How to uninstall java mac os

Question: Q: How do I remove Java from my Mac?

How do I completely remove Java from my Mac?

iPad 2, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Feb 3, 2013 11:18 AM

Helpful answers

The other poster is incorrect. You absolutely may entirely remove Java from your system.

Uninstall Oracle Java 7

Note: To uninstall Java 7, you must have Administrator privileges.

From there, empty your trash. As a further measure for security, open up Safari and follow this short list of instructions;

Safari > Preferences > Security > Uncheck «Enable Java»

You can keep Enable JavaScript, as JavaScript is separate from Java and is actually needed for sites like Youtube. The only real loss of uninstalling Java is if you play Minecraft. Otherwise, 0.2% of all major websites actually use Java itself. Your computer will be safer and faster without this broken plugin. Best of luck.

Feb 22, 2013 10:18 AM

You don’t need to remove it completely. It’s deeply embedded in the system and removing it is no simple task. But if you open Java Preferences.app in Utilities, you can disable the Java Runtime Environment, which is where all the open vulnerabilities are. Just uncheck all three boxes and you’re done. You can also disable the Java plugin in the browser.

Feb 3, 2013 11:32 AM

How to uninstall Java using the Terminal:

Jun 23, 2016 5:02 AM

There’s more to the conversation

Loading page content

Page content loaded

You don’t need to remove it completely. It’s deeply embedded in the system and removing it is no simple task. But if you open Java Preferences.app in Utilities, you can disable the Java Runtime Environment, which is where all the open vulnerabilities are. Just uncheck all three boxes and you’re done. You can also disable the Java plugin in the browser.

Feb 3, 2013 11:32 AM

The other poster is incorrect. You absolutely may entirely remove Java from your system.

Uninstall Oracle Java 7

Note: To uninstall Java 7, you must have Administrator privileges.

From there, empty your trash. As a further measure for security, open up Safari and follow this short list of instructions;

Safari > Preferences > Security > Uncheck «Enable Java»

You can keep Enable JavaScript, as JavaScript is separate from Java and is actually needed for sites like Youtube. The only real loss of uninstalling Java is if you play Minecraft. Otherwise, 0.2% of all major websites actually use Java itself. Your computer will be safer and faster without this broken plugin. Best of luck.

Feb 22, 2013 10:18 AM

Apr 23, 2013 12:15 PM

You are incorrect. If you follow the instructions I have given and leave JavaScript disabled, any attempt to use a Java based site will result in being told that you need Java installed. And JavaScript is separate from Java itself. Do not spread fear, uncertainty, doubt and misinformation n these forums. People here need assistance, lies about being unable to remove third party software. Java is currently locked by default by Apple. So if a user opts to install it anyways, this is the method to remove it.

Apr 24, 2013 8:42 AM

In the Terminal window Copy and Paste the command below:

Apr 25, 2013 4:59 PM

This nukes it once and for all. Better to move it Disabled Plug-ins, same location, in case it is ever needed in the future. Besides, that’s just an alias. It doesn’t remove the original.

Apr 26, 2013 3:56 AM

After trying various things suggested, here’s what I’ve found (basically a summary of the above with a few additional details)

You can disable it in the browser (presumably all) by going to System Preferences > Java

Deleting the JavaAppletPlugin (another approach above) may do something similar or may block more Java items from running

FWIW, the way I’m managing things is that I keep Java turned off in all the browsers (Chrome and Safari) I use regularly. Safari is my, dag nab it, I have to go site X that uses Flash|Java|Dumb plugin browser.

AND then, I only use that browser when I need to go to one of those sites. There’s still some security risk but my exposure is a lot lower. The why Safari isn’t really relevent beyond saying I picked the browser I didn’t need for other stuff.

Finally (and I wish I could remember where I found this), there are some pretty hardcore security settings possible. Whereve I found it, I’ve got Java asking permission every time a Java applet tries to run in the browser. Slightly annoying but not likely a rogue applet is going to run without my knowledge.

Hopefullly that adds more to the light everyone has shed on the subject.

How to Uninstall Java on Mac

by Jenefey Aaron Updated on 2020-03-09 / Update for OS X

Most of the Apple users require Java on their Mac devices, since they need it for one or the other reasons. Although installing of Java is an easy process, the tricky part is to remove Java from Mac. People start scratching their heads when they wish to remove Java from Mac. Well, as a matter of fact we have a solution to this. Follow the steps given below to know answer to «how do I uninstall java on Mac» question.

How to Remove Java from Mac?

