How to Uninstall Applications that TestFlight Installs on Your Mac

Uninstalling an app on macOS that was installed via TestFlight can be done similarly to removing any other app on your Mac. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Delete the App from the Applications Folder

  • Using Finder:
    1. Open Finder.
    2. On the menu bar at the top of the screen, select “Go” and then “Applications” from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can press Shift + Command + A to open the Applications folder.
    3. Locate the app you installed via TestFlight.
    4. Right-click on the app and choose “Move to Trash,” or drag the app to the Trash on your dock.
  • Using Spotlight:
    1. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight Search.
    2. Type the name of the app you wish to uninstall and press Enter.
    3. Once the app opens in Finder, press Command + Delete to move it to Trash.

2. Remove Associated Application Data (Optional, but Recommended)

Apps often store additional data and preferences on your Mac, which aren’t removed when you simply move the app to the Trash. To fully remove the app and its associated data:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. On the menu bar, select “Go” > “Go to Folder…” or press Shift + Command + G.
  3. Type ~/Library/ in the box and click “Go”.
  4. You’ll need to look through a few folders for any files related to the app. Common folders to check include, but are not limited to, Application Support, Caches, Preferences. The paths would look something like:
    • ~/Library/Application Support/[App Name]
    • ~/Library/Caches/[App Name or Developer]
    • ~/Library/Containers/com.[developer].[AppName]
    • ~/Library/Preferences/com.[developer].[AppName].plist
  5. If you find any folders or files associated with the app, move them to the Trash.

Please, make sure you’re only deleting files related to the app you want to uninstall. Deleting files or folders by accident might cause problems with other applications.

3. Empty the Trash

  • Right-click on the Trash can icon in the dock and select “Empty Trash.” Alternatively, open the Trash, then click the “Empty” button in the top right corner.
  • Confirm that you want to permanently delete the contents of the Trash.

Additional Steps

For apps installed through TestFlight, it’s straightforward because TestFlight does not add complex layers of integration into the system beyond what typical apps do. However, if the app has installed any additional components such as helper tools, kernel extensions, or plugins in other parts of the system, you might need to refer to the app’s uninstallation documentation.

Note

Uninstalling an app does not automatically cancel any subscriptions that you may have started within the app. If you have an active subscription, ensure you cancel it through the App Store or the app’s subscription management system if applicable.