard drive.

Conclusion

Clearing your system is as vital as deleting files and emptying the Trash on your Mac since, with everyday use, your device accumulates unnecessary files. So, when a file error such as 'file in use, cannot be deleted' pops up, be careful. Also, you should double-check the kind of files you install, especially third-party apps.

However, when you or anybody else is stuck on how to delete files that won't be deleted, direct them to check out this article. I am sure you have significantly benefited from it so, help others too.

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Downloading & installing Mac Apps is pretty straightforward. However, getting rid of them, along with its associated files, isn’t always easy. The most popular way to remove a Mac program is “Move to Trash”, but certainly, it doesn’t remove the attached files & data that gets installed while setting up. Hence, you will never be able to get rid of the app entirely & not recover the significant amount of space, occupied by these useless files.

But don’t worry, at Systweak, you’ll always find the best & most effective solutions to your everyday tech problems. We are listing the Top 10 Easy To Use Mac App Uninstallers that can help you delete bulk programs in a few clicks & clean all the associated files that arrive with it.

Most Popular Mac Uninstallation Software To Remove Apps (2020)

All the software mentioned in the list comes with extensive features and, therefore, can be used for various purposes. However, if you don’t want to go through an entire article and want our opinion, then you must go with TuneupMyMac. It’s a dedicated Mac Cleaning Tool that comes with lots of features to keep your computer in good shape. Its advanced uninstaller module is one such functionality that helps users to get rid of unwanted Mac applications in a few clicks. Additionally, you can get rid of unwanted, large files, malware infections, and more to keep your Mac optimized.

Top 5 App Uninstallers For Mac 2020 (Compared)

We have tested more than 20 uninstalling applications for Mac & have prepared a quick review of the top five choices that are worth trying.

Best Mac Uninstaller 2020: Remove Useless Programs Quickly

To Remove Mac apps completely, Here’s the list of the best uninstaller apps for Mac:

1. CleanMyMac X

USP: Lots Of Modules To Clean Useless Apps, Caches, Logs, Duplicates & More

Latest Version: 4.6.5

Read Review: CleanMyMax: A Must-Have Tool For Mac Spades app for mac.

CleanMyMac has made its space in the technology world for a long time now. It has undoubtedly become a leading player in the market to provide best & practical utilities, majorly for Mac. The uninstaller program removes all types of apps along with its associated files for complete cleaning. It offers both paid & free uninstallation service. The premium version allows you to optimize Mac & protect from online threats.

• Has a Duplicate Finder, Driver Updater etc
• Gives your Mac overall protection
• Extra features to offer complete care

• Free version lets you uninstall two apps only

2. TuneupMyMac

USP: All-Rounder Mac Cleaner; Uninstaller, One-Click Cleaning, Duplicate Finder, Shredder

Latest Version: 10.15.6

Read Review: Speedup & Optimize Your Mac With Systweak TuneupMyMac

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As the name entails, TuneupMyMac is a power-packed tool with an essential set of features to optimize & tune up your Mac to run in the best shape. TuneupMyMac is an efficient app remover for Mac. With its Uninstaller wizard, you can go through all the apps installed on your system & delete the unwanted ones with ease. Additionally, you can manage login items, delete duplicate files, old downloads, large files & other junk to recover space on Mac.

• One-click cleaning
• Shredder file to make recovery impossible
• Manage browsing history, cookies & more
• Delete old downloads, backups to recover space

Read This: Smart Mac Care VS CleanMyMac X: Brief Comparison

3. Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller

USP: Quickly Disable Launch Agents, Login Credentials & Other Core Extensions

Latest Version: 6.7

Read Review: App Cleaner & Uninstaller: Efficient Tool To Uninstall Apps Swiftly From Mac

Yet another excellent uninstallation software for Mac, App Cleaner & Uninstaller is a great tool to get rid of unwanted apps safely & securely. Moreover, it can remove caches, app support files, preference files to recover a significant amount of disk space. Using such an uninstaller app for Mac, one can also delete unwanted service files and reset apps to their initial state.

• Remove leftovers from previously uninstalled apps as well
• Helps you manage browser extensions
• Convenient interface
• Remove screensavers, plugins, widgets

• Free version lets you locate apps only not delete them

4. Smart Mac Care

USP: Feature-Rich Uninstaller For Mac With Tools To Clean, Optimize & Protect

Latest Version: 1.5.5

Read Review:Smart Mac Care: A Complete Guide For Mac Cleanup & Optimization

Smart Mac Care is a one-stop solution to clean and optimize your Mac. One of the best features that come with this Mac cleaner is Uninstaller. Under the same module, you will get to know which apps have not been used for a long time so that you can get rid of them in a jiffy. Additionally, the Mac program allows you to remove junk, log files, leftovers, caches & other residues.

• Quickly remove associated files with apps
• Has lots of modules to clean & protect Mac
• Includes Duplicate Finder
• Tools to protect Mac from malware & more

5. AppZapper

USP: Easy to use Mac Programs Uninstaller With Clear & Straightforward Interface

Latest Version: 2.0.3

AppZapper uses the drag & drop feature, which is a natural way of doing things on Mac and uninstalls apps along with its support files in no time. Just drag unwanted apps to AppZapper, and it will find all the associated files & enables you to delete all of them in a click. Well, this is not the only feature that comes with this app remover. It comes with a Hit List feature, which lets you browse applications installed on your Mac.