Well, as stated earlier, installing Java is much easier that removing it from Mac. To completely remove Java from your device, you need to follow systematic steps. This is done in three parts. Follow the steps given below to know how to delete Java on Mac.

Part 1: Remove Java Plugins from your Mac

To remove Java completely from your device, you need to begin by removing the Java plugin that is present on your device. Just follow the below steps that will guide you to remove Java plugins.

Part 2: Remove Java PreferencePanes from your Mac

After you delete the Java plugins, next you have to remove the Java PreferencePanes from your Mac. This is very simple if you follow the below given steps.

Part 3: Remove Java Folder from your Mac

This is the last and the final part you need to perform so as to remove Java completely from your device. Follow the below steps and you will be over with deleting Java from Mac.

Empty your trash and restart your device. This is just to make sure that Java is entirely removed from your device.

Uninstall Java Using Command Line from Mac

This is one more method that can help you to get rid of Java from your Mac device. This is done by using command line instructions. The method is not recommended. This is because, even a slight mistake in the command line syntax might lead to irreversible changes causing data loss and a great damage. But still, if you wish to follow this method, use the below steps to know how to uninstall java runtime environment on Mac.

All you need to do is execute the below given command line syntax one by one individually.

Extra Tip: Recover Data on Mac in An Easy Way

Since using command line is a risky job, people still tend to use it. And some time, if a wrong command is given, they end up in a mess. This might lead to your device not working properly, or even worse such as data loss. Chances of your data being lost in such cases are very high. And if by chance you lose your data, you can always depend on Tenorshare Mac Data Recovery. This software is the best and most reliable tool that helps the users to recover and restore all their lost data. In addition to this, it is very simple to use.

Long story short, these were the top 2 methods to know how to uninstall java development kit Mac. But we advise you not to use command line syntax since that is risky and might lead to data loss. You can inform us about different methods (if you are aware of any) and provide us your feedback by commenting below.

How to Uninstall Java on a Mac

Many Mac users don’t need Java on their computer, but if you happen to have Java installed and want to remove it from a Mac then you can uninstall Java and JRE with a little effort.

Uninstalling Java and JRE from the Mac is a little more complicated than installing it, as there is no dedicated uninstaller app or tool, and it’s not as simple as uninstalling other Mac apps since the components are split into different locations. Instead you’ll either turn to the command line, or dig around in the Finder and file system yourself to remove Java in Mac OS. We’ll show you how to remove java using both methods.

Note that by removing Java you will lose the ability to run any and all Java apps or Java dependent apps and applets, either individually, standalone, or via the web. You would obviously not want to uninstall Java if an app or web app you use requires Java. An alternative option would be to simply disable Java instead, which turns it off but does not remove it from the computer.

Uninstalling Java on the Mac

Removing Java from the Mac is a three step effort involving manually deleting various java related plug-ins and files found throughout macOS / Mac OS / Mac OS X, both in the system /Library folder and in the users

/Library folder. You should always back up your Mac before removing any item found within a system directory. Here is what you’ll want to do and look for via the Finder:

Java will be removed completely this way.

The Finder based approach is the easier and safer way to uninstall Java from a Mac, though Mac users can also remove Java and JRE via the command line as well.

Uninstalling Java and JRE from Mac OS Command Line

You can also uninstall Java from the command line by using the rm command, this is aimed for advanced users who understand the ramifications of using rm with superuser privileges. This is not for novice users, using the command line requires precise syntax and failure to use proper syntax may result in erroneous commands or unintended data loss.

One by one, execute each of the following commands individually:

This requires authenticating with sudo. Be certain you have the syntax 100% correct, if you are not sure if the syntax is correct do not execute the commands, and instead you’d likely want to use the Finder based approach of uninstalling java instead.

Note that whether you uninstall Java and JRE by command line or by the Mac Finder GUI, the result is the same, you are specifically removing the Java plugins, control panels, and application support for Java from the Mac.

You can always reinstall Java onto the Mac again at a later point if you decide to, or determine it’s necessary. Most Mac users do not need Java on their computers and thus won’t need to install it.

How To Remove Java From Mac (Step-By-Step)

By Jennifer Draper October 25, 2021

Java is an outdated software package which used to run online games and web pages.

Security issues have led programmers and web browsers to discontinue using it, so you most probably don’t need it and don’t need to have it installed on your computer.

If you still have Java installed on your Mac, you may want to know how to uninstall it.

This article explores all possible methods that help uninstall Java on Mac, reinstall and update Java if needed, and clear cache and other residual files after uninstalling the application.

