How to completely uninstall apps on macOS

Remove a Mac app and its leftover support files, caches, and preferences, instead of leaving gigabytes behind by only dragging it to the Trash.

1. Quit the app. Press Command-Q, and check the menu bar and Dock for background helpers. An app that is still running can recreate its files after you delete them.
2. Remove the app bundle. Open Finder, go to Applications, and drag the app to the Trash. Protected system apps cannot be removed this way, which is expected.
3. Remove leftover files. Open Finder, press Command-Shift-G, and look for the app or its bundle identifier in ~/Library/Application Support, ~/Library/Caches, ~/Library/Preferences, ~/Library/Logs, ~/Library/Saved Application State, and ~/Library/Containers.
4. Check login and startup items. Open System Settings, General, Login Items, and remove any helpers the app added so it does not relaunch.
5. Empty the Trash and verify. Empty the Trash, restart, and confirm the app and its files are gone. Reinstall if you removed something by mistake.