How To Uninstall Java On Mac?

Do you want to learn how to uninstall Java on Mac? Maybe your computer has been running a bit slow lately, and you’ve heard that one of the ways to fix this is by uninstalling Java.

Regardless of why you want to get rid of it, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through the process step-by-step so that deleting Java from your Mac is a breeze – no technical expertise is required. Let’s dive in and get started on freeing up some valuable space on your Mac.

Very Quickly – What Is Java?

Before we can get into removing Java from your Mac, let’s first discuss what it is. Java is a computer programming language created in the mid-1990s by Sun Microsystems.

It is now owned by Oracle and used to create applications that can be run on multiple devices, including computers and mobile phones. Java software must be installed on your computer to run applications written in the language.

How to Uninstall Java on Mac

Oftentimes, keeping old software on our computers can lead to outdated versions that are more vulnerable.

I understand how frustrating it can be when something as integral to your computing experience as Java goes awry, and I am here to provide the assistance you need. I will be sharing the right techniques and steps for you for the Java uninstallation process. After this, removing Java from Mac should no longer seem like a daunting task!

3 Ways To Uninstall Java From Mac

Now, there are 3 ways to uninstall Java from your Mac. You can opt for any of these as per your approach and convenience.

Uninstalling Java Manually
Using System Preferences To Uninstall Java
Using Mac Terminal To Uninstall Java

1 – Uninstalling Java Manually

The easiest way to uninstall Java from Mac is by doing it manually. This is a pretty straightforward way of doing it. You will be totally navigating your way into the process manually. Now, let us get started.

Important!

Keep in mind that the app we want isn’t a typical one, so searching for it in Application folders or using Apple Launchpad will not be fruitless. Essentially, you will be able to find it in its native installation folder.

One more important thing! You need to close all the applications or browsers that use Java.

Now, proceed with me.

Steps To Uninstall Java Manually

Log into your Mac. Head over to the installation folder that you will find in the “System Preferences Menu“.
Next, open downloads through the menu. Look for the Java native installation file.

If you can’t find the Java native file, you can download it again from the official developer’s site right here.
It will ask for your login credentials. Enter your username and password.
As you enter the credentials, a new window will appear.

Look for the blue “Remove” button at the bottom right of the window.
Click the blue remove button.
Right as you click, the Java uninstallation process will begin and end in a few seconds. You will also get a confirmation message of the removal.
Finally, restart your Mac!

2 – Using System Preferences To Uninstall Java

Another method of uninstalling Java from Mac is by using the System Preferences. The “System Preferences” section of the Mac operating system allows users to alter their settings to match their personal preferences. Some common adjustments include choosing a default web browser, modifying the dock, and establishing keyboard shortcuts.

System Preferences not only allow users to change their desktop appearance but also set up options for printers and networks. System Preferences also allows you to control and monitor user accounts and parental settings.

Steps To Uninstall Java Using System Preferences

Search for System Preferences on the Apple Launchpad.

system preferences on the apple launchpad app

Look for Java by searching in the bar at the top-right corner.
Next, right-click the Java icon in the system preferences menu.

As you right-click on the icon, an option saying “Remove Java Preference Pane” will pop up.
Simply, click on this option.
Next, head to the Applications folder and look for Java through the search bar.

Further, locate a file that is named “JavaAppletPlugin.plugin”.
Right-click on this particular file and a menu will appear.
Look for the option “Move to Trash“
Java will be relocated to the trash and its icon will vanish

Recommended For Total Java Removal

I highly recommend following these additional steps.

Although Java has been moved to trash, you can ensure its total removal. For that, go to the System trash. Next, empty your trash. This way, Java will be completely removed from your Mac system.
You should definitely disable Java on your Safari to secure your system. Simply, open Safari and go to preferences. Head to the “Security Tab“. In this tab, uncheck the “Enable Java” option.

Done and dusted! The traces of Java will be completely gone after this.

3 – Using Mac Terminal To Uninstall Java

Finally, we have the Mac Terminal for Java uninstallation.

The Terminal app on Mac is a command line interface (CLI). It enables users to execute commands to control the operating system. The terminal allows you to access the underlying UNIX system that makes up macOS and its graphical user interfaces, or GUIs.

Although developers and system administrators most often use the command line to run tasks, it can also be employed to create and edit files, execute custom scripts, or adjust settings.

Important!

Before uninstalling Java using Terminal, check to see how many versions you have installed and which ones are currently on your system. Uninstalling an older version of a program and installing a new one can leave residual files behind.

I will tell you how to find out the current version in the steps below. Don’t be discouraged by Terminal! It is relatively easy to use once you understand how it works.

Steps To Uninstall Java Using Mac Terminal

Open Terminal on your Mac, either through Launchpad or through Utilities in the Applications folder.
In Terminal, run the command, java-version. In case you think there are several versions of Java on your Mac, run the command ls /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines.
Now, let us begin with the steps to uninstall Java.

In Terminal, run the command sudo rm -rf /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_251.jdk
It will ask you for the credentials, in case your system is password protected. Enter the credentials.
After that, press “Enter” to run the command. As you press enter, Java will be uninstalled from your Mac.

Recommended – You Need To Know this!

I recommend going the extra mile to ensure proper cleanup. Because, although, Java will be uninstalled from your Mac, the Java files are still there.

To properly clean your Mac, follow these additional steps to remove the Java files.

In the Terminal, run the command sudo rm -rf /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk1.8.0_251.jdk. This will remove the applet plugin.
In the Terminal, run the command sudo rm -rf “/Library/PreferencePanes/JavaControlPanel.prefPane”. This will remove the JCP.
Run the command sudo rm -rf “/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines” to remove the JDKs.
Run the command sudo rm -rf “/Library/Application Support/Oracle/Java” to remove any Java files.

Please Note: Before you execute any commands, it is crucial that you cross-check them. Invoking the wrong command can be problematic and even lead to damage to your existing data.

Clearing Java Cache On Your Mac

Now that Java has been uninstalled, let us move on to the next step – clearing the cache. The cache is an essential part of any software or application. It stores specific information from websites you visit and programs you use so your Mac can quickly recall them later. Clearing this cache often helps resolve issues related to web browsers and applications

To clear the Java cache, follow these steps:

First, boot your Mac.
Go to System Preferences. Click on the Java icon and look for the “Other” option, and choose it.
Next, click on the Java Control Panel. Go to the General Tab.
Next, hover over the Temporary Internet Files. Pick the Settings option from there.
Click on the Delete File button. A tab will open. Choose “Cached Applications and Applets“.
Click on OK.

Wrap Up!

Now, you have successfully uninstalled Java from your Mac using Terminal. This method is easy to use and simple to follow. If you want to reinstall Java or go back to an older version, it will be as simple as downloading the specific version of JDK that you need and following the installation instructions. I hope this article helped you to successfully uninstall Java from your Mac.