how to uninstall minecraft on a mac

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

06-02-2025

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Minecraft, the wildly popular sandbox game, can sometimes need uninstalling. Whether you're freeing up space, troubleshooting issues, or simply moving on to other games, this guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to completely remove Minecraft from your Mac. We'll cover several methods, ensuring a clean and thorough uninstallation.

Method 1: The Simple Drag-and-Drop Method

This is the quickest method, ideal if you don't need to remove all associated files.

Step 1: Locate the Minecraft Application

Find the Minecraft application in your Applications folder. This is usually found within the main Applications folder located in your Finder sidebar.

Step 2: Drag and Drop

Simply drag the Minecraft application icon to the Trash icon in your Dock.

Step 3: Empty the Trash

Right-click (or Control-click) on the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash." This will permanently delete Minecraft from your Mac.

Important Note: This method doesn't remove all Minecraft-related files, such as saved game data, configuration files, or launcher files. If you need a complete removal, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Manual Uninstallation for a Clean Sweep

This method ensures the complete removal of Minecraft and all associated files. It's more involved but guarantees a clean slate.

Step 1: Quit Minecraft

Ensure Minecraft is completely closed. Check your Dock and Activity Monitor (located in Applications/Utilities) to confirm no Minecraft processes are running.

Step 2: Locate Minecraft Folders

Minecraft stores its data in several locations. You'll need to locate and delete these folders:

• Applications Folder: This is where the main Minecraft application resides (as in Method 1).
• Library Folder: This folder is hidden by default. To access it:
  • Open Finder.
  • Go to "Go" in the menu bar.
  • Hold down the "Option" key.
  • Click "Library."
  • Within the Library folder, navigate to "Application Support," then "minecraft." Delete this folder.
  • Also, check the "Preferences" folder in the Library for any Minecraft preference files and delete them.
• Downloads Folder: Check your Downloads folder for any Minecraft-related files or installers that you may have downloaded and delete them.

Step 3: Empty the Trash (Again!)

Once all the Minecraft-related folders and files are in the Trash, empty the Trash to finalize the uninstallation.

Method 3: Using App Cleaner (Third-Party Option)

For a more automated and thorough approach, consider using a third-party uninstaller like AppCleaner. These apps are designed to find and remove all associated files related to an application. Many free options exist.

Step 1: Download and Install AppCleaner (or similar software).

Step 2: Launch AppCleaner and select the Minecraft application.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall. AppCleaner will identify all associated files and allow you to selectively delete them.

Troubleshooting Minecraft Uninstallation Problems

If you encounter issues during the uninstallation process, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Restart your Mac: A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
• Check for leftover files: Manually search for any remaining Minecraft files using Finder's search function.
• Use a different uninstallation method: If one method fails, try another. Switching between manual and AppCleaner methods may help.

Reinstalling Minecraft

After uninstalling Minecraft, you can reinstall it from the official Minecraft website or through the launcher you may have used previously. Remember to download it from a trusted source to avoid malware.

By following these steps, you can successfully uninstall Minecraft from your Mac, whether you prefer a quick and easy method or a complete and thorough cleaning. Remember to always back up important data before performing any major system changes.