How Do You Uninstall Python on a Mac?

AvatarByBarbara Hernandez Python

If you’ve ever found yourself needing to uninstall Python from your Mac, you’re not alone. Whether it’s to troubleshoot issues, free up space, or simply start fresh with a different version, removing Python can feel like a daunting task. Unlike typical applications, Python’s presence on macOS is often intertwined with system files and various development tools, making the uninstallation process less straightforward than dragging an app to the Trash.

Understanding how to properly uninstall Python on a Mac is essential to avoid accidentally deleting important system components or leaving behind residual files that could cause conflicts later. This article will guide you through the essentials of removing Python safely and effectively, ensuring your system remains clean and functional. Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s helpful to get a clear overview of the different Python installations you might encounter and why a careful approach matters.

Manual Removal of Python Installed via Official Installer

When Python is installed on a Mac using the official Python.org installer, it typically places files in several system directories. Uninstalling Python manually requires locating and removing these files carefully to avoid affecting other system components.

Begin by opening the Terminal application. You will need administrative privileges, so use `sudo` for commands that modify system directories.

The main locations to check and remove Python files include:

  • `/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework`
  • `/Applications/Python `
  • `/usr/local/bin/` for symbolic links pointing to the installed Python version
  • `/Library/Receipts/` and `/private/var/db/receipts/` for installation receipts

Execute the following commands to remove these components. Replace `` with your installed Python version (e.g., 3.10):

“`bash
sudo rm -rf /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/
sudo rm -rf “/Applications/Python ”
sudo rm -f /usr/local/bin/python3
sudo rm -f /usr/local/bin/pip3
“`

Additionally, check for any leftover symbolic links in `/usr/local/bin/` that point to the Python framework, and remove them as necessary to prevent broken links.

To remove installation receipts, run:

“`bash
sudo rm -f /private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonUnixTools-.bom
sudo rm -f /private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonUnixTools-.plist
“`

Keep in mind that removing these files only affects the specific Python version you manually installed. System Python versions, which come pre-installed with macOS, reside in protected system directories and should not be removed manually to avoid system instability.

Uninstalling Python Installed via Homebrew

If Python was installed using Homebrew, the process of uninstallation is more straightforward due to Homebrew’s package management capabilities.

To uninstall Python, open Terminal and enter:

“`bash
brew uninstall python
“`

This command removes the Python formula along with its associated files installed by Homebrew. If you have multiple versions installed, specify the version explicitly:

“`bash
brew uninstall [email protected]
“`

After uninstalling, it’s useful to run `brew cleanup` to remove any lingering files and optimize your Homebrew installation:

“`bash
brew cleanup
“`

Homebrew installs Python binaries typically in `/usr/local/Cellar/python/` or `/opt/homebrew/Cellar/python/` depending on your Mac’s architecture (Intel or Apple Silicon). The uninstall command ensures these directories are removed.

Removing Python Versions Installed via pyenv

Developers often use `pyenv` to manage multiple Python versions on macOS. Removing a Python version installed with `pyenv` requires using the `pyenv` command-line interface.

To list installed Python versions managed by `pyenv`, run:

“`bash
pyenv versions
“`

Identify the version you want to remove, then execute:

“`bash
pyenv uninstall
“`

For example:

“`bash
pyenv uninstall 3.8.10
“`

This command deletes the specified Python version from the `~/.pyenv/versions/` directory. No further manual removal is necessary.

If you wish to completely remove `pyenv` itself, delete its installation directory and remove initialization commands from your shell configuration files (`~/.bash_profile`, `~/.zshrc`, etc.).

Summary of Python Installation Locations and Removal Methods

Installation Method Typical Installation Location(s) Uninstallation Approach
Official Python.org Installer
  • /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework
  • /Applications/Python <version>
  • /usr/local/bin/ (symlinks)
  • /private/var/db/receipts/
 Manual removal via Terminal using sudo commands
Homebrew
  • /usr/local/Cellar/python/ (Intel)
  • /opt/homebrew/Cellar/python/ (Apple Silicon)
  • /usr/local/bin/
 Use brew uninstall python command
pyenv ~/.pyenv/versions/ Use pyenv uninstall <version> command
macOS System Python /usr/bin/python (System Protected) Do not uninstall; managed by macOS

Cleaning Up Environment Variables and Shell Configuration

After uninstalling Python, especially if you used custom installations or version managers, it’s important to clean up any environment variables or shell configuration entries that reference the removed Python versions.

