Deleted App Still Shows Up on Mac/Mac Menu Bar? Here's How to Fix It

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It's frustrating when you delete an app from your Mac, but it keeps showing up or seems to have left behind traces. Whether it's a stubborn icon, residual files, or even a malfunctioning shortcut, the ghost of the app can linger and disrupt the seamless experience you expect. Fortunately, there are solutions for every possible reason behind this annoyance.

In this article, we'll explore why deleted apps may continue appearing on your Mac and provide detailed instructions on how to resolve the issue. From understanding how macOS manages apps to advanced troubleshooting steps, you'll gain the knowledge to reclaim full control of your Mac's interface.

Why Do Deleted Mac Apps Keep Showing Up?

When you drag an app to the Trash or uninstall it using the native methods on your Mac, you expect it to disappear completely. However, in some cases, deleted apps seem to remain, appearing in your Applications folder, in Launchpad, or even after a system reboot. This can happen for several reasons:

1. Incomplete Uninstallation: Some apps may leave behind residual files or data, which can cause them to appear as if they were never fully removed.
2. Background Processes Still Running: Even after deleting an app, some background services or processes may continue running, leading the system to believe that the app is still installed.
3. Corrupted System Cache: macOS stores information about apps in cache files, and if these files are corrupted, it may cause deleted apps to continue showing up.
4. Shared Files: If the deleted app shared certain files or services with other apps, these remnants may persist, making it seem as though the app is still on your system.
5. Misconfigured Shortcuts: Shortcuts in Launchpad or the Dock may not automatically disappear after an app is deleted, especially if they've become corrupted.

Understanding How macOS Manages Apps

Prior exploring the solutions, it is helpful to know how macOS manages app installation and removal. Unlike Windows, where a specific uninstaller is often required, macOS generally allows you to remove apps by simply dragging them to the Trash. This, however, doesn’t always ensure a clean removal. macOS stores app data in multiple locations across the system, including:

• /Applications folder: The main directory where most apps are installed.
• Library folder: App data, preferences, and support files are often stored here.
• System Files: Some apps may have components embedded deep in the system.

In some cases, a manual search for these files is necessary to fully remove all traces of an app.

How to Properly Uninstall an App on Mac?

To avoid leftover files from haunting your Mac, it's essential to use the correct methods to uninstall apps. Here are the most effective approaches:

1. Drag the App to the Trash

The most common way to delete an app on macOS is by dragging it from the Applications folder to the Trash. However, this method doesn't always remove all associated files.

Steps:

• Launch the Finder and open the Applications folder.
• Drag the program to the Trash if you wish to remove it.
• You may choose "Empty Trash" by right-clicking the trash symbol.

2. Use the Launchpad

Another simple way to delete apps is through Launchpad, which offers a more visual interface.

Steps:

• Open Launchpad by clicking its icon in the Dock or pressing F4.
• Find the app you wish to delete.
• To remove an application, click and hold its icon until it begins to jitter. Then, click the 'X'.

3. Use a Third-Party Uninstaller

For apps that are notoriously difficult to remove, a third-party uninstaller app may be required. Tools like Donemax AppRemover for Mac, CleanMyMac, or AppZapper can thoroughly uninstall apps, ensuring no residual files are left behind.

Steps:

• Download and install a reputable uninstaller app.
• Open the app and drag the unwanted app into its interface.
• Follow the app’s instructions to complete the uninstallation.

Common Reasons Deleted Apps Show Up Again

Even when you think you’ve uninstalled an app properly, there are situations where it seems to reappear or leave remnants behind. Here are a few common scenarios:

1. The App is Still Running in the Background

Some apps run background processes that may not stop when the app is deleted. This can cause macOS to think the app is still active, leading to it reappearing in places like the Dock or Launchpad.

Solution:

• Open Activity Monitor (located in Applications > Utilities).
• Search for any processes related to the app you deleted.
• Select the process and click the ‘X’ to force quit it.

2. Launchpad Icon is Still Present

Occasionally, an app icon may linger in Launchpad even after the app is deleted. This happens because the Launchpad cache hasn't updated properly.

