Remove icons you don't want from your Mac menu bar

Why it happens

The icons at the top-right come from two places: Mac controls such as Wi-Fi, Sound and Bluetooth, and apps that add their own icon. Both are listed in Menu Bar settings, each with its own switch. Removing an icon only hides it; the feature or app still works.

How to fix it

1. For a quick fix, hold down the Command key, drag the icon down off the menu bar until it lifts away, and let go. This works for most icons.

2. To decide for good which icons show, open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Menu Bar in the sidebar.

3. Under Menu Bar Controls, untick Mac controls you don't need, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Now Playing. You can still reach them in Control Center.

   Menu Bar›Menu Bar Controls

4. Scroll down to Allow in the Menu Bar and turn off the switch next to any app whose icon you don't want. The app keeps running without its icon.

   Menu Bar›Allow in the Menu Bar

Still not fixed?

1. If an app's icon won't go, look in that app's own settings for an option to hide its menu bar icon, or quit the app from its icon's menu.

2. If the icon comes back every time you start your Mac, the app opens at login. Remove it from Open at Login in Login Items & Extensions.

   General›Login Items & Extensions›Open at Login

3. Removed one by mistake? Tick it again under Menu Bar Controls, or turn the app's switch back on under Allow in the Menu Bar.

   Menu Bar›Allow in the Menu Bar

4. If icons won't move or disappear even after a restart, the menu bar may be stuck. Log out and back in from the Apple menu. If it still happens, contact Apple Support.