How To Remove Java From Mac (Step-By-Step)

Since there’s no automatic installer to uninstall Java from Mac, you have to uninstall it manually.

Remember that you need administrative privileges because most of the methods described will require you to enter your username and password.

1. The Manual Method

Since Java isn’t a standard app, you can’t find it in your Mac’s Launchpad or the Applications folders.

That’s why you can only locate its native installation folder in the System Preferences.

Before taking any measures, close all browsers and any application that uses Java to run.

Go to the “Downloads” folder, where the Java installation file goes by default.

If you can’t find this installation file, head to the official developer’s website (java.com) and download it from there.

After the download completes, click on the downloaded package file and type in your username and password to continue.

It will open a new window where you need to click “Remove.”

This way, you can easily remove Java from your Mac, and you’ll see a message showing its successful removal.

2. Use System Preferences

If you can’t locate or use Java’s native installation files, or you can’t remove Java from your Mac for any reason, you can use the system preferences to uninstall Java from your Mac.

Before uninstalling Java, you may want to know which version of Java you have on your Mac.

Go to “System Preferences” in the Apple menu or Launchpad.

Right-click on the Java icon to open a list of options.

Find “Remove Java Preference Pane” and click on it.

Find “General” and click it.

Under the “About” line, you can see the version of Java you’re using.

Now, here’s how to Uninstall Java.

Open the “Applications” folder, type “Java” in the Finder’s search field, and hit “Enter.”

Find a file named “JavaAppletPlugin.plugin” and right-click on it.

Click on “Move to Trash.”

Now, open your trash and empty it.

To ensure Java is completely gone, look for the Java icon in the “System Preferences.”

If it’s completely gone, you can’t find the icon there.

After uninstalling Java, you can make sure your computer is secure by disabling it in Safari.

Open Safari and click on “Preferences.”

Find “Security” and uncheck the “Enable Java” option to ensure this plugin is completely gone from your computer.

3. Use The Terminal Command Line

Another method that allows you to remove Java from your Mac is Terminal, a default Mac application that allows you to perform certain actions by entering command lines.

Go to Applications > Utilities and find the Terminal application.

Alternatively, you could find it in Launchpad by typing “Terminal” in the search box and clicking on “Terminal.”

Before trying to uninstall Java, check how many and which versions of Java you have installed on your system.

That’s because when you uninstall an older version to install a new version, the residual files may remain undeleted.

Enter this command in Terminal to see which version Java you have:

If you think you have several versions of Java installed on your computer, run the following command to see them:

ls /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines

After launching the Terminal application, enter the below command and hit Enter.

Enter the password of your account, which should have administrative privileges.

Java will be uninstalled simply by entering this command.

If you want to perform a clean uninstall and remove all the Java files from your system, you can run the following commands:

To remove the applet plugin, type in:

To remove JCP, type in:

To remove Java files:

And to remove JDKs, type in:

Remember to enter these commands correctly, or you’ll end up getting error messages or, worse, losing your data.

To make sure you’ve removed all the Java files from your Mac, type “java” in Terminal (without quotation marks) and press Enter.

If no Java files are on your computer, you’ll see the message, “No Java runtime present, requesting install.”

4. Use Third-Party Applications

You can also use some third-party applications that help you uninstall applications on Mac.

These simple and easy-to-use applications take the guesswork out of the process and ensure the cleaning process is done neatly.

One of these applications is PowerMyMac-Mac Uninstaller, specifically developed for the Mac operating system.

It identifies all the apps installed on your Mac and allows you to choose which programs you want to uninstall.

When you choose the program, the cleaner app will uninstall it, all its affiliated apps, and plugins, leaving no trace of the program.

To use PowerMyMac, go to this link and download it.

The installation process is straightforward, so launch the app after installing it.

After opening the app, click on the “Scan” button and wait for the app to find the installed applications.

Locate Java in the list of the scanned results, choose your desired items and click on the “Clean” button.

Wait until the app does its job, and you’re good to go.

Another great application is the App Cleaner & Uninstaller.

It comes in paid and free versions with different features and capabilities.

It allows you to uninstall apps on Mac easily and safely, manage your system and browser plugins and extensions, and remove the leftovers from uninstalled apps.

If you use this tool to uninstall Java, it will leave no trace of the app, and you don’t need to worry about cleaning the remaining files.

The app allows you to choose which residual files to delete, from service files to extensions, plugins, or preferences panes.

After downloading the app, launch it.

Locate and click on “Extensions” and go to “Preference Panes.”

