Hello community. How do I uninstall CleanMyMac X (I have the free version)? I have not had any problems with it, but I have read that it is bad for the computer. Can someone please provide step-by-step instructions on how to do this so as to ensure all parts of the application are gone for good from my computer? Cheers.
Earlier Mac models
This is the guidance from MacPaw: https://macpaw.com/support/cleanmymac/knowledgebase/uninstall-cleanmymac
However, there may well be remnants left behind even when you follow that guidance. Some here will recommend the app Find Any File. It's available in the App Store. When using that, you will be looking for files with "macpaw" or "cmm" in their file names, I believe.
A word of caution applies when recovering from the use of "CleanMyMac" and other, similarly categorized "cleaning" scam products: Even if you completely uninstall them according to their instructions and remove all remaining operative components leaving no trace of them, the effects of actually having used them to "clean" the Mac of what they consider "junk" or unnecessary files will not be reversed. Those effects are due to the deletion of necessary files in the user space — which is completely permissible under Apple's App Store review guidelines. The effects can range from poor performance, diminished battery life, increased energy consumption with the related fan noise, unpredictable behavior, crashes... all sorts of miseries. Those effects will not be reversed by reinstalling macOS for the simple reason that macOS itself is unalterable.
That is the reason I recommend completely erasing the affected Macs and reconfiguring them from the ground up. Although less drastic solutions are possible, they require hands-on, in-depth, time-consuming efforts from highly experienced Mac users. For anyone without an abundance of those resources erasing the Mac is the most practicable solution.
So how do you know whether it's necessary to do that or not? The short answer is that if your Mac is working to your satisfaction after completely removing all traces of its prior existence, then you're good. If not, less fortunate Mac users can easily be convinced their Mac has simply grown old and tired and it's time to replace it. Apple certainly won't mind.
Rule 1 of Macs is don't install junk. It's the first step in a well-worn path to misery.
Find Any File is good, but if you want a free app I recommend using EtreCheck. It will readily identify any leftover components.
https://etrecheck.com/en/index.html
It's a .zip file. Just download it, unzip, run. No installation required and if you no longer need it just drag it to the Trash. It does not alter a Mac in any way.
Thanks, John. I already downloaded EasyFind before I saw this. You probably saw my post below. It seemed to work well. I may try the one you suggested as well and see which one works the best. Cheers.
Thank you for your help. I was actually looking at that link when you replied. The CMMX is now deleted from my computer. Is there a free version similar to "Find Any File" that is recommended?
You're welcome.
I cannot suggest any particular alternatives, but if your google "alternatives to find any file mac" the search should return several.
Thank you, I was just doing that actually. Just worried that I may download a bad one. I will keep investigating. Cheers.
FYI: I just downloaded EasyFind. It is free. It had a good write-up. I used the search criteria that you suggested, and it got rid of approximately 12 files. :-)
I actually prefer EasyFind. I wasn't sure if it was free or not.
How do you delete the CleanMyMac X app from your Mac?
