How to uninstall Xcode on Mac

If you want to remove Xcode from your Mac, you should know that its uninstallation differs from simple application removal. This is extremely important if you want to reinstall Xcode, the remaining service files of the app might block you. In this article, we will share the correct way to delete Xcode completely from Mac.

Contents:

1. What is Xcode?
2. How to uninstall Xcode on Mac manually.
3. How to remove Xcode using App Cleaner & Uninstaller.

What is XCode?

The Xcode package is a native development tool for Mac and iOS operating systems. It includes a number of useful utilities that are required for application development processes. Using Xcode for an extended period of time creates gigabytes of cached data. The most unpleasant thing about it is that even after work completion, caches still eat up a significant amount of disk space. This is the reason why you can’t delete the app just by dragging it into the Trash. You have to find and remove its support files as well. Below, we will provide a guide on how to completely uninstall Xcode.

How to uninstall Xcode on Mac manually

Removal of Xcode v4.3 and upper versions is much easier than for earlier versions. However, don’t worry, we will show you the uninstalling steps for all the versions.

Steps on how to uninstall Xcode 3

1. Launch a default Apple application Terminal.
2. Type the next command and press Enter:
   sudo /Developer/Library/uninstall-devtools –mode=all
3. Enter your user password.

Xcode 3 will be successfully uninstalled from your Mac.

Steps on how to Uninstall Xcode 4

1. Go to the Applications folder and remove Xcode into the Trash.
2. Find and remove Xcode’s service files. They are stored in the hidden ~Library folder. For this, in Finder press Command+Shift+G and type ~/Library in the “Go to the Folder” search field. Click the Go button.

3. Check the next subfolders, which may keep Xcode’s service files:

   • ~/Library/Application Scripts/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
   • ~/Library/Containers/
   • ~/Library/Developer/
   • ~/Library/Saved Application State/

   
   *Please, be careful with the Library folder. Do not delete any important files other than Xcode files. Empty the Trash.

4. Once you remove all junk files related with Xcode, empty your Trash bin.

How to Remove Xcode with uninstaller software

Instead of wasting time browsing in the Library folder to find Xcode’s remaining files, you can use the second method of uninstalling Xcode on Mac. You can completely and safely uninstall Xcode in just a few clicks with the help of a special utility called App Cleaner & Uninstaller Pro. This application automatically finds support files of each app on Mac, allows you to find leftovers of already deleted apps, and even manage startup programs and extensions on Mac.

Steps on how to completely uninstall any version of Xcode from Mac:

1. Open App Cleaner & Uninstaller. It will scan the programs installed on your Mac.
2. Select Xcode in the list of apps.
3. Click to remove Xcode and confirm the action.

If you have already uninstalled Xcode manually, check your Mac for its leftovers. Just switch to the Remaining Files tab and remove already unneeded Xcode’s support files from your Mac.
App Cleaner & Uninstaller provides a free trial. You can download it right now and completely remove Xcode from your Mac.

App Cleaner & UninstallerUninstall any Mac application in 2 minutes

Update v. 8.2.7 March 5, 2024

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Frequently asked questions about Xcode