Avast is a popular antivirus solution, but if you're switching to another security tool or simply want to reduce system resource usage, you might want to remove it.
Dragging the Avast Security icon from the Applications folder to the bin can't clean the app, how to uninstall it on Mac? -reddit.com
How do I completely uninstall Avast Antivirus on my Mac using Terminal? -discussion.apple.com
You have to know that to uninstall Avast Antivirus on Mac isn't always as simple as dragging it to the Trash. Some components can remain hidden in system folders. This guide will show you the cleanest and most thorough ways to uninstall Avast Antivirus from your Mac completely.
The cleanest and fastest way to uninstall Avast on Mac
For the easiest and most thorough way to remove Avast Antivirus from your Mac, CleanMyApp is the best choice. This all-in-one Mac utility offers a dedicated uninstaller module that removes not just the app but all its associated files, including supporting files, status files, log files, preferences, etc., on Mac.
Saving time and effort, just with a few clicks, CleanMyApp excels specifically at the deep, complete, and private removal of applications like Avast Antivirus itself and persistent leftovers. Let's uninstall Avast with it~
- Free download, install, and launch CleanMyApp on your Mac.
- Click "Grant Access" when it prompts.
(Then you can see all the programs in the window.) - Tick Avast Security or Avast Antivirus, then click "Uninstall".
- Click "Continue uninstall" and wait for the scanning, then click "Finish".
(This action deletes the app and the related files together.)
So fast! CleanMyApp is the most efficient method to completely and safely remove Avast Antivirus on Mac without leaving a trace.
Manual ways to uninstall Avast Antivirus on Mac
For more time-consuming and troublesome ways, you can still delete Avast Antivirus on Mac manually using one or more of the following methods:
# 1 Official Avast uninstaller
Avast Antivirus has its own uninstaller:
- Open Avast Security, then click Avast Security in the Apple menu, and choose Uninstall Avast Security.
- When the uninstaller window opens, click Continue to proceed.
- You'll be asked to enter your Mac's login password, then click Installer Helper.
- The tool will begin removing Avast Security from your system.
- If prompted again, re-enter your password and click OK.
- Once the process is complete, click Finish, or select Continue if you wanna take a brief customer survey.
Or you can use Finder > Applications > Avast Security Uninstaller. Then begin the uninstalling process here.
# 2 Remove Avast from library folders
Using Finder Library folders to uninstall an app on Mac is common; however, you must ensure you find the related data of Avast at once.
- Quit Avast Security completely.
- pen Finder > Applications, right-click Avast Security and choose "Move to Trash".
(You can also choose to drag and drop the app to the Trash.) - Go to Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
(Or open Finder, and press the Command + Shift + G keys.) - Check and delete Avast Antivirus-related files in the following paths, and delete them all:
/Applications/Avast/Security.app
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.avast.*
/Library/Application Support/com.avast.AAFM
/Library/Application Support/Avast
~/Library/Application Support/Avast
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.avast.*
~/Library/Preferences/com.avast.*
~/Library/Application Support/Avast
~/Library/Cahoes/com.avast.*
~/Library/Logs/Avast - Empty the Trash and restart your Mac.
You'd better look for Avast in the search box to find the other data.
# 3 Use Terminal commands
You can apply Mac Terminal commands to remove system-level Avast Antivirus files after deleting them in Finder, but be careful to use them, for a little mistake will lead to terrible results:
- Right-click the Avast icon in the menu bar (top-right) → Quit Avast.
- Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Run the commands in Terminal (Copy/paste):
sudo killall -9 Avast 2>/dev/null
sudo rm -rf /Applications/Avast\ Security.app
sudo rm -rf /Library/Application\ Support/Avast
sudo rm -rf /Library/Application\ Support/com.avast.AAFM
sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Avast
sudo rm -f /Library/LaunchAgents/com.avast.*
sudo rm -f /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.avast.*
rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.avast.*
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.avast.*
rm -rf ~/Library/Logs/Avast - Then enter sudo shutdown -r now.
You'll need admin privileges to run these commands. Always double-check before executing sudo rm.
Uninstalling Avast Antivirus on Mac can range from quick and simple to complex, depending on how deeply it's integrated into your system. Using a tool like CleanMyApp offers the easiest and most complete solution, but manual methods work well if done carefully. Always ensure all associated files are removed to prevent conflicts or unnecessary background processes.
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FAQs about Avast Antivirus uninstall
- QHow do I completely remove Avast Antivirus on Mac?
-
A
Use CleanMyApp or the official Avast Uninstaller to remove Avast and all leftover files. You can also delete related files manually from Library folders.
- QHow do I turn Avast Antivirus off on my Mac?
-
A
Open Avast Security, go to Menu > Avast Security Preferences, and disable Core Shields or real-time protection.
- QHow to fix if Avast Antivirus won’t uninstall on Mac?
-
A
Boot into Safe Mode and try uninstalling again using the Avast Uninstaller or CleanMyApp. If that fails, remove files manually via Finder or Terminal.