1. What are the system requirements?
App Cleaner & Uninstaller is optimized for modern Mac performance. It requires macOS 11.0 or later and a 64-bit processor (including full support for Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 chips).
2. Why should I use App Cleaner & Uninstaller instead of just dragging apps to the Trash?
Standard “drag-to-trash” deletion only removes the core application file. Meanwhile, hidden service files, like caches, logs, and preference files, stay buried on your disk, consuming gigabytes of storage. Our tool performs a deep scan to ensure every byte of junk is removed.
3. Why does the app request access to my Home folder?
Your Home folder houses your personal library, where applications store their specific data (Preferences, Application Support, etc.). To locate and safely remove these hidden service files, the app requires your permission. This is a standard macOS security protocol that ensures you remain in full control of your data privacy.
4. Can I update my apps directly within the interface?
Yes! Keeping software updated is the best way to patch security vulnerabilities and fix bugs. In the Updates tab, the app identifies outdated software and allows you to install the latest versions with a single click. This saves you the hassle of manually checking the App Store or developer websites for every individual app.
5. What files are shown in the Remaining Files tab?
The remaining files are service files of already deleted apps from your Mac. These service files remain on your Mac when you just drag and drop apps to the Trash.
6. Can I uninstall default Apple applications?
No, for security reasons, App Cleaner & Uninstaller does not remove core macOS applications (like Mail, Safari, or App Store). These apps are protected by Apple’s System Integrity Protection (SIP) to ensure your Mac remains stable and secure.
7. Is it safe to remove extensions?
Deleting user extensions (web plugins, screen savers, etc.) is safe. When you delete them, it just resets the app to the default state.
The opposite situation is with core extensions. We recommend caution here: only remove them if you are an advanced user, as they are often vital for specific hardware or system functions.
8. Can the app automatically clean up after I move something to the Trash?
Yes! You can enable the “Check removed applications for a complete cleanup” feature in Settings. Once active, the app monitors your Trash in real-time. The moment you drop an app into the Trash, we’ll notify you to remove its associated service files as well.
9. Can I recover an app after it has been uninstalled?
By default, App Cleaner & Uninstaller removes apps and their service files to the Trash, so that you can recover them later. Just make sure that the option “Remove files permanently” is disabled in the Settings → Remove section.
10. Does it support uninstalling apps from external drives?
Currently, App Cleaner & Uninstaller is designed to manage and optimize the active macOS boot drive only. It does not support scanning or removing apps located on external hard drives or secondary partitions.
11. Can I uninstall apps located outside the Applications folder?
Yes. Simply find the application file anywhere on your Mac and drag and drop it directly into the App Cleaner & Uninstaller window. The app will immediately scan for all related service files. Then just click the Remove button.
12. How can I check my apps for security risks?
You can use the Permissions and Notarization features in App Cleaner & Uninstaller to perform a quick security audit of your Mac:
- Look for the “Apple Notarized” badge next to your apps. If If you see a warning icon (!), it means the app has not been notarized by Apple. While this doesn’t automatically mean the app is dangerous, it serves as a prompt for you to double-check that the software comes from a developer you recognize and trust before keeping it on your system.
- Audit permissions. You can see exactly which apps have access to your private data, such as your Camera, Microphone, or Location. If you see an app with access it doesn’t need, you can revoke those rights to protect your privacy.