Video
How to Completely Uninstall HandBrake on Mac
To remove HandBrake, quit the app and drag it to the Trash. Because it stores settings and logs separately, simply deleting the application does not remove all associated data.
Remove HandBrake and everything it leaves behind
HandBrake data usually takes 100 MB – 2 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.
Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+
OptiClear is a Mac app. Copy this page's link and open it on your Mac.
Email me the link- Application
- HandBrake
- Typical data size
- 100 MB – 2 GB
- Category
- Video
- File Location
~/Library/Containers/fr.handbrake.HandBrake
Manual cleanup steps
- Quit the app completely (⌘+Q in the menu bar).
- Move HandBrake from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Remove the folders HandBrake left behind, listed in the table below.
- Empty the Trash to free up the space.
Everything HandBrake keeps on your Mac
1 locations. Tick each one as you remove it; back up anything marked as your data first.
Locations are the standard macOS folders HandBrake uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.
What HandBrake leaves behind
Specific to HandBrake
Dragging the app to the Trash preserves your custom presets, encoding queue, and activity logs. These remain in the ~/Library/Containers/fr.handbrake.HandBrake folder. Since the app writes encodes to a location you choose, like the Movies folder, those video files also stay on your Mac. Total data typically ranges from 100 MB – 2 GB.
Preparing to remove HandBrake
Ensure all active tasks are handled before deletion. You should manage your current queue and secure any personalized configurations. Moving your exported videos ensures they are organized outside the default destination. Once the app is closed, you can manually remove the remaining library folders via Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
0 of 4 done
By hand or with OptiClear
| By hand | With OptiClear | |
|---|---|---|
| File sizes | You look them up yourself | Shown for every item |
| Removing the wrong thing | Easy to delete the wrong folder | Goes to the Trash first, so it can be restored |
| Cost | Free | Scan is free; cleaning needs Pro (yearly plan has a 7-day free trial) |
See it working
Try it without risk
- Download and scan for freeSee every HandBrake file and its size. No account needed.
- Clean free for 7 daysStart the 7-day free trial of the yearly plan inside the app.
- Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.
After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.