Delete an app your Mac says is open or in use

Why it happens

Your Mac won't delete an app while any part of it is running. Many apps leave a small helper going in the background or in the menu bar after you close their window. Until that helper stops, the app counts as open.

How to fix it

1. Click the app's window and press Command-Q to quit it. Closing the window isn't enough, because the app can keep running.

2. Look along the top-right of the menu bar for the app's icon. If it's there, click it and choose its Quit option.

3. Still stuck? Choose Force Quit… from the Apple menu, select the app and click Force Quit.

   Apple menu›Force Quit…

4. Drag the app from Applications to the Trash again.

5. If it's still in use, open System Settings, click General, then Login Items & Extensions. Remove the app from Open at Login and turn off its switch under App Background Activity (called Background App Activity on macOS 27), then restart your Mac and delete the app straight after.

   General›Login Items & Extensions

Still not fixed?

1. Some apps come with their own uninstaller, often in the app's folder or its menus. Use it if there is one, because it also stops the helpers.

2. If your Mac asks for a password, the app was installed for all users. Type an administrator's name and password to delete it.

3. Apps that came with macOS, like Safari, can't be deleted. That's normal and keeps your Mac working.

4. If the app keeps relaunching or still can't be deleted after a restart, contact the app's developer. For apps from the App Store, Apple Support can help.