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bu19
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

App icon remains in Launchpad after uninstalling on MacBook Pro with Big Sur

Hi all,


Need some help regarding uninstalling a file.


System info - So, I currently use a Macbook Pro, Big Sur, version 11.0.1, M1 chip.


Problem - I installed an app and uninstalled it. It did not have any supporting files or data with it, I basically just launched the app and wanted to deleted it. BUT like many others, the app stills show in my launchpad and it's getting annoying :)


The process of deleting - I followed these steps:

Searched on finder with the app name > clicked the '+' icon > system files > are included, then selected all the files that came up and then moved them to thrash. And deleted permanently from trash. But the icons still reflect in my luanchpad.


What I think went wrong - So, I think I quickly quit the app before deleting it but then after deleting it I realised that it 'are you sure you want to quit' pop up was running in the background while deleting it. So, that could have been the issue?


What I did after - I tried reinstalling the app and opened the app, then uninstalled it again in the same way I did earlier. This time properly by quitting the app but the app still shows on my launchpad. I also tried launching the launchpad and holding the option, The app icons wiggles but not for this app.


I looked up online, reddit, community but I am finding it difficult to find a solution. I am not very tech savy (apologies) and am not confident about using the terminal.


The app is not in the applications anymore, but could it be that it was a web version that's why it still shows?


Could someone explain in layman terms how to remove this icon? Or is there a simple way to do it? edit - I also don't want to install another third party app to delete apps. Thanksss a bunch

Posted on Sep 16, 2026 9:19 PM

4 replies

bu19 Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Sep 17, 2026 1:00 AM in response to TheLittles

Hi there,


So, I had done a restart but the app still showed. I tried 'C' option and unfortunately the 'x' didn't appear but what did help with all these trials, is that I tried putting the full name of the app on finder with all the system files>are included command and finally found the app sitting in the bottom. Managed to delete it finally from the launchpad :)


Thanks

leroydouglas
User level: Level 10 (208,430 points)

Sep 17, 2026 9:33 AM in response to bu19


You can try clearing the remaining artifacts from the App Launcher/Application folder ―

clear icon services cache via the Terminal copy and paste:

sudo rm -rfv /Library/Caches/com.apple.iconservices.store; killall Dock; killall Finder



report back your success or failure here.

TheLittles
User level: Level 10 (211,627 points)

Sep 16, 2026 11:28 PM in response to bu19

“App icon remains in Launchpad after uninstalling on MacBook Pro with Big Sur: The app is not in the applications anymore, but could it be that it was a web version that's why it still shows?: […]Could someone explain in layman terms how to remove this icon? Or is there a simple way to do it? edit - I also don't want to install another third party app to delete apps. Thanksss a bunch”

———-


So, what’s the app?


A. Restart the Mac:

Have you tried restarting your Mac, yet? If not, try that, If so, try the following, restarting afterwards…


B. Use an Uninstaller:

You said that you’ve reinstalled it, and then tried deleting it once more. Some apps, however, need to use an uninstalled to get thru installation to go through. Such apps are Security Software(which you should keep off of your Mac) and Microsoft Office. Without the installer caches would roam about your system.


C. Remove from Launchpad, Manually:

  1. Hold Down: option key
  2. Select: Launchpad
  3. Click: [the app] with the “x” to delete it.


If that does not work…

D. Use Activity Monitor:

See if this is still shown in Activity Monitor. If so, then it’s still running, and you need to end the process.

  1. Open: a new Finder window
  2. Select: Utilities
  3. Select: [this app]
  4. Click: the “X” next to it.
  5. Try Removing it, once more.
TheLittles
User level: Level 10 (211,627 points)

Sep 17, 2026 8:51 PM in response to bu19

"Hi there, So, I had done a restart but the app still showed. I tried 'C' option and unfortunately the 'x' didn't appear but what did help with all these trials, is that I tried putting the full name of the app on finder with all the system files>are included command and finally found the app sitting in the bottom. Managed to delete it finally from the launchpad :) Thanks"

-------


You are welcome.


Perform as provided by leroydouglas. Report back the results; I am eager to know, myself.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256358693