Mac Says App Is Open And Cant Delete

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Note: I used the Rocket app as an example in my pictures, but only because I was removing an earlier version. I love Rocket and would never delete it (it emojifies your Mac!). How to close an app that you thought was already closed or can't figure out how to close on your Mac. Click on the Finder icon in your app dock. Click next to the app that you want to delete, then click Delete to confirm. The app is deleted immediately. Apps that don't show either didn't come from the App Store or are required by your Mac. To delete an app that didn't come from the App Store, use the Finder instead. Deleting an app doesn't cancel any subscription you may have purchased.

  1. Mac Says App Is Open And Cant Deleted
  2. Mac Says App Is Open And Cant Delete Account
  3. How To Uninstall App On Mac
  4. Mac Can't Delete App Because It's Open
  5. How To Delete Mail On Mac
  6. Mac Says App Is Open And Cant Delete Password
  7. Ipad Won't Delete Apps

Quick question – how do you uninstall programs on Mac?

  • So, how to delete files off a flash drive on a Mac? It is a bit complicated task, you are required to use specific steps. So, read the article below in order to learn all the tricks and tips to delete files off of a Mac USB drive.
  • If you cannot delete an item in Mac OS X, try the following: Check to see if the file (or a file within the folder) is being used by an application. Quit all open applications, and then try to empty the Trash. If the item is a file, click the file once. From the File menu, select Get Info. If the file is locked, unlock it and empty the Trash.

If your answer is to drag the app to the Trash, we’re sorry to say that you’ve been doing it wrong.

You probably know or guess that you can remove apps by dragging them to the Trash bin, but it is not quite so. Dragging normal files like documents and movies to the Trash works fine. But doing the same for apps leaves gigabytes of leftover junk files on your hard drive. We’re going to show you what gets left behind and what you can do to completely uninstall apps from here on out.

How to uninstall on Mac

If you are trying to delete an old application, reinstall a corrupted software or just free up disk space on your Mac, removing all components of the program is important. These include the app, its preferences and support files, and sometimes other hidden files.

Open Activity Monitor. Delete via the Terminal. The aforementioned workarounds can also be useful in a situation where Mac OS X says that the file marked for deletion 'cannot be found,'.

To completely uninstall a program on Mac you have to choose one of three options:

  • Using Trash.
  • Using Launchpad.
  • Using a native uninstaller

The ways mentioned above include navigating your Mac’s in search of the apps you want to remove and then locating their remaining data. The latter can take even more place than the app itself and can be stored anywhere in your folders.

I prefer clearing my Mac from apps using special software made for this particular task - CleanMyMac X. It’s Uninstaller feature, is an app-killer that sweeps away any program you don’t want on your Mac and clears remaining junk.

Now let’s go ahead and delete some apps!

1. Uninstall Mac apps using Trash

Whether you're running macOS Catalina or an earlier macOS, like Mojave or Sierra, the process of manually uninstalling remains relatively similar. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Go to Applications.
  3. Choose the app you want to delete.
  4. Press Command + Delete (⌘⌫).
  5. Open Trash.
  6. Click the Empty button in the upper-right corner of the window.

And the app is gone.

Even uninstalling apps on macOS Catalina requires getting rid of leftovers, despite the fact that it's the latest and the most sophisticated system for Mac. Apple has done such a good job on macOS 10.15 but left this unfortunate issue unresolved for another year.

To completely remove programs from Mac manually, you have to find all the associated files that come along with the app. That means not just dragging the app icon to the Trash from your Applications folder, but searching the depths of the system files on your Mac.

We’re going to reveal the locations of the most common files that are associated with apps. To remove the app leftovers from your Mac just navigate to each of these folders and hunt for the app you want to remove. If you find files with the app name you can send them to the Trash.

So, when uninstalling any software, you have to go over each of these folders one by one and remove the following:

  • Binary and dock icons are located in /Applications/
  • Application support files are located in ~/Library/Application Support
  • Support Caches can be found in /Library/Caches/ and
    ~/Library/Caches
  • Plugins are located in ~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/
  • Library can be found in ~/Library/
  • App preferences are located in ~/Library/Preferences/
  • Crashes are found in
    ~/Library/Application Support/CrashReporter/
  • App saved states are located in
    ~/Library/Saved Application State/

There are many more hidden files, some of which cannot be accessed by the user. And macOS/OS X will prevent you from deleting some app files.

As you can see, it's not that easy to uninstall applications Mac doesn't need, even when you know what to do. By the way, be sure to look for the name of the app in the file names of the files you remove. Don’t remove anything you don’t know! Do your due diligence before removing something from your system.

When you delete software on Mac manually, be sure only to remove an app file or folder when you’re sure of what it is. Look at the name very carefully before you nuke it. Removing the wrong files could cause problems with your system.

Remember, please be careful when deleting system files — you never know how it will affect your Mac if you remove the wrong ones (or the right ones for that matter!).

