If you recently installed Grammarly on your Mac and are now wondering how to remove it, you are not alone. Many users search specifically for how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac because they either no longer need the tool, prefer a simpler setup, or are switching to different writing assistants. While Grammarly is powerful and widely used, the uninstallation process is not always straightforward—especially if it has been integrated as multiple applications, extensions, or background services. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, explaining not only how to uninstall it from your Mac but also how to ensure no leftover files, caches, or preferences remain.
In this article, we will cover different methods you can use depending on whether Grammarly is installed as a desktop app, Safari or Chrome extension, or part of Microsoft Word. We will also discuss related tips for troubleshooting, cleaning up residual files, and optimizing your Mac afterward. By the time you finish reading, you will have an executive-level understanding of how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac and the confidence to do so successfully without technical hassle.
Understanding Grammarly on Mac
Before walking through uninstallation methods, it helps to know what you are uninstalling. Grammarly usually comes in several forms on a Mac: a desktop app, browser extensions, and plug-ins for word processors like Microsoft Word. Each of these has a slightly different removal process.
Grammarly Desktop App
The Grammarly desktop app is a standalone application that sits in your Applications folder. It allows you to import documents, check grammar, and sync across devices. Learning how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac at this stage begins with knowing where to locate and remove this application.
Grammarly Browser Extensions
Grammarly integrates tightly into Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox. If you installed the browser add-on, you will need to remove the extension separately from the desktop application.
Microsoft Word and Outlook Add-ins
Grammarly also provides an add-in for Microsoft Office. If you use Word or Outlook frequently, chances are the Grammarly toolbar or side panel is still present. Knowing how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac in this context involves removing the Word add-ins library as well.
Step-by-Step: How to Uninstall Grammarly on Mac (Desktop Version)
Removing Grammarly from your Mac desktop requires a few careful steps. Unlike simply dragging an app into the Trash, you must also ensure library files are removed to prevent clutter.
Step 1: Quit Grammarly
Check if Grammarly is running in the background by clicking the menu bar at the top right. If you see Grammarly’s “G” icon, right-click and select “Quit.” This ensures the application is not actively running before uninstallation.
Step 2: Move Grammarly to Trash
Go to your Applications folder, locate Grammarly, and drag it into the Trash. Alternatively, right-click the application icon and choose “Move to Trash.” This removes the main app from your system.
Step 3: Delete Library Files
The desktop app leaves behind support files in your Library. Open Finder, click on “Go” in the menu bar, press and hold the Option key, and then select “Library.” Look inside the following folders:
- ~/Library/Application Support/Grammarly
- ~/Library/Preferences/com.grammarly.desktop.plist
- ~/Library/Caches/com.grammarly.desktop
Delete these files to ensure Grammarly is completely uninstalled. These extra steps are critical for fully completing how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac.
Uninstalling Grammarly Browser Extensions
If you partnered Grammarly with Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, removing it from your browser will reduce clutter and speed up your web experience. The process varies slightly for each browser.
How to Uninstall Grammarly on Mac from Safari
Open Safari and select Preferences from the top-left. Go to the Extensions tab, locate Grammarly, and click Uninstall. Restart Safari to confirm the removal.
How to Uninstall Grammarly on Mac from Chrome
In Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu on the top right, go to More Tools > Extensions, find Grammarly, and click Remove. Confirm deletion, then restart the browser for changes.
How to Uninstall Grammarly on Mac from Firefox
Click the three-bar menu in Firefox, choose Add-ons and Themes, then Extensions. Locate Grammarly and click Remove. Restart Firefox after uninstallation.
Remove Grammarly from Microsoft Word on Mac
If you are using Microsoft Word or Outlook with Grammarly, the add-in may remain even after uninstalling the application. Here’s how to fully remove it.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Launch Word and go to the menu bar. Select Tools > Templates and Add-ins to view installed plug-ins.
Step 2: Deselect Grammarly Add-in
If Grammarly appears in the list, uncheck it and click Remove. This will stop Grammarly from loading in Word.
Step 3: Delete Add-in Files
Check the ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Startup/Word folder for any Grammarly files. Drag them to Trash to complete the uninstallation.
Advanced Cleanup for Complete Removal
If you want to ensure no hidden files remain, third-party app cleaners can help. Programs like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac can scan for hidden Grammarly files. Some users prefer manual cleanup because it ensures full control over what is deleted.
