How to uninstall App Store apps on macOS 26 Tahoe?

[AbidPatel]

On previous versions of macOS, to uninstall apps downloaded from the App Store, you would go into the launchpad, initiate jiggle mode and then tap the X to uninstall the app from the device.

The new Apps menu doesn’t appear to allow you to initiate jiggle mode. So, has anyone figured out how to "properly" uninstall apps installed from the App Store.

I could use a 3rd party tool like Raycast, but wondered if there was an "official" way.

 

[bogdanw]

"Use the Finder to delete apps" https://support.apple.com/102610

 

[haralds]

I love PearCleaner. It works for all apps and removes all the files and directories created in Caches, Containers, etc.
It also attempts to identify orphaned files from previously deleted apps.

 

[dmccloud]

You have been able to use the Finder to delete apps going all the way back to the 68k era of Mac OS. If you want to make sure all remnants are removed as well, then tools such as AppCleaner do an excellent job of locating and removing leftover files.

 

[martint235]

I actually didn’t know there was any other way than Finder

 

[nmt1900]

"Use the Finder to delete apps" https://support.apple.com/102610

Deleting app from Finder would not remove other related files outside app bundle itself. Launchpad option does that.

Now it looks that only way to replicate that is third-party apps like AppCleaner.

 

[adrianlondon]

Delete them from Finder (Applications folder) or delete them from the place you installed them!

Open the App Store, click your name/icon bottom left to show all your apps, then: ⋯ Delete App

Having said that, I use AppCleaner.

 

[nmt1900]

Testing shows that Delete App action in App Store is able to do similar action as Delete from Launchpad. I installed new app, opened it once and then checked from AppCleaner, what other files and dirctories were created (mostly in ~/Library folder). Then I tried deletion from App Store action and Launchpad action. Both lead to similar results.

P. S. You obviously figured out that I did this test in Sequoia as there's no Launchpad in Tahoe

 

[bogdanw]

Deleting app from Finder would not remove other related files outside app bundle itself. Launchpad option does that.

Do you have any official documentation for that claim? I’ve just used the Launchpad jiggle to delete TestFlight and it left behind:
~/Library/Application\ Scripts/com.apple.TestFlight
~/Library/Application\ Scripts/com.apple.TestFlight.ServiceExtension
~/Library/Containers/com.apple.TestFlight.ServiceExtension
~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.apple.testflight
https://apps.apple.com/app/testflight/id899247664

AbidPatel asked about another official way. There are plenty of threads about uninstalling macOS apps:
Uninstall apps on your Mac
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/uninstall-apps-on-your-mac.2424781/
Uninstalling an app... doesn't remove it all?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/uninstalling-an-app-doesnt-remove-it-all.2444150/
Unable to delete apps
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/unable-to-delete-apps.2447670/
Best Mac app cleaners to use?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/best-mac-app-cleaners-to-use.2443188/

 

[Slartibart]

Deleting app from Finder would not remove other related files outside app bundle itself. Launchpad option does that.

Now it looks that only way to replicate that is third-party apps like AppCleaner.

This is incorrect. Any references for that claim?

EDIT: @bogdanw beat me to it 🙃

 

[nmt1900]

To be more precise on this - plain deletion of app bundle leaves else behind. Both Launchpad "jiggle" and "Delete App" in App store will clear most of stuff but can leave some empty folders behind. In my testing I clearly noticed ~/Library/Containers to be cleared if some settings were present i.e. app was opened at least once before deletion. While somewhat inconsistent (per app), it looks like Launchpad method and App Store method do work in similar way.

I must admit that "Launchpad jiggle" has been almost only thing I have ever used Launchpad for - it's just a simplest way to correct problems if (corrupted) app settings are making app unusable and no third-party app removal apps are present in the system (e.g. dealing with customer computer problems).

AppCleaner and similar apps are able to provide more detailed way to control the removal of stale data upon app deletion.