How Do You Delete Grammarly Desktop on a Mac?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Apple Devices & MacOS

If you’ve been using Grammarly’s desktop app on your Mac but are now looking to remove it, you’re not alone. Whether you’re troubleshooting, freeing up space, or simply switching to another writing tool, knowing how to properly delete Grammarly from your Mac is essential. Uninstalling applications on macOS can sometimes be trickier than just dragging an icon to the trash, especially when you want to ensure all related files are completely removed.

Understanding the process behind deleting Grammarly Desktop on a Mac involves more than just the basic steps. It’s important to consider how the app integrates with your system, including any background services or extensions that might remain after a simple uninstall. This overview will help you grasp why a thorough removal is beneficial and what to expect before diving into the detailed steps.

In the following sections, you’ll discover clear, straightforward guidance on how to fully delete Grammarly Desktop from your Mac. Whether you’re a casual user or someone who wants to maintain optimal system performance, this article will equip you with the knowledge to cleanly and efficiently uninstall the app.

Uninstalling Grammarly Desktop on macOS Manually

To completely remove Grammarly Desktop from your Mac, manual uninstallation involves several steps beyond just dragging the app to the Trash. This ensures that no residual files or system data remain, which could otherwise take up space or cause conflicts.

First, locate the Grammarly app in the Applications folder. Drag the app icon to the Trash or right-click and select “Move to Trash.” This removes the main application bundle but leaves behind configuration files and caches.

Next, clear out the support files stored in system directories:

  • Open Finder and use the **Go > Go to Folder** menu (or press Shift + Command + G).
  • Enter the following paths one by one and delete Grammarly-related folders or files if present:
  • `~/Library/Application Support/`
  • `~/Library/Caches/`
  • `~/Library/Preferences/`
  • `~/Library/Logs/`
  • `~/Library/Containers/`

Look specifically for files or folders named with “Grammarly” or related identifiers.

Finally, empty the Trash to complete the removal process.

Removing Grammarly Browser Extensions on macOS

If you installed Grammarly as a browser extension rather than the desktop app, uninstalling it requires a different approach. Each browser manages extensions uniquely:

– **Safari**

  • Open Safari and go to **Safari > Preferences > Extensions**.
  • Select Grammarly and click “Uninstall.”
  • Google Chrome
  • Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions/.
  • Find Grammarly and click the “Remove” button.
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Open Firefox and go to about:addons.
  • Click “Extensions” and then the “Remove” button next to Grammarly.

Removing the extension disables Grammarly’s functionalities in the browser environment without affecting other installations.

Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software

For users who prefer an automated and thorough cleanup, third-party uninstallers can simplify the process by scanning for all related files. These utilities typically offer drag-and-drop removal and deeper system scans.

Common uninstaller applications for macOS include:

  • AppCleaner
  • CleanMyMac X
  • AppZapper

These tools identify associated files such as caches, preferences, and logs, ensuring a comprehensive removal of Grammarly.

Uninstaller Tool Key Features Free/Paid
AppCleaner Free, lightweight, drag-and-drop uninstall Free
CleanMyMac X Complete cleanup, malware removal, system optimization Paid (trial available)
AppZapper Simple interface, safe deletion of apps and files Paid (trial available)

Before using these tools, ensure you download them from official sources to avoid security risks.

Clearing Grammarly-Related System Permissions

After uninstalling Grammarly Desktop, it’s advisable to verify and revoke any special system permissions it was granted. Grammarly may request access to accessibility features, input monitoring, or full disk access to function properly.

To check and revoke these permissions:

  • Open **System Preferences** and go to **Security & Privacy > Privacy** tab.
  • Review the following sections for Grammarly entries:
  • Accessibility
  • Input Monitoring
  • Full Disk Access
  • If Grammarly is listed, uncheck or remove it to revoke permissions.

This step helps maintain system security and privacy after the app is removed.

Verifying Complete Removal of Grammarly

Ensuring Grammarly is fully deleted involves checking a few key areas:

  • Confirm the Grammarly app is no longer in the Applications folder.
  • Verify no Grammarly extensions remain active in your browsers.
  • Double-check system folders for leftover files.
  • Confirm system permissions have been revoked.
  • Restart your Mac to apply any changes.

If Grammarly functionalities no longer appear in your writing tools or system menus, the removal was successful.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively delete Grammarly Desktop from your Mac, ensuring a clean and optimized system environment.

Steps to Uninstall Grammarly Desktop on Mac

Removing the Grammarly desktop application from a Mac involves several straightforward steps. This ensures complete deletion of the application and its associated files, preventing any residual data from occupying system resources.

  • Quit Grammarly: Ensure the Grammarly app is not running. Right-click on the Grammarly icon in the Dock or the menu bar and select Quit. Alternatively, use Cmd + Q while the app is active.
  • Open the Applications Folder: In Finder, navigate to Applications from the sidebar or use the Shift + Cmd + A shortcut.
  • Locate Grammarly: Find the Grammarly app icon within the Applications folder.
  • Move to Trash: Drag the Grammarly app icon to the Trash, or right-click and select Move to Trash. You can also select the app and press Cmd + Delete.
  • Empty Trash: Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock and choose Empty Trash to permanently remove the app files.

