AppCleaner
freemacsoft.net
What it is
AppCleaner is a free macOS utility for uninstalling unwanted applications and finding the files they leave behind. Drag an app into its window to see related files distributed across the system, review the list, and choose what to delete. Version 3.7 improves searches in Application Scripts and asks for Full Disk Access; without that permission, some files may remain. It can locate files associated with system apps, but cannot remove those apps. Downloads cover several macOS generations: version 3.7 for macOS 15 and later, 3.6.8 for macOS 10.14 up to 15.6, 3.6 for macOS 10.13, and 3.4 for macOS 10.10 up to 10.12. Version 3.6 added native Apple M1 support. AppCleaner can detect applications inside disk images and offer to remove the image file instead. Its login item appears in System Settings, and a preference can hide protected apps. The download page also notes a Sparkle updater security fix in version 3.7 and HTTPS updates since version 3.2.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- AppCleaner is a small application for thoroughly uninstalling unwanted apps.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Free plan
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Security
- Version 3.7 updated Sparkle, the in-app updater, to fix a security issue.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Apple silicon
- Version 3.6 added native Apple M1 support.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Contact
- The maker's site lists [email protected].Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Current version
- The download page lists version 3.7 for macOS 15 and later.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Disk images
- Version 3.6.4 added detection of apps in disk images and offers to remove the disk image file instead.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Downloads
- The download page lists versions for macOS 15 and later, macOS 10.14 up to 15.6, macOS 10.13, and macOS 10.10 up to 10.12.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- File search
- The 3.7 release improved the search for related files in Application Scripts.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Full Disk Access
- Version 3.7 prompts for Full Disk Access and warns that some files may fail to be removed without it.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Launch setting
- Version 3.7 added a setting to choose the default view at launch.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Leftover scan
- YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Login item
- The login item uses the modern API and appears in System Settings.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- macOS 27 support
- Version 3.7 added support for macOS 27 (Golden Gate).Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Older macOS versions
- The download page also lists version 3.6.8 for macOS 10.14 up to 15.6, version 3.6 for macOS 10.13, and version 3.4 for macOS 10.10 up to 10.12.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Protected apps
- A preference can hide protected apps, and Apple apps were protected on El Capitan due to System Integrity Protection.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Related files
- It finds files distributed throughout the system by an app and lets users delete them.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Removal workflow
- Users can drop an application onto the AppCleaner window, review related files, and click the delete button.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Search
- Version 3.7 improves the search for related files in Application Scripts.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- System apps
- AppCleaner can search for related files of system apps, but system apps cannot be removed.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Update security
- Version 3.2 notes say updates are served over HTTPS for extra security.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
- Updates
- The release notes say updates were served over HTTPS starting with version 3.2.Read 5 Oct 2026 · freemacsoft.net
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free plan, priced at free
- Shows related files before deletion
- Searches for system-app files
- Downloads cover several macOS generations
- Native Apple M1 support added in version 3.6
Limits
- Some files may remain without Full Disk Access
- System apps cannot be removed
- Available only for macOS
Who it suits
AppCleaner suits macOS users who want to review related files before deleting them with an application. Users should select a download matching their macOS version and consider granting Full Disk Access.
Verdict
AppCleaner offers a straightforward review-and-delete workflow for unwanted applications and associated files. Its macOS version range and Full Disk Access caveat are important to check before use.
Where Specifiction places it
- Software Uninstaller Tools#4 of 358.4
- Uninstaller apps#11 of 368.1
- Uninstallers#11 of 358.2