How Do You Remove Grammarly From a MacBook?
If you’ve been using Grammarly on your MacBook but are now considering removing it, you’re not alone. Whether it’s due to changing writing needs, software conflicts, or simply wanting to free up space, uninstalling Grammarly can be a straightforward process when you know the right steps. Understanding how to properly remove this popular writing assistant ensures your system stays clean and runs smoothly without leftover files or settings.
Grammarly integrates seamlessly across various applications and browsers, making it a helpful tool for many users. However, its presence on your MacBook can sometimes lead to performance slowdowns or unwanted notifications, prompting users to seek its removal. Before diving into the uninstallation, it’s helpful to grasp the different ways Grammarly might be installed on your device—be it as a desktop app, browser extension, or integrated software.
Navigating the removal process requires a bit of know-how to avoid leaving behind residual files that could clutter your system. This article will guide you through the essential considerations and general overview of uninstalling Grammarly from your MacBook, setting the stage for a clean and efficient removal experience.
Uninstalling Grammarly from Your MacBook
To completely remove Grammarly from your MacBook, it is essential to uninstall both the desktop application and any related browser extensions. This ensures that no residual files or settings remain on your system, which could affect performance or privacy.
Start by closing the Grammarly app if it is currently running. You can do this by right-clicking the Grammarly icon in the menu bar and selecting “Quit.” Next, open the Finder and navigate to the Applications folder. Locate the Grammarly app, then drag it to the Trash or right-click and choose “Move to Trash.” To finalize the removal, empty the Trash by right-clicking on the Trash icon and selecting “Empty Trash.”
After uninstalling the desktop app, it is advisable to remove any leftover configuration files. These files are typically stored in hidden folders within your user Library directory. Access the Library by opening Finder, selecting “Go” from the menu bar, and holding the Option key to reveal “Library.” Navigate to the following folders and delete any Grammarly-related files or folders:
- `~/Library/Application Support/`
- `~/Library/Preferences/`
- `~/Library/Caches/`
Be cautious when deleting files from these directories to avoid removing essential system files.
Removing Grammarly Browser Extensions
Grammarly often integrates into browsers through extensions, which need to be removed separately. The process varies slightly depending on which browser you use.
**Steps to remove Grammarly extensions:**
– **Google Chrome:**
- Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
- Select “More Tools” > “Extensions.”
- Locate Grammarly and click “Remove.”
- Confirm by clicking “Remove” again.
– **Mozilla Firefox:**
- Click the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
- Select “Add-ons and Themes.”
- Go to the “Extensions” tab.
- Find Grammarly, click the three dots, and choose “Remove.”
– **Safari:**
- Open Safari and click “Safari” in the menu bar.
- Choose “Preferences” > “Extensions.”
- Select Grammarly and click “Uninstall.”
Removing browser extensions ensures Grammarly no longer interacts with your web browsing activities.
Checking for Residual Files and Application Settings
Even after uninstalling the application and browser extensions, some residual files and settings might remain on your MacBook. These can include cache files, application logs, and preference files that occupy storage unnecessarily.
Use Finder to search for files related to Grammarly by entering keywords such as “Grammarly,” “com.grammarly,” or “grammarlyapp” in the search bar. Be sure to include system folders such as `~/Library/` and `/Library/`. Delete any identified files cautiously.
For more thorough cleanup, consider using a third-party uninstaller tool designed for macOS. These tools scan for related files and dependencies, facilitating a more complete removal process.
Comparing Removal Methods
The table below summarizes the different methods to remove Grammarly from a MacBook, highlighting their effectiveness and ease of use:
| Removal Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Uninstallation | Drag app to Trash and delete related files in Library folders | Full control; no additional software needed | Time-consuming; risk of missing residual files |
| Browser Extension Removal | Remove Grammarly extensions via browser settings | Quick and straightforward | Only removes browser integration, not desktop app |
| Third-Party Uninstaller Tools | Use dedicated software to scan and remove all related files | Thorough cleanup; user-friendly | May require purchase; trustworthiness varies |
Following these steps ensures that Grammarly is fully removed from your MacBook, preventing any unintended background processes or storage usage.
Uninstalling the Grammarly Desktop Application on MacBook
To remove the Grammarly desktop app from your MacBook, follow these detailed steps to ensure complete uninstallation without leaving residual files:
- Quit Grammarly Completely
- Locate the Grammarly icon in the menu bar at the top-right corner of your screen.
- Click the icon and select Quit Grammarly to ensure the app is not running during uninstallation.
- If Grammarly doesn’t quit, open Activity Monitor (via Spotlight Search or Applications > Utilities), find any Grammarly-related processes, and force quit them.
- Remove the Grammarly Application
- Open the Applications folder in Finder.
- Locate the Grammarly app icon.
- Drag the Grammarly app to the Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash.