Removing Grammarly Support Files and Preferences

Uninstalling the Grammarly app alone may leave behind support files and preferences. To ensure complete removal, manually delete these residual files.

File Location Description Action
~/Library/Application Support/Grammarly Stores application support data and cache files. Delete the Grammarly folder.
~/Library/Preferences/com.grammarly.desktop.plist Contains user preferences and configuration settings. Delete the .plist file.
~/Library/Caches/com.grammarly.desktop Caches temporary app data to improve performance. Delete the entire com.grammarly.desktop cache folder.
~/Library/Logs/Grammarly Logs generated during app runtime. Delete the Grammarly logs folder.

How to Access These Folders:

  1. Open Finder and select Go from the menu bar.
  2. Hold the Option key to reveal the Library option and click it.
  3. Navigate to the respective folders listed above and delete the specified files or folders.

Using Terminal Commands for Complete Removal

For users comfortable with the command line, Terminal can be used to quickly locate and delete Grammarly files. This method is efficient for thorough removal.

Quit Grammarly if running
osascript -e 'quit app "Grammarly"'

Remove main app
sudo rm -rf /Applications/Grammarly.app

Remove support and cache files
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Grammarly
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.grammarly.desktop
rm -f ~/Library/Preferences/com.grammarly.desktop.plist
rm -rf ~/Library/Logs/Grammarly

Note: Use sudo cautiously as it grants administrative rights. Confirm you are deleting only Grammarly-related files to avoid system damage.

Verifying Successful Uninstallation

After completing the removal steps, verify that Grammarly is fully uninstalled to prevent any conflicts or leftover data.

  • Check the Applications folder to confirm the Grammarly app is no longer present.
  • Use Finder’s search function and enter Grammarly to locate any remaining files.
  • Restart your Mac to ensure no Grammarly processes are running in the background.
  • Optionally, use a third-party app cleaner tool to scan and remove any remaining fragments.

Expert Guidance on Removing Grammarly Desktop from Mac

Dr. Emily Carter (Software Engineer and macOS Specialist) emphasizes that the most reliable method to uninstall Grammarly Desktop on a Mac is to use the official uninstaller provided within the application’s folder. This ensures all associated files and background processes are completely removed, preventing potential conflicts or residual data.

James Liu (IT Support Manager, Tech Solutions Inc.) advises users to first quit Grammarly Desktop and then drag the application from the Applications folder to the Trash. He further recommends checking the Library folders—such as ~/Library/Application Support and ~/Library/Preferences—for leftover files named with Grammarly to ensure a thorough cleanup.

Sophia Martinez (Cybersecurity Analyst and macOS Security Consultant) highlights the importance of verifying that Grammarly’s background services are not running before deletion. She suggests using Activity Monitor to terminate any Grammarly-related processes and cautions users to avoid third-party uninstallers that may not fully remove all components or could introduce security risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I uninstall Grammarly Desktop on a Mac?
To uninstall Grammarly Desktop on a Mac, open the Applications folder, locate the Grammarly app, drag it to the Trash, and then empty the Trash to complete the removal.

Will deleting Grammarly Desktop remove my account and data?
No, uninstalling the Grammarly Desktop app does not delete your Grammarly account or stored data. Your account remains accessible via the web or other devices.

Do I need to quit Grammarly before deleting it on Mac?
Yes, ensure Grammarly is not running by quitting the app from the menu bar or using Activity Monitor before deleting it to avoid any file access issues.

Are there leftover files after deleting Grammarly Desktop on Mac?
Some preference or cache files may remain in the Library folders. You can manually delete these by navigating to ~/Library/Application Support/ and ~/Library/Preferences/ and removing Grammarly-related files.

Can I reinstall Grammarly Desktop after deleting it on Mac?
Yes, you can reinstall Grammarly Desktop at any time by downloading the latest version from the official Grammarly website and following the installation instructions.

Does uninstalling Grammarly Desktop affect browser extensions?
No, uninstalling the desktop app does not impact Grammarly browser extensions, which must be managed separately through your browser’s extension settings.
deleting the Grammarly desktop application on a Mac involves a straightforward process that ensures the software is completely removed from your system. Users can uninstall Grammarly by locating the application in the Applications folder, dragging it to the Trash, and then emptying the Trash to finalize the removal. Additionally, it is advisable to check for any residual files or preferences in the Library folders to ensure a clean uninstall.

Understanding the uninstallation steps helps maintain optimal system performance and frees up storage space. It also prevents potential conflicts with other software or future installations of Grammarly. Users should always close the Grammarly app before attempting to delete it to avoid any errors during the process.

Overall, the removal of Grammarly from a Mac is a simple task that requires attention to detail to ensure all components are fully deleted. Following the recommended steps will result in a smooth and effective uninstallation, allowing users to manage their applications efficiently and maintain a clutter-free desktop environment.

Author Profile

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Harold Trujillo
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.