Find Java in the list, select it, and click “Remove.”

Now, you’ve easily removed Java and its extensions from your Mac.

How To Clear The Java Cache On Mac

When you uninstall Java on your Mac, you should also clear its cache to ensure the uninstall is completely clean.

The above methods may clean everything belonging to Java, but you can delete the cache manually if you want to be 100% sure.

Go to “System Preferences,” click on the ‘Java” icon, and choose “Other.”

Click on “Java Control Panel” and find the “General” tab.

Locate and click on “Temporary Internet Files” and choose “Settings.”

Click on “Delete File” to open a dialog box, choose “Cached Applications and Applets.”

Click “OK” to remove these cached files from your Mac.

How To Update Java On Mac

Whenever you open a Java applet, the Java control panel, or a JWS application, the system looks for new updates in the background.

If there’s an update available, the system shows you a “Software Update” window in which you should select “Next.”

Then, enter your username and password to download and install the latest update.

Alternatively, you can update Java manually by going through the following steps:

Go to Java Control Panel in the “System Preferences.”

Click on the “Update” tab and select the “Update Now” option.

Click “Install Update” and then “Install and Relaunch.”

When the system completes installing new updates, it relaunches the Java application.

Should You Uninstall Java On Mac?

As mentioned earlier, Java isn’t a standard Mac OS app, and you don’t need it on your system.

It’s an outdated technology that you don’t need to access modern internet websites.

However, some applications or old websites may need Java to run.

Still, you may need to uninstall Java from your Mac computer for different reasons.

The biggest one is security issues.

For example, a few years ago, an attack through a Java vulnerability affected Java 7 users.

In such cases, Java users are advised to uninstall the plugin from their systems.

You may also need to uninstall an older version of Java to replace it with a newer version.

Java always recommends having the latest version installed on your system because those versions fix any vulnerabilities or bugs and come with enhanced performance.

But generally speaking, if you don’t use any applications that run on Java, it’s better to uninstall it to remain safe.

And as mentioned above, disable Java on your web browser to block any possible attacks.

How To Reinstall Java On Mac

After uninstalling Java from your Mac, you may decide to reinstall it, either because you need the latest version, or you need it for new applications.

The system requirements for installing Java 7 and later versions include:

The first thing required for installing Java is the installer program developed by Oracle.

Head to Java’s download page and click on the Java version for macOS.

You’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions of the license agreement so that the wizard allows you to continue.

Once you download the file, Safari automatically saves the folders in the downloads folder.

You can see the download’s progress in the small “Downloads” icon in the upper right corner of the screen.

After the download is complete, click on the small magnifying glass to show the downloaded file in Finder and the Downloads folder.

Find the installer file with a “dmg” extension and double-click it.

The installer automatically runs to install the new package and leads you through the installation process with on-screen prompts.

Read the prompts carefully to make sure you’re installing the right package and version.

Since the installer program doesn’t have permission to install system files on your Mac, you need to grant it permission.

Enter the username and password of the account with administrative privileges.

After starting the installation process, follow the commands until it finishes and the installer asks you to press “Close.”

Once you hit “Close,” Safari will open to verify Java is running properly.

You’ll also see a button in the new window that says, “Verify Java Version,” which verifies the installation of Java.

Then, Safari asks you to allow it to install and run the Java plugin.

Again, Java will ask you to confirm if you want to use this plugin, which is important because you’ll give unrestricted access to your system.

This unrestricted access means you need to be careful about the applications you download and run with Java.

Always get these applications from trusted sources and publishers.

After making sure everything is okay, click on the “Run” button to start Java.

Then, you’ll see a message that confirms the installation process has been completed successfully.

As mentioned earlier, when you have Java installed on your Mac, it will automatically check for new updates and install new patches when they’re available.

That’s vital since Java is notorious for its security breaches and bugs, so you need to make sure you always have the latest version installed.

JRE Vs. JDK Vs. JVM

If you have Java installed on your Mac or want to install or reinstall it, you’ll most probably come across the terms JDK, JRE, and even JVM.

You may be wondering what these are and if you need to install them or not.

Here’s what they are:

1. JRE

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is a software bundle designed to run other Java software.

In other words, if you want to run a Java program, you’ll need JRE, which contains supporting files such as class libraries and loader classes.

JRE is for general internet use, for websites that need Java to run or offer specific features.

Also known as the Oracle Java, JRE is only for running applications, not programming them.

If you’re not a programmer, you’ll be fine just downloading JRE.

2. JDK

Java Development Kit (JDK) is an environment for software development that programmers use for developing applets and Java applications.