• Clear interface
• Drag & Drop apps to remove from Mac
• Lets you keep a record of purchased apps

6. IObit MacBooster 8

USP: Famous Mac Cleaner With Advanced Features To Keep Your Mac In Tip-Top Shape

Latest Version: 8.0.4

Read Review: Make Your Mac Faster & Secure With MacBooster 7 (Previous Version)

Served as an all-in-one solution to make your Mac run faster & smoother, IObit MacBooster 8 is a reliable utility with lots of features to clean more than 20 different file types. Additionally, MacBooster brings lots of antimalware tools to protect your Mac from new & existing viruses, malware, & other online threats. All these extraordinary features are packed in an intuitive interface to provide users with a seamless experience.

• Boost Mac speed in a click
• Budget-friendly Mac app uninstaller
• Through cleaning, including associated files
• Offers complete details of app removal

7. CCleaner

USP: Popular & Reliable Mac Cleaning Utility To Achieve Plenty Of Optimization Tasks

Latest Version: 5.68.780

Despite CCleaner’s tainted security history, the Mac Cleaning Program has managed to receive overall positive reviews to manage & speed up Mac. It features multiple modules to uninstall apps, manage startup items, delete duplicate files, & thorough system cleaning. CCleaner offers both free & paid versions. The free version brings tools to keep your Mac running fast & delete unwanted cookies, logs & more, while the paid version does the same and also includes real-time monitoring & more.

• Automatically removes extra data to speed up Mac
• Variety of antimalware tools
• Safest Mac Cleaning utility
• Price of the premium version is reasonable

8. AppDelete

USP: Free Mac Uninstaller To Delete Useless Apps, Widgets, Preferences, Panes, Plugins etc.

Latest Version: 3.2.9

AppDelete is a fantastic program to uninstall apps on Mac. Along with this, the uninstaller for Mac can also remove widgets, preference panes, plugins, and screensavers. Moreover, the app also gets rid of the leftover files of the deleted apps, which not only recovers space but also prevents further issues. AppDelete’s smart algorithm helps to find files faster to get your work done in no time.

• Affordable premium Mac uninstaller
• Deleted apps can be achieved to a Zip file
• Smart search filters to quickly locate apps
• Force empty trash button to remove stubborn items

9. TrashMe

USP: Fastest Drag & Drop Uninstaller For Mac

Latest Version: 2.1.21

If you want to uninstall apps on Mac, Trash Me is another excellent option to choose. The program can remove apps from Mac along with all the hidden files, temp files, caches and settings to recover precious space in no time. Whenever you drag an app to Trash, this app remover offers a clean uninstall process. The app also notifies the user when your Trash bin is full, and you can empty it by clicking the alert button.

• Smart Detection to remove app & residues
• Drag & drop software to delete in a click
• Resolve potential system issues
• Free up a significant amount of space

10. Osx Uninstaller

USP: Straightforward Interface With Clear Instructions On Screen To Remove Programs

Latest Version: 3.30.6.2801

Our list of Best Mac Uninstallers is undoubtedly incomplete without mentioning Osx Uninstaller. The app remover features a handy design with clear interface & easy to navigate buttons. Its single scan scours the whole system and lists all the elements & files related to each application. Using Osx Uninstaller, you can delete both default system apps & third-party software without any hassles.

• Offers on-screen instructions to use the tool
• Fastest app remover for Mac
• Offers Force Remove option for stubborn apps

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Is The Best App Remover For Mac?

These are some of the best uninstaller apps for your Mac. Try them and remove unwanted applications along with the associated files from your system without any hassles. Removing large, unwanted & unused programs helps you recover a significant amount of storage space & make your Mac perform faster. After comparing lots of Mac Uninstallation Utilities, we found Smart Mac Care to be the most convenient choice among users. It not only helps to remove apps from Mac in bulk, but you can certainly use its additional modules to speed up & optimize Mac performance.

2.Is Mac App Remover Safe?

Yes, the process of removing a Mac app is safe when you are using the best app uninstaller for Mac. While doing this manually can be unsafe as you might end up deleting the wrong files. Therefore, we suggest you take the help of Smart Mac Care, which is the best Uninstaller app for Mac. It not only removes the app safely but keeps your Mac safe from malware and online threats.

3. How Do I Completely Remove An Application From My Mac?

Using the best uninstaller for Mac, you can quickly get an application removed completely. It also eliminates the files associated with the deleted application. It can become a tedious job if you choose to do it manually. Therefore, we advise you to use the best app uninstaller for Mac to get the best results.

How To Delete Default Apps On Mac

4. How Do I Uninstall Programs On Mac Completely?

Deleting the program is not enough, and all the support files for the application must be deleted too. Use Smart Mac Care as it is the best Uninstaller for Mac and removes all files related to the program along with it. This is a user-friendly program that will provide you with a solution to uninstall unnecessary programs on Mac completely.

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5.How To Select An Uninstaller For Mac?

How To Delete Stubborn Apps On Mac Os

While looking for an uninstaller for Mac, always keep a few things in your checklist. First, It must be user friendly, so the tools and features must be easy to recognize. Second, it should give you great results when uninstalling a program entirely from Mac. The best uninstaller for Mac should make your life easier by making the task of uninstalling apps as simple as possible. Looking for all these qualities, one must select an uninstaller for Mac

How To Delete Apps Apple

6. Which Is A Free Mac Uninstaller?

If you are looking for a free uninstaller application for Mac, you can choose AppDelete. It is one of the best free app uninstallers for Mac as it lets you uninstall the programs for no charge. One can also choose to use CleanMyMac, another best app uninstaller for Mac to remove two applications in the free version.

Verdict:

We recommend using TuneupMyMac as the uninstaller for Mac because it shows the best results. You are most welcome to add valuable feedback in the comment section below while not forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and Facebook page.