Deep Clean: How to Fully Remove Stubborn Apps like Notion on macOS

Removing applications from macOS can sometimes be more challenging than a simple drag-and-drop to the Trash. Certain applications, especially those with self-updating mechanisms, can leave behind persistent files, launch agents, or even reinstall themselves, making them feel like digital specters. This guide outlines advanced techniques to fully eradicate such stubborn applications, using common experiences with apps like Notion as a prime example.

The Challenge of Persistent Applications

Many users encounter situations where an application seems to reappear in their launcher, after a reboot, or through deep links, despite having been 'uninstalled'. This often points to a hidden updater service (a launchagent or launchdaemon) that monitors for the app's absence and reinstalls it. Unusual installation paths, such as an app appearing in ~/Users/$USER/Applications instead of the standard /Applications folder, can also indicate a non-standard installation process.

Comprehensive Uninstallation Strategies

To ensure a complete removal, a combination of tools and manual inspection is often required:

1. Systematic File Removal with Assistance Tools

• Initial Scan with AppCleaner: Begin by opening a dedicated uninstaller like AppCleaner. Select the application you wish to remove. AppCleaner will typically list all associated files across your system. While it's tempting to click 'remove' immediately, hold off for a moment.
• Traditional App Removal: Move the application bundle from your Applications folder (either /Applications or ~/Users/$USER/Applications) to the Trash. This step is crucial as it can sometimes trigger the application's own uninstallation scripts, which might handle initial cleanup.
• AppCleaner Finalization: Switch back to AppCleaner and now proceed to remove all the files it identified. This ensures that application support files, caches, and preferences are cleaned up.
• Empty Trash: Don't forget to empty your Trash after this step.

2. Deep Dive for Leftovers with "Find Any File"

Even after using an app uninstaller, remnants can linger. For a thorough purge:

• "Find Any File" Scan: Utilize a powerful search tool like "Find Any File" to search for the application's name (e.g., "Notion"). Be cautious during this step: only delete files clearly associated with the application, especially those within your ~/Users/$USERNAME folder. System-level files with generic names should be approached with extreme caution.
• Empty Trash Again: After deleting any additional files, empty your Trash once more.

3. Inspecting Homebrew Cask for Uninstallation Clues

For applications that persist, Homebrew Cask can offer invaluable insights into their uninstallation mechanisms:

• Consult zap Stanza: If the application is available via Homebrew Cask, examine its formula's zap stanza. This section explicitly lists paths to files, caches, and especially launchagent/launchdaemon files that the app might use for auto-updating or background processes. Identifying and manually removing these launchagent or launchdaemon files (e.g., named "notion-updater") is often the key to stopping reinstallation loops.

4. Manual ~/Library Folder Inspection

Some crucial leftover files reside in your user's Library directory. Navigate to ~/Library (you might need to use Go > Go to Folder... in Finder and type ~/Library):

• Application Support: Check ~/Library/Application Support for any subfolders named after the application.
• Caches: Look in ~/Library/Caches for related cache files.
• Containers: Examine ~/Library/Containers for sandboxed application data.

5. Restart and Edge Cases

• Reboot Your System: After all these steps, a restart can help clear any loaded processes or caches.
• Reinstallation as a Strategy: If the app is particularly difficult to remove, sometimes a fresh reinstallation followed immediately by the comprehensive uninstall process can help ensure all components are properly registered for removal.
• Safe Mode for System Extensions: For system extensions or services that prove impossible to delete in normal operation, booting into macOS Safe Mode can often allow for their manual removal.