Solution:

• Open Terminal.
• Run the following command to reset the Launchpad cache:

  defaults write com.apple.dock ResetLaunchPad -bool true; killall Dock

This command will refresh Launchpad, removing any leftover app icons.

3. The App Left Behind Residual Files

When you delete an app, not all its files are necessarily removed. Preferences, logs, and support files may remain scattered across your system.

Solution:

• To access the user Library folder, open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, and type ~/Library.

• Look for folders related to the deleted app in Application Support, Preferences, and Caches.

• Manually delete any files or folders associated with the app.

Advanced Troubleshooting: How to Completely Remove Traces of Deleted Apps

If the basic methods don't work, you can try more advanced techniques to ensure that every trace of the app is removed from your Mac. These steps will target deeper system locations and cache files that may not have been cleared by traditional methods.

1. Clear System Cache Files

Corrupted cache files can cause macOS to think that deleted apps are still present. Clearing your system’s cache may resolve the issue.

Steps:

• Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G.
• Enter ~/Library/Caches to access the cache folder.

• Manually delete any cache files related to the deleted app.

• Repeat the process for /Library/Caches to clear system-wide caches.

2. Remove App Plist Files

Plist (property list) files store user preferences for apps. These files can sometimes remain even after an app is deleted, causing problems with lingering app icons or functionality.

Steps:

• Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G.
• Enter ~/Library/Preferences.

• Search for plist files related to the app (they'll often start with the app name).

• Delete any relevant plist files.

3. Look for Hidden Files

Some apps may hide files deep within the system, preventing normal deletion processes from removing them. To view hidden files, follow these steps:

Steps:

• Open Finder and press Command + Shift + Period (.) to reveal hidden files. (You also can use DMmenu for Mac to hide or unhide all files on Mac.)
• Navigate to ~/Library, /Library, and /System to search for any hidden folders or files related to the deleted app.
• Carefully delete any files that appear to be part of the uninstalled app.

Using Terminal for App Removal

For power users, Terminal can be a useful tool to manually delete stubborn apps and their associated files. Terminal provides direct access to macOS's file system and can help with force-deleting files that Finder or third-party apps can't handle.

1. Delete App Files Using Terminal

You can use the rm command in Terminal to force delete files or folders that refuse to be removed.

Steps:

• Open Terminal.
• Type sudo rm -rf followed by the path to the app or file you want to delete.

For example:

sudo rm -rf /Applications/SomeApp.app

This command will delete the app and any associated files within that directory.

2. Locate Residual Files with Terminal

Use the find command to locate any files related to the deleted app that may still exist on your system.

Steps:

• Open Terminal.
• Run the following command:

  sudo find / -iname "*SomeApp*"

This will search your entire system for any files related to the app and allow you to manually delete them.

Reset macOS Settings (When All Else Fails)

If you've tried all the steps above and the deleted app still appears on your Mac, it may be time to reset certain macOS settings. This should be seen as a last resort, as it can revert some of your customizations back to their default state.

1. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting the NVRAM can help resolve issues with app data lingering after deletion.

Steps:

• Turn off your Mac.
• To turn it on, press and hold Option, Command, P, and R simultaneously.
• Hold onto the keys for a further 20 seconds or more, then let go.

Related article: How to reset NVRAM/PRAM on Mac >>

2. Reinstall macOS

If all else fails, reinstalling macOS may be necessary to completely resolve the issue. You can do this without losing your data by following these steps:

Steps:

• To access Recovery Mode, restart your Mac and hold down Command + R or Power button.
• Choose Reinstall macOS, then adhere to the prompts on the screen.

Related Article: How to reinstall Mac operating system >>

Conclusion

Dealing with deleted apps that refuse to disappear from your Mac can be a frustrating experience, but with the right tools and methods, you can resolve the issue and keep your system clean. Whether you're manually clearing out residual files, using third-party uninstallers, or relying on Terminal commands, there's a solution for every situation. By complying the process described in this article, you can ensure that once an app is gone, it stays gone, restoring order and efficiency to your Mac experience.