How do I uninstall Zoom on my Mac?

To uninstall Zoom on your Mac, the simplest and most recommended method is to use its built-in uninstaller, which ensures all associated components are removed efficiently.

The Easiest Way: Using Zoom's Built-in Uninstaller

Zoom provides a dedicated uninstall option directly within its application, which is the most effective way to remove the software and all its related files from your macOS system. This method ensures a clean removal, leaving no residual components behind.

Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Open the Zoom Desktop Application: Launch the Zoom app on your Mac as you normally would.
2. Access the Zoom Menu: Look at the very top of your screen, in the macOS menu bar (the toolbar).
   • If you are using Zoom Desktop App (versions prior to 6.0.0), select zoom.us.
   • If you are using Zoom Workplace (version 6.0.0 and higher), select Zoom Workplace.
     This option will be found next to the Apple menu ().
3. Select Uninstall: In the dropdown menu that appears, you will find an option to uninstall.
   • For Zoom Desktop App, choose Uninstall Zoom.
   • For Zoom Workplace, choose Uninstall Zoom Workplace.
4. Confirm Uninstallation: A confirmation dialog box will appear. Select OK to confirm that you wish to uninstall the Zoom desktop application and all of its components.

Here's a quick reference for the menu options:

Why Choose the Built-in Uninstaller?

• Completeness: Unlike simply dragging an application to the Trash, Zoom's built-in uninstaller is designed to remove all associated files, including preference files, cache data, and application support files, which can otherwise accumulate and occupy disk space.
• Simplicity: It automates the process, making it quick and easy without needing to manually search for hidden files.
• Official Recommendation: This is the method officially supported and recommended by Zoom for a clean removal.

Alternative Method: Manual Uninstallation (Less Recommended for Zoom)

While not as thorough as the built-in uninstaller, you can manually remove most applications on a Mac by dragging them to the Trash.

Dragging to Trash

1. Close Zoom: Ensure the Zoom application is completely closed before proceeding. You can quit it from the Dock or by selecting Zoom > Quit Zoom from the menu bar.
2. Open Applications Folder: Open a new Finder window and navigate to the Applications folder.
3. Move to Trash: Locate the Zoom.us application icon, then drag it to the Trash in your Dock.
4. Empty Trash: Right-click or Control-click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Important Note: This method typically leaves behind various support files, preferences, and cache files scattered across your system, usually within your user's Library folder (~/Library). While these files are generally small, they are not removed by simply dragging the app to the Trash. For a truly clean uninstall, especially with an application like Zoom that integrates deeply with system functions, the built-in uninstaller is superior.

Verifying a Complete Uninstall

After using Zoom's built-in uninstaller, the application and its core components should be gone. If you used the manual drag-to-trash method and want to check for residual files, you can manually browse your user's Library folder. This folder is hidden by default.

To access it:

1. Open Finder.
2. In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click Go.
3. Hold down the Option (Alt) key on your keyboard. Library will appear in the dropdown menu. Click on it.

Within the Library folder, you might look in subfolders like:

• Application Support
• Caches
• Preferences

Look for folders or files containing "Zoom" in their names. However, for most users, the built-in uninstaller negates the need for this manual cleanup. For more general guidance on removing apps from your Mac, you can refer to Apple's official support documentation.