macOS OpenClaw Uninstall Guide
This is a practical cleanup guide for common macOS patterns. Verify each file or process before you remove it.
Step 1: Remove the visible app
Start with the obvious app layer first.
Typical macOS cleanup begins with:
- removing the app from
Applications - deleting related shortcuts or launchers
- closing any terminal session still using OpenClaw
Step 2: Review common Mac leftovers
Mac installs often leave traces in user-library locations.
Common categories to review:
| Category | Common places to check |
|---|---|
| App support | ~/Library/Application Support |
| Caches | ~/Library/Caches |
| Logs | ~/Library/Logs |
| Preferences and state | ~/Library/Preferences, ~/Library/Saved Application State |
| Hidden folders | ~/.config, ~/.local, other dotfolders touched during setup |
If you used a more technical setup, also review any workspace or project folder where OpenClaw stored state.
Step 3: Check background and login behavior
Review whether uninstall needs to include:
LaunchAgentsLaunchDaemons- login items
- background helper processes
If your Mac keeps trying to start something related after reboot, there is usually still a startup layer left behind.
Step 4: Review shell changes
If setup involved Terminal, check whether OpenClaw touched:
~/.zshrc~/.zprofile~/.bash_profile~/.bashrc- local aliases or environment variables
This matters if your terminal started behaving strangely after install or uninstall.
Step 5: Review local credentials
Look for signs that keys or config values were stored locally:
- environment variables
.envfiles- config files in user folders
- integration settings inside related projects
Deleting the app does not automatically revoke third-party access.
Step 6: Reboot and verify
After cleanup:
- empty Trash
- restart the Mac
- open Activity Monitor or Terminal
- confirm there is no leftover startup behavior tied to OpenClaw