While you use JRE for running applets, you need JDK for developing them.

All JDK packages contain JRE, too, because you need the latter to run the programs you make with the former.

When you download JDK, you’ll get JRE automatically.

Unlike JRE, you can install multiple versions of JDK on your computer.

However, if you’re not a programmer, you don’t need it.

3. JVM

Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is a runtime environment in the form of an engine that drives Java code or applications.

As a part of JRE, it can’t be downloaded separately.

You need to install JRE to access JVM.

It has lots of tools, libraries, and frameworks that enable executing the Java source code.

If you’re a general internet user, you don’t need to worry about this being installed on your computer.

This is because, firstly, it comes bundled with JRE, and secondly, you don’t need it to run applications that require Java.

Recent News

About Jennifer Draper

Over 15 years working in IT and cybersecurity. Enjoy using my experience and skills to help people understand technology.

How Do I Uninstall Java on Mac?

Last updated: February 10, 2022

Technical Writing Expert who is good at writing troubleshoot to any Mac issue and have helped lots of readers rescue their Macs.

Uninstalling Java on Mac only involves three steps. But, these should be done manually as well as removing variously related plug-ins found across the macOS.

Find out how you can uninstall Java on Mac quickly, easily, and completely.

Part 1. What Is Java?

Most browsers and programs we normally use need Java to run smoothly. Java is software designed enable us to play online games, 3D contents, social communication platforms, and more.

However, Mac discontinued using java on its operating system due to security issues.

Part 2. Uninstall Java on Mac Using PowerMyMac

There is one reliable program that can complete the task easily.

PowerMyMac – App Uninstaller is a powerful tool made especially for Mac users. It has a variety of toolkits where users can take advantage of.

One of its tools features Uninstall, this tool easily locates all the apps in the entire OS and lets you choose which one to uninstall. After selecting the desired program to remove, PowerMyMac will also remove all the affiliated and related apps and plug-ins for complete removal.

Here’s how to use PowerMyMac:

Part 3. How to Uninstall Java on Mac Using Finder

Although uninstalling java takes about a few steps only, the process is not the same with the usual apps we normally do when we remove it completely off our Macs. Java is very useful software yet has been tagged as vulnerable and even frequently exploited by cybercriminals.

Now if this concerns you, you might want to distance yourself from getting involved and used by these hackers. If you intend to uninstall Java on Mac, use this guide:

Make sure you are the admin or have admin access to perform this process.

Part 4. Remove Java on Mac Using Terminal

Hackers will find ways to get into your system and cause havoc. Java related plug-ins are spread across and might be complicated to find each of them.

There is another way to uninstall Java on Mac and that is to use the terminal.

Warning: Please make sure you input the commands in a right way. There should be no spaces after

, otherwise there may be a danger of deleting all files! And cannot be restored!

This process will involve authenticating with sudo tool so you have to carefully copy and paste the correct syntax or else it will not execute your commands.

Remember that java removal requires admin access.

Part 5. How to Disable Java on Mac

Uninstalling Java might cause inconvenience when using apps dependent on Java, either standalone or via the web. If you are using these kinds of apps, then you don’t need to uninstall java completely. You can simply disable it.

By disabling java, you are also protecting your Mac against viruses and malware. For Mac OS X, it is actually requiring Java to be installed to reduce these kinds of threats as long as they keep their versions up to date.

You have options to disable Java on web browsers and you can disable it completely in a Mac OS X.

Disable Java on Web Browsers

On Firefox

On Google Chrome

On Safari

Disable Java Completely on Mac OS X

If there is a need to enable Java on any of these browsers mentioned and the entire Mac OS X, then you can go back to the settings and simply reverse the processes we made.

You can opt to leave one browser with Java plug-in enabled so in case you need it, later on, you can simply open and use this specific browser.

Can I Reinstall Java on Mac?

Yes. Simply download the file and run it on your Mac.

There you have it; we have finally discussed how to uninstall Java on Mac using the different options we made. We have presented three options on how to uninstall java using the Finder, the Terminal window, and of course using a powerful program called PowerMyMac.

You can now breathe freely that your system will not be harmed due to java vulnerability. There is nothing wrong with this software; it was only being used by these cyber criminals to inflict malware and viruses.

As long as you are cautious, you can simply disable it from your browser, and from the system. This can be easier since you don’t need to reinstall java later on. I hope this article has helped you in so many ways especially in terms of removing unwanted apps on your Mac.

Don’t forget to share this with your friends so they too can learn! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!