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Notes & Writing

How to Completely Uninstall Apple Notes on Mac

Apple Notes is part of macOS on the protected system volume and cannot be uninstalled. You can only remove its associated data and cache folders to reset the application.

Last updated: 2 min read

Remove Apple Notes and everything it leaves behind

Apple Notes data usually takes 200 MB – 5 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+

Application
Apple Notes
Typical data size
200 MB – 5 GB
Category
Notes & Writing
File Location
~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.notes

Apple Notes has its own uninstaller

  1. Quit the app completely (⌘+Q in the menu bar).
  2. Notes is part of macOS and cannot be uninstalled; only its data folders can be reset.
  3. Remove the folders Apple Notes left behind, listed in the table below.
  4. Empty the Trash to free up the space.

Everything Apple Notes keeps on your Mac

4 locations. Tick each one as you remove it; back up anything marked as your data first.

Locations checked on a Mac with Apple Notes installed.

What Apple Notes leaves behind

Specific to Apple Notes

Since the app cannot be dragged to the Trash, its support files remain on your system. User data, including the NoteStore database and attachments, stays in group containers. Sandboxed settings, caches, and iCloud sync data also persist in separate library folders. These files typically occupy 200 MB – 5 GB.

Account and sync
Notes in iCloud sync to your Apple Account; notes in the On My Mac account exist only on this computer.

Preparing to clear Apple Notes

Before removing folders, quit the app to ensure files are not in use. Access the hidden ~/Library via Finder > Go > Go to Folder. Be aware that deleting the NoteStore database permanently erases notes stored in the On My Mac account. Only notes synced with your Apple Account will remain available for redownload.

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See it working

OptiClear — Scan overview — every category on one screen
Scan overview — every category on one screen
OptiClear — Privacy audit: what each app has been allowed to reach
Privacy audit: what each app has been allowed to reach
OptiClear — Large and aging files, ranked by what they cost you
Large and aging files, ranked by what they cost you

Try it without risk

  1. Download and scan for freeSee every Apple Notes file and its size. No account needed.
  2. Clean free for 7 daysStart the 7-day free trial of the yearly plan inside the app.
  3. Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.
Download free and scan

After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.

Frequently asked questions

Not all of them. Folders marked “Back up first: your data” hold your own Apple Notes data: back them up before removing them. Folders marked “Yes, rebuilt automatically” are rebuilt automatically; removing them only makes the next start slower. Items marked “Yes, once the app is gone” only matter while Apple Notes is installed, so remove them after the app.
Will my iCloud notes be deleted if I remove the data folders?
No, iCloud notes sync to your Apple Account and will download again later.
Why is my search incomplete or are thumbnails taking up too much space?
These are signs that the app cache has become too large.

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