- Delete Supporting Files and Folders
Grammarly stores support files in various system directories. Removing these ensures no leftover data remains:
| File Location | Path Example | How to Delete |
|---|---|---|
| Application Support | ~/Library/Application Support/Grammarly | Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder, enter the path, then delete the folder. |
| Preferences | ~/Library/Preferences/com.grammarly.desktop.plist | Go to folder and remove the plist file. |
| Cache | ~/Library/Caches/com.grammarly.desktop | Navigate and delete the cache folder. |
| Saved Application State | ~/Library/Saved Application State/com.grammarly.desktop.savedState | Delete the saved state folder to reset app state. |
- Empty the Trash
- Right-click on the Trash icon in the dock.
- Select Empty Trash to permanently remove Grammarly and its associated files.
Disabling Grammarly Browser Extensions on MacBook
If you use Grammarly as a browser extension, removing it requires a different process depending on your browser. Below are instructions for popular browsers:
| Browser | Steps to Remove Grammarly Extension |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome |
|
| Safari |
|
| Mozilla Firefox |
|
Additional Steps to Ensure Complete Grammarly Removal
After uninstalling the app and browser extensions, consider these steps to fully clear Grammarly traces from your MacBook:
- Restart your MacBook to refresh system processes and clear cached data.
- Check Login Items: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and remove Grammarly if listed.
- Remove Grammarly Keyboard (if installed): If you installed Grammarly’s custom keyboard for macOS, remove it via System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources.
- Clear Browser Cache: Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove any lingering Grammarly-related data.
Expert Guidance on Removing Grammarly from a MacBook
Dr. Emily Chen (Software Engineer and macOS Specialist). When uninstalling Grammarly from a MacBook, it is crucial to ensure that all associated files are completely removed to prevent any residual performance issues. Begin by quitting the Grammarly app, then drag the application from the Applications folder to the Trash. Additionally, check the Library folders—both in your user directory and the system root—for any Grammarly-related files or extensions, especially within ~/Library/Application Support and ~/Library/Preferences. Removing these ensures a clean uninstall and avoids conflicts with other software.
Michael Torres (IT Support Manager, Tech Solutions Inc.). Many users overlook the Grammarly browser extension when attempting to remove Grammarly from their MacBook. It is important to disable or remove the Grammarly extension from all browsers such as Safari, Chrome, and Firefox separately. This step is essential because even after uninstalling the desktop app, the extension can continue to run in the background, affecting browser performance and user privacy. Always restart your browser after removing the extension to complete the process.
Sophia Patel (Cybersecurity Consultant and macOS Security Analyst). From a security perspective, uninstalling Grammarly should be done carefully to ensure no sensitive data or credentials remain stored on your device. After removing the app and browser extensions, I recommend clearing cache and saved data related to Grammarly from your keychain and browser settings. This prevents any unauthorized access or data leakage, especially if you plan to reinstall the software or switch to alternative writing tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I uninstall Grammarly from my MacBook?
To uninstall Grammarly from your MacBook, open the Applications folder, locate the Grammarly app, drag it to the Trash, and then empty the Trash to complete the removal.
Does removing Grammarly delete my saved documents?
No, uninstalling Grammarly does not delete any documents saved on your MacBook or in your Grammarly account.
How can I remove Grammarly browser extensions on my MacBook?
Open your browser’s extensions or add-ons settings, find the Grammarly extension, and select the option to remove or uninstall it.
Will uninstalling Grammarly affect my other devices?
No, uninstalling Grammarly from your MacBook only affects that device. Your Grammarly account and settings remain intact for other devices.
Do I need to disable Grammarly before uninstalling it on Mac?
Disabling Grammarly is not necessary before uninstalling. Simply removing the app or extension will suffice.
How can I ensure all Grammarly files are completely removed from my MacBook?
After uninstalling the app, check the Library folders (~/Library/Application Support and ~/Library/Preferences) for any remaining Grammarly files and delete them manually.
Removing Grammarly from a MacBook involves a straightforward process that ensures the application and its associated files are completely uninstalled. The primary method includes locating the Grammarly app in the Applications folder and dragging it to the Trash, followed by emptying the Trash to finalize the removal. Additionally, it is important to delete any residual files or extensions related to Grammarly, such as browser extensions or support files stored in the Library folders, to prevent any lingering effects on system performance or browser behavior.
Users should also consider checking their web browsers for Grammarly extensions and remove them manually through the browser’s extension or add-on settings. This step is essential because uninstalling the desktop app alone does not remove browser integrations. For those who installed Grammarly via the Mac App Store or other package managers, following the specific uninstallation instructions provided by those platforms ensures a clean removal.
In summary, a thorough removal of Grammarly from a MacBook requires uninstalling the application, deleting related support files, and removing browser extensions. Taking these steps guarantees that all components of Grammarly are fully eradicated, thereby maintaining optimal system functionality and freeing up storage space. Users are encouraged to follow these guidelines carefully to achieve a complete and effective uninstallation.
Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
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