2. Uninstall Mac programs with Launchpad

How to uninstall on Mac by using the Launchpad? It's easy and this manual method works like this:

  1. Click Launchpad icon in your Mac's Dock.
  2. Find the app you want to delete.
  3. Click and hold the app until it starts shaking.
  4. Click X in the top-left corner of the app icon.
  5. Click Delete.

This will uninstall the app from your Mac. However, keep in mind that after removing the program, you should also delete its leftovers as we've described above.

Can't delete apps on Mac?

Unfortunately, manual methods won’t get everything. Some apps are pre-installed macOS components and protected by the system while others will refuse to delete because they are already open (even though that’s often not true).

So, how to delete the apps on Mac that won't delete? You can try the manual removal after force quitting the app in question (press Command-Option-Esc and if the app is on the list shut it down) or rebooting your Mac.

If you're still unable to delete apps on Mac or if you’re worried you won't do it correctly and want a safer alternative, there’s the easy method of uninstalling apps from your Mac so you don't have to force delete applications. It actually does a better (and safer) job and in a fraction of the time. Read on to learn how to delete apps on Mac automatically.

3. Uninstall apps with CleanMyMac X

When I referred to the easy method of uninstalling apps, I meant using CleanMyMac X. As for me, deleting apps is a pretty tiresome task. I’ve always put away this chore, as it will waste a huge amount of my time. But, my Mac was running low on free storage, so I decided to try CleanMyMac X to fix this problem and uninstall programs on Mac with ease. I used the Uninstaller module to get rid of multiple apps at once. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Download CleanMyMac X, install, and launch it (it takes less than a minute).
  2. Go to Uninstaller.
  3. Choose All Applications.
  4. Check the boxes next to the app you want to remove.
  5. Press Uninstall.

As you can see, CleanMyMac X shows precisely how much place each app takes, so it’s easier to detect the heaviest programs. Another benefit is that you can bulk uninstall programs on Mac without dragging each app and its files to the Trash.

Is it possible to delete system files on Mac?

CleanMyMac X doesn’t let you delete system apps like Safari. Neither of Mac cleaners can do that. But, CleanMyMac X allows you to delete the data associated with system apps and reset them completely. Click CleanMyMac X’s menu in the upper-left corner and choose Preferences. Go to Ignore List and click Uninstaller. Here uncheck the box next to “Ignore system applications.”

Now, you can close Preferences and go back to Uninstaller. Click ► next to the app's icon to show its files. Then check the data you want to delete and choose Reset from the drop-down list next to the app’s icon. Then press Remove.

It will help to clear some space on your Mac. Note that your app logs may also disappear after the reset.

4. Use the native uninstaller

Many applications are designed to clean after themselves. They come with a built-in uninstaller — a self-destroying utility bundled with the main app. This is mostly true for third-party apps that you download from the internet. That’s why native uninstallers remain more of a Windows thing, not much heard of in the Mac world.
The original uninstallers can be found in Finder > Applications. If your app looks like a folder (within the Applications folder) most likely it will have a separate uninstaller. The name will read [Your app] Uninstaller or Uninstall [Your App].

Delete apps from mac

Open the folder, find the launcher, and just follow the onscreen instructions. After the removal is complete, you can enjoy your extra storage space!

Clear app leftovers: preferences files and caches

No sane developer wants people to delete their application. As your desperate ex, they would do everything to stay on your Mac, like planting pieces of their software around your Mac so one day they can return. Support files, preference files, and caches — all these will likely remain even if you’ve deleted the app itself.
Here I’ll show you how to root out these remaining traces. I’ll use the Telegram app as an example.

Delete application support files

Click on Finder > Go to Folder… (in the upper menu).
Paste in: ~/Library/Application Support/Your App Name

In my case it's: ~/Library/Application Support/Telegram

Now, delete the content of this folder.

Delete application Preferences

Mac Says App Is Open And Cant Deleted

The Preferences folder contains your user settings. These files are tiny but there’s no reason not to delete them, just out of principle.
Click on Finder > Go to Folder…
Paste in: ~/Library/Preferences/

Open the folder. Now type the name of your app in the search bar. Click to search 'Preferences.” Delete the found items.

Delete the caches

In the same vein, you’ll have to delete the remaining app caches.
This time, use the following command to paste in Finder > Go to Folder...
Paste this: ~/Library/Caches/Your App Name

Note: In some cases, you need to search for the app developer's name, rather than the name of the app.

Delete leftovers with CleanMyMac X

If you’ve been doing a 'spring cleaning' in your Applications folder, chances are some files are still left somewhere in your Mac’s system. CleanMyMac X detects and collects them into the Leftovers tab.

Go to Uninstaller once again and select Leftovers. Select all the remaining files and press Uninstall to say goodbye to the app remains.

Now you are just as good at uninstalling applications on Mac as any Apple engineer. Hopefully, you now have plenty of free space. Don't miss a few related articles below.

