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looking for a uninstaller app that will also grab the data behind
- Thread starter tbluhp
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- uninstall app
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The following is one of the best and is used by many forum members. I have been happy with it.
If an app comes with an installer, then it also comes with an uninstaller (or at least it should), that should take care of everything.
Other apps can be uninstalled with one of a number of 3rd party apps, neither of which are perfect (when it comes to finding and deleting stuff in ~/Library or /Library or elsewhere). Most of the time though the "remains" are negligible in size, so I rarely care all that much.
I've had mostly good experience with AppZapper in the past, but not used it for a while...
Other apps can be uninstalled with one of a number of 3rd party apps, neither of which are perfect (when it comes to finding and deleting stuff in ~/Library or /Library or elsewhere). Most of the time though the "remains" are negligible in size, so I rarely care all that much.
I've had mostly good experience with AppZapper in the past, but not used it for a while...
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I also use App Cleaner. It's a small, simple and relatively old app but it does the job.
Apple officially says you're just meant to delete the app from /Applications, but I still use App Cleaner as I feel more comforted seeing a list of preferences and library files that it'll also trash.
But then, I'm someone who regularly swipes up apps in iOS which one also isn't meant to do, so maybe I'm prioritising neatness and order over actual performance and necessity
To do the cleanest uninstall:
1. Use the apps' uninstaller.
2. Use a removal app such as appcleaner. It sometimes doesn't get everything, but it is the best alternative if (1) is not available.
1. Use the apps' uninstaller.
2. Use a removal app such as appcleaner. It sometimes doesn't get everything, but it is the best alternative if (1) is not available.
In regards to AppCleaner, sometimes it will show all the folders and files but, it won't automatically tick every box or file for removal. If a person doesn't pay close attention, AppCleaner won't get what is listed. And as you mentioned, AppCleaner still may not get everything 100% of the time. I just wanted to mention about making sure all the boxes were ticked for any new installing AppCleaner for the first time.
Pay attention before ticking all boxes, especially if you are uninstalling for example one app but have other apps from same developer, or if uninstalling an older version of an installed app. Better to leave a few unnecessary remnant files installed than to have to reinstall inadvertently deleted files.
I found AppCleaner to still leave traces behind, most of the time under /private/var/
So, what I do is manually do a search for files related to the app, e.g.:
sudo find / -path /System/Volumes -prune -false -o -iname "*docker*" -print 2>/dev/null
and manually remove anything I think it's related to the app. The problem complicates if there are also agents/kernel/system extensions involved.
And then also edit in a text editor /Library/Receipts/InstallHistory.plist and remove the app entry (if present).
I do not have an universal method, I simply got experienced with cleaning apps. I am not using any system modifiers or 3rd party uninstallers anymore.
So, what I do is manually do a search for files related to the app, e.g.:
sudo find / -path /System/Volumes -prune -false -o -iname "*docker*" -print 2>/dev/null
and manually remove anything I think it's related to the app. The problem complicates if there are also agents/kernel/system extensions involved.
And then also edit in a text editor /Library/Receipts/InstallHistory.plist and remove the app entry (if present).
I do not have an universal method, I simply got experienced with cleaning apps. I am not using any system modifiers or 3rd party uninstallers anymore.