Troubleshooting Common Issues After Uninstallation
Even after following how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac instructions, users sometimes encounter minor issues. For instance, Grammarly icons still appear in Microsoft Word, Safari crashes, or ghost background processes run. Here are solutions:
- Phantom toolbar in Word: Double-check Add-ins and Application Support file locations again.
- Browser lag: Restart browser or reset settings if Grammarly traces remain.
- System running slow: Clear cache files and restart the Mac.
Why Learn How to Uninstall Grammarly on Mac?
Many users uninstall Grammarly for valid reasons. Some find it too resource-heavy, while others prefer alternatives. Still others want to regain privacy or simply reduce clutter on their Mac. Knowing how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac helps you stay in control of your toolset and optimize productivity.
Alternatives After Uninstalling Grammarly
Once you remove Grammarly, you might want writing assistance alternatives. Tools like ProWritingAid (ProWritingAid) and QuillBot (QuillBot) offer unique features for grammar checking and rewriting while using fewer system resources. Choosing a tool depends on whether you value style editing, paraphrasing, or lightweight integration.
For productivity tool comparisons, check out related guides on AI writing tools and must-have Chrome extensions to optimize your workflow further.
Real-World Examples and Case Studies
Imagine a freelance copywriter who manages large documents daily. They installed Grammarly for grammar checking but noticed their Mac slowed down due to background syncing. After learning how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac, they freed up system memory and switched to a lighter proofing tool.
Another case: a student with multiple writing plug-ins found Grammarly clashing with Microsoft Word formatting. Uninstalling it solved the formatting errors, reduced lag, and allowed smoother writing workflow in Word while using university-provided grammar software instead.
Best Practices for App Uninstallation
When learning how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac, keep in mind these best practices for future uninstalls:
- Always quit apps before deleting them.
- Check system Library files for leftovers.
- Restart your Mac after major uninstalls.
- Use app cleaning tools if you’re not comfortable deleting hidden files manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I completely uninstall Grammarly on Mac manually?
To completely uninstall manually, first quit the app from the menu bar, then drag the application to Trash from Applications. Next, remove leftover files in ~/Library/Application Support, ~/Library/Preferences, and ~/Library/Caches. This manual cleanup ensures you fully executed the process of how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac, leaving no residual components that could occupy storage or cause background processes to linger.
Can I remove Grammarly from Safari without deleting the desktop app?
Yes. If you only want to uninstall Grammarly from Safari, go to Safari Preferences > Extensions and click uninstall on Grammarly. This will keep the desktop app intact if you still plan to use it outside the browser. Understanding targeted removal is part of how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac effectively for different use environments.
Does uninstalling Grammarly improve Mac performance?
In most cases, yes. Grammarly runs background services that consume memory. After you follow how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac procedures, you may experience a snappier system startup and reduced memory consumption. While performance gains vary, removing large extensions and apps helps keep your Mac optimized.
How do I uninstall Grammarly from Microsoft Word on Mac?
To remove Grammarly from Microsoft Word, open Word, select Tools > Templates and Add-ins, then uncheck and remove the Grammarly add-in. Additionally, delete any Grammarly files inside the Startup/Word folder within your Library. Taking this multi-step approach ensures you fully complete how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac for Word integrations.
Is there an automatic tool to uninstall Grammarly completely?
Yes, apps like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac analyze installed software and remove hidden files automatically. These utilities make how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac faster and simpler, especially for less technical users, by ensuring no fragments remain after dragging the app to Trash.
What happens if I skip deleting Grammarly’s Library files?
If you skip this part, some leftovers could remain and possibly sync or trigger background tasks, though the main software is gone. When fully following how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac, always remove library files to maintain system health and clear valuable disk space.
Can I reinstall Grammarly after uninstalling on my Mac?
Definitely. If later you decide you need Grammarly again, simply download the latest version from Grammarly’s official website and reinstall it. Knowing how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac doesn’t mean you can’t reinstall; it simply gives you control to add or remove software as needed.
Why won’t Grammarly disappear fully after uninstallation?
Sometimes remnants persist because not all library files, add-ins, or browser extensions were deleted. In this case, revisit the Library directories and Extensions menu to clear them manually. Troubleshooting is part of knowing how to uninstall Grammarly on Mac thoroughly, ensuring icons, toolbars, and background processes vanish completely.
