Chrome is one of the most widely used web browsers so far. With a full Google Account integration and a rich feature set, Chrome proved to be a gold standard for browsers.
Even so, you may need to uninstall it from your Mac. Maybe you want to switch to another browser or fix some Chrome-related issues. Whatever the reason, you should know how to uninstall it properly.
So, how do I completely remove Chrome from my Mac? Today, I’ll give you a detailed guide on how to do that. You’ll also find out how to clear your browsing data and profile information from Google servers. Let’s get started!
How to delete Chrome with one click
The easiest way to remove Chrome from Mac is to use a tool designed for complete app removal. Among various uninstallers for macOS, I go for CleanMyMac by MacPaw. Anthony Karcz from Forbes called it a ‘toolbox your Mac needs.’ Indeed, it’s worth trying out.
The Uninstaller tool of CleanMyMac is designed to remove entire applications, including all app-related files. No need to search for them manually. Even if you’ve already tried to delete the program using conventional steps, CleanMyMac can locate and remove all leftovers that remain on your system.
To remove Chrome with the Uninstaller tool:
- Download CleanMyMac (a link to download its free version).
- Install it, open the app, and click Applications in the sidebar.
- Click Scan > Manage My Applications > Uninstaller.
- Select the box next to Chrome.
- Click Uninstall. Super simple!
See how many service files are there? CleanMyMac removes those items all at once. With its help, you can also delete Chrome-related login and background items. One of them is the Google Software Update agent that will stay on your Mac even after you’ve uninstalled Chrome. To get rid of it:
- Run CleanMyMac.
- Click Performance in the sidebar > Scan.
- Choose View All Tasks and go to Background Items.
- Select these Chrome relics and click Remove.
How to remove Chrome manually
When you completely remove Chrome from your computer, you erase your browsing data as well. But it could still store on Google’s servers if syncing is on. So first, clear your browsing data from your Google Account and other devices. Here’s how to do that:
- Open Chrome and click the icon with three dots top right.
- Choose More tools > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select a time range from the drop-down menu (e.g., last hour, last 7 days, all time).
- Select the box next to the data you want to delete.
- Click Clear data.
Now, it’s time to remove the main app from your computer. First, let’s ensure that the browser isn’t running.
- If Google Chrome is in your Dock, right-click it, and choose Quit.
Or use the Command-Option-Esc keyboard shortcut to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select Chrome and click Force Quit.
- Go to the Applications folder to get rid of the app.
- Locate the Google Chrome icon and drag it to the Bin/Trash.
- Go to the Bin/Trash and empty it.
How to delete Chrome profile information
The final step to removing Chrome from Mac is eliminating all Chrome service files stored on your hard drive. Follow these steps to find them:
- Use the Command-Shift-G key shortcut to open the Go to Folder window. Or head over to the Go menu in the Finder and choose Go to Folder.
- Paste
~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chromein the window that appears and press Return.
- Select all the folders and trash them.
- Empty the Bin/Trash to finish the uninstallation. Done!
Note that even if you thoroughly follow all steps highlighted above, some specific service files, such as caches and launch agents, might remain on your computer. To fully get rid of Chrome, I recommend using a dedicated uninstaller. It’ll help you remove the app and all associated data with one shot.
Millions of users opt for Google Chrome as their default browser — and for a good reason. But if you need to uninstall it, rely on CleanMyMac to ensure that no leftovers are left behind. If you want to do that by yourself, use our best manual solutions described above.
