App Cleaner & Uninstaller
Welcome to App Cleaner & Uninstaller. While dragging an app to the Trash might seem like enough, it often leaves behind hidden service files, caches, and logs that clutter your drive.
This guide will help you navigate the app quickly and securely so you can keep your Mac lean and optimized.
Before we start, watch a quick video on how to use App Cleaner & Uninstaller
Your first launch: what to expect
When you open App Cleaner & Uninstaller for the first time, the app will request Full Disk Access. This is a standard macOS security requirement that allows the tool to scan your entire drive to find deep-seated service files and “leftovers” that other uninstallers miss.
Once permissions are granted:
- The app immediately begins scanning your hard drive.
- In just a few seconds, a comprehensive list of your applications will appear.
Understanding the dashboard
On the left-hand panel, you can navigate through five key management categories:
- Applications: view and remove installed software.
- Startup Programs: manage which apps open automatically when you turn on your Mac.
- Extensions: control web browser plugins, screen savers, and widgets.
- Remaining Files: find “broken” service files left behind by apps you previously deleted.
- Updates: keep your software current for better security and performance.
Uninstall applications
This is your primary command center. You can see a list of every app installed on your Mac. Unlike the standard Finder view, this tab reveals exactly how much space an app actually takes up, including its hidden support files.
You can choose to remove an entire application or switch to Expert Mode to select specific caches and logs you want to clear out while keeping the app itself.
To ensure an app is 100% removed (including its hidden library files), follow these steps:
- Find and select the program in the Applications list.
- Click the Uninstall button.
- A confirmation window will appear showing the total files to be deleted. Click Remove to finish.
Note:
If a file is currently “locked” by the system, a pop-up will appear asking for your final confirmation to move it to the Trash.
Disable or enable startup programs
In the Startup Programs section, you can manage login items and launch agents to stop apps from opening automatically. Simply toggle the switch Off for any program you don’t need at startup.
For even deeper cleaning, App Cleaner & Uninstaller also allows you to permanently remove unwanted startup items.
Remove unwanted extensions
This section gives you control over the smaller bits of software that live inside your system. You can manage web browser extensions, screen savers, preference panes, and widgets. If an extension is causing your browser to lag or crash, you can disable or remove it entirely from here.
Find and remove remaining files
This is one of the most powerful features of the tool. It automatically finds “ghost” files left behind by apps you deleted in the past (using the old drag-to-trash method). Cleaning this section is the quickest way to reclaim wasted disk space that you didn’t even know was being used.
Update apps
Keeping your software up to date is the best way to maintain system security and access the latest features. In the Update Apps section, you’ll find a consolidated list of all available updates for your Mac.
You can choose to update everything at once with a single click or hand-pick specific apps to refresh. Just make your selection and hit Update – we’ll handle the rest.
Check app security and permissions
Beyond cleaning, the app helps you audit the security and privacy of the software installed on your Mac.
Within the Applications list, you can verify if an app has been notarized by Apple. Notarization is a security process that ensures the software has been checked for malicious components, giving you peace of mind that the apps you run are safe.
Review which permissions (such as access to your Camera, Microphone, or Files) have been granted to your applications. This overview makes it easy to spot apps with unnecessary access and helps you maintain better control over your personal data.
Now that you know your way around, let’s get to work. Your Mac’s storage is valuable – don’t let hidden service files waste it.