Mac Says App Is Open And Cant Delete Account

These might also interest you:

  • 1. Recover Mac Data
  • 2. Recover Data from Dead Mac
  • 3. Recover Documents from Mac
  • 4. Recover Data from External Devices on Mac

by Jenefey AaronUpdated on 2019-11-16 / Update for Mac OS

“I have a few video files on my USB drive but I can't delete files from flash drive on Mac. I am a Windows user but recently I did transition to a Mac. But it seems there are a few new things I need to know. So, do you have any idea how can I change the permissions of the files in order to delete them?”

Well, being one of the most advanced Operating Systems on the planet, Apple designed the macOS quite differently in order to make it stand apart. But being different didn't always helped the users, there are quite a few things that are unnecessarily complicated. Although, users wish to change them but sadly, there is no way around.

So, how to delete files off a flash drive on a Mac? It is a bit complicated task, you are required to use specific steps. So, read the article below in order to learn all the tricks and tips to delete files off of a Mac USB drive.

Part 1. Why You Can't Delete Files from Flash Drive on Mac

One of the widely asked question among the Mac users is how to delete hidden files off a flash on a Mac?

It is very frustrating if you are unable to delete files from an external drive as you are trying to clean it. Well, on Mac it is basically the issue of permission. You simply have to change a few things and then you will be able to erase the files successfully. They are discussed below.

Part 2. How to Erase Files from Flash Drive on Mac

Well, the question how to delete files off a flash drive on Mac? On a Mac, users are capable of removing frills from a flash drive, multiple ways.

So, take a look at all the methods one at a time, in details.

1. Directly Delete Files from Flash Drive to Empty Trash on Mac

This is the easiest way to get rid of those files from your flash drive. Dragging the files into the trash is the most convenient way and almost all the macOS users prefers this method.

So, here’s how to delete files from thumb drive on Mac,

Step 1: Simply, open your Mac and connect the flash drive.

Step 2: Then, open it and drag the files and drop them into the ‘Trash’ icon at the ‘Dock’.

How To Uninstall App On Mac

You can also make a right-click on the selected files and choose ‘Move to Trash’ from the drop menu. But dragging them to the trash is the most convenient for the users.

2. Erase Files from Flash Drive on Mac in Disk Utility

Now, we have Mac’s Disk Utility which can be used to erase files from a flash drive, effectively. The steps are pretty simple. Here’s how to delete files from USB flash drive on Mac,

Step 1: So, connect the flash drive to the Mac. Then, run ‘Finder’ from the Dock.

Step 2:Then, navigate to the ‘Applications’ folder and click on ‘Applications’ on the left side of the dock. Now, click on ‘Disk Utilities’ under ‘Utilities’.

Step 3:In the Disk Utility, choose your flash drive from the left side of the panel. Then, click ‘Erase’. Then choose a format. The ‘OS X Extended (Journaled)’ is the desired option. After that, click on the ‘Erase’ button at bottom right corner of the panel.

After you click on the ‘Erase’ button, all the files from the said USB drive will be erased completely.

3. Format The Flash Drive on A Mac

Just like there is an option to format the flash drives on the Windows platform, macOS is also equipped with a similar option. This procedure is pretty easy to execute. Here’s how to erase files from flash drive on Mac,

Step 1: You have to execute this procedure via ‘Disk Utility. So, press ‘Command + Space’ on the keyboard and launch ‘Spotlight’.

Step 2:Type ‘Disk Utility’ on the dialog box and hit ‘Enter’ to run the app.

Step 3:The connected USB drive will appear as ‘External’. Choose your flash drive by clicking on its name.

Mac Can't Delete App Because It's Open

Step 4: Choose the drive and click ‘Erase’.

How To Delete Mail On Mac

The flash drive will be erased completely and you will also be asked to provide a name for it.

Mac Says App Is Open And Cant Delete Password

Part 3: How to Recover Deleted Files from Flash Drive

Now, it is possible that you have deleted some important files accidentally while erasing files from the USB drive. If you have done that, don’t worry.

Just stop using the drive immediately and use a professional data recovery software to recover those files successfully. Tenorshare 4DDiG for Mac Data Recovery is one of the best options to recover deleted files from flash drive Mac free.

Ipad Won't Delete Apps

UltData- Mac Data Recovery is effective with close to 100% recovery rate. Take a look at the steps below,

Step 1Step 1: You are required to download and install the program and choose the USB drive, then click ‘Scan’ to proceed.

Step 2Step 2: The scan will take a few minutes. After the scan, all the recoverable files will be listed categorically and displayed on the screen.

Step 3Step 3: Now, choose the desired files from the preview and click ‘Recover’ to restore those files, effectively.

Just be sure not to restore the files on the USB drive. Save them on the Mac’s hard drive; otherwise due to permanent data loss those files will be lost forever.

Conclusion

Therefore, Windows users will have difficulty to erase files from a USB drive that is effectively connected to the Mac. This is nothing more than a change to system. Mac operates is different way. But we have disclosed all the effective ways you can erase files on a Mac external drive, take a look. But for accidental deletion, you can make the recovery with Tenorshare 4DDiG for Mac Data Recovery which is a very effective program.