How to uninstall antivirus on Mac

Keeping your Mac safe from viruses is a no-brainer. It can be a frustrating experience if your computer gets infected. That’s why you installed an antivirus on it in the first place. But what happens if you want to try something different? How do you remove your antivirus software?

If you’ve never uninstalled an app on your Mac, you might be a bit lost on how to do it. It might even feel confusing, but the truth is it’s really simple. There are a few different ways to go about it, depending on which antivirus you have installed.

In this article, we will be discussing the three most common methods of uninstalling antivirus software on a Mac and providing step-by-step instructions for each method. As a bonus, we will explain how to prevent infecting your Mac with malware, such as adware and browser hijackers.

Method 1: Use the Uninstaller included with the antivirus software

Some Mac applications come with their own uninstaller file. This is definitely one of the easiest options. Here’s how you can find that file and how to use it to remove your antivirus software:

1. Open a new Finder window.
2. Click Go > Applications.
3. Look for an uninstaller within the folder and open it.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts.
5. When the uninstall is done, restart your Mac.

Method 2: Use CleanMyMac X

Another method you can use to uninstall antivirus software on your Mac is by using CleanMyMac X. This app is a powerful tool that allows you to remove any unwanted apps or software from your Mac, including antivirus software. To use this method, simply follow these steps:

1. Open CleanMyMac X (free download here).
2. Click Uninstaller in the sidebar on the left.
3. Find your antivirus app in the list and select it.
4. Click the Uninstall button.

That’s it! The app is gone forever, including all of the files it scattered all over your system.

Method 3: Manually remove the software

If the above methods don’t work for you, you can also manually remove the software from your Mac. This method is more advanced and requires more care, as you have to hunt down and delete files and folders. To do this, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Open a new Finder window.
2. Click Go > Applications.
3. Drag the antivirus software to the trash.
4. In the dock, right-click or control-click on the Trash icon and select Empty.
5. Next, open the Library folder on your Mac by going to the Finder menu and selecting Go > Library (you’ll have to press and hold the Option key to see it on the list).
6. Open the Preferences folder.
7. Look for any files or folders related to the antivirus software that you just uninstalled and delete them.

Be sure to restart your computer after you do this. This will ensure that the antivirus’s background processes are also removed.

It’s important to note that when you are manually removing the software, you need to be very careful not to delete any other important files or folders. It’s also necessary to be aware that some antivirus software may have additional components that are not located in the Applications folder or the Library folder. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the developer’s website for instructions on how to properly uninstall their software.

How to keep your Mac safe

Now that you know how to uninstall antivirus on a Mac, it’s a good idea to run a scan with another program to ensure that your Mac is clean. This will help you make sure that there are no leftover files or components that could potentially cause issues.

This is another area where CleanMyMac X can help you out. It has a scan tool that will search your hard drive for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software. Once CleanMyMac is installed on your computer, you’ll just need to follow these steps:

1. Open CleanMyMac X.
2. In the sidebar, click Malware Removal.
3. Now, click Scan.
4. When the scan is finished, click the Remove button.

CleanMyMac X does all the heavy lifting by scanning and removing anything malicious it finds. All you have to do is tell it when to start scanning and periodically reboot your Mac. Developing a habit of running regular scans is a good way to keep your Mac malware-free.

Now you know how to uninstall antivirus software on Mac. It can be done in a few different ways, whether it’s launching an uninstaller included with the software, using CleanMyMac X, or manually removing the software. Each method has its own pros and cons, and the method you choose will depend on the antivirus software that you have installed and your own personal preferences. Be sure to run a scan with another antivirus program to make sure that your Mac is now clean. And always be extra careful when you’re doing it manually.