AppCleaner
AppCleaner is a macOS utility that helps you uninstall apps and remove the related files they leave behind in your Library folders.
What is AppCleaner?
AppCleaner is a native macOS utility for uninstalling applications more completely than dragging an app to the Trash by itself. It helps Mac users find related support files, caches, and preferences that belong to an app so they can remove them together. The app is designed for everyday cleanup, especially when you want to reclaim disk space or avoid leaving old settings behind after removing software. Common use cases include uninstalling unwanted apps, checking which associated files will be removed, and using SmartDelete to detect when an app has been moved to the Trash. AppCleaner is published by FreeMacSoft and is focused on a simple Mac workflow: drop an app into the window, review the associated items, and choose whether to delete them.
Key features
- Scan an app for related support files before uninstalling it
- Remove applications together with caches, preferences, and other leftover files
- Drag and drop apps into the window to review associated items
- Use SmartDelete to detect apps moved to the Trash
- Browse installed apps from a built-in app list
- Protect default or system apps from accidental removal
Review app leftovers with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
AppCleaner is a well-known uninstall utility whose file-searching behavior matches its purpose, but it can delete app data and settings permanently if you remove related files without reviewing them first. Its SmartDelete helper may run to watch for apps sent to the Trash, which is consistent with the app's uninstall feature. Before confirming removal, check the file list carefully so you do not erase documents, shared components, or data from apps you still use.
Recommendation: Keep AppCleaner if you use it to remove apps cleanly or want help finding leftover support files. If you do not use uninstall tools often, you can remove it with little impact and continue uninstalling apps manually through Finder.
Common paths
/Applications/AppCleaner.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/net.freemacsoft.AppCleaner
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/net.freemacsoft.AppCleaner.plist~/Library/Preferences/net.freemacsoft.AppCleaner-SmartDelete.plist
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