Check the following files for Python-related paths or initialization commands and remove or update them accordingly:

  • `~/.bash_profile`
  • `~/.bashrc`
  • `~/.zshrc`
  • `~/.profile`

Common entries to look for include:

  • `export PATH=”/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions//bin:$PATH”`
  • `eval “$(pyenv init –path)”`
  • `eval “$(pyenv init -)”`

After editing, reload your shell configuration by running:

“`bash
source ~/.zshrc
“`

Uninstalling Python Installed via Official Installer

When Python is installed on a Mac using the official Python.org installer, it places files in specific directories that must be manually removed to fully uninstall the software. The process requires administrative privileges, as system folders are involved.

Follow these steps to remove the Python version installed via the official installer:

  • Delete the Python Framework Directory:
    Open Terminal and run:

    sudo rm -rf /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework

    This removes the core Python framework.

  • Remove symbolic links from /usr/local/bin:
    Python installer creates symlinks for python executables and utilities here. To remove them:

    ls -l /usr/local/bin | grep '../Library/Frameworks/Python.framework'

    This lists Python-related symlinks. Then remove them with:

    sudo rm /usr/local/bin/python3
sudo rm /usr/local/bin/pip3
sudo rm /usr/local/bin/idle3
sudo rm /usr/local/bin/2to3
sudo rm /usr/local/bin/pydoc3
sudo rm /usr/local/bin/python3-config

    Adjust filenames depending on your installed version.

  • Delete the Application Folder:
    If the Python installer created a folder in the Applications directory (e.g., Python 3.x), remove it:

    sudo rm -rf "/Applications/Python 3.x"

    Replace 3.x with your version.

  • Remove Receipts and Installer Data:
    To clean up installer receipts:

    sudo rm -rf /private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonFramework-3.x.bom
sudo rm -rf /private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonFramework-3.x.plist
sudo rm -rf /private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonApplications-3.x.bom
sudo rm -rf /private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonApplications-3.x.plist
sudo rm -rf /private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonUnixTools-3.x.bom
sudo rm -rf /private/var/db/receipts/org.python.Python.PythonUnixTools-3.x.plist

    Replace 3.x with the specific version number.

After completing these steps, open a new Terminal window and type python3 --version to confirm Python is no longer found or is pointing to the system default.

Uninstalling Python Installed via Homebrew

Homebrew is a popular package manager for macOS that simplifies managing software installations. If Python was installed using Homebrew, uninstalling is more straightforward.

To uninstall Python installed via Homebrew, perform the following commands in Terminal:

Command Description
brew uninstall python Uninstalls the Python formula from Homebrew.
brew cleanup Removes outdated versions and cleans residual files.

Additional considerations:

  • If multiple Python versions are installed via Homebrew (e.g., [email protected]), uninstall them specifically by running brew uninstall [email protected].
  • Check for installed Python packages and virtual environments that might persist after uninstalling Python itself.

Removing Python Installed via pyenv

If you use pyenv to manage multiple Python versions, uninstalling involves removing the specific Python versions and optionally pyenv itself.

To uninstall a Python version managed by pyenv:

pyenv uninstall <version>

For example, to remove Python 3.9.7:

pyenv uninstall 3.9.7

To remove pyenv completely from your system:

  • Delete the pyenv directory:
    • rm -rf ~/.pyenv
  • Remove pyenv initialization lines from your shell configuration files such as ~/.bash_profile, ~/.zshrc, or ~/.bashrc.

Uninstalling System Python

MacOS ships with a system Python (usually Python 2.7 or a system-protected Python 3.x). It is strongly discouraged to remove or modify the system Python, as it is required by various macOS utilities and third-party applications.

If you want to avoid using the system Python, consider:

  • Installing a separate Python version using Homebrew or the official installer.
  • Adjusting your PATH environment variable to prioritize the desired Python version.
  • Using virtual environments (venv or virtualenv) to isolate projects.

Attempting to delete or modify system Python may break system tools and is not recommended.

Expert Insights on How To Uninstall Python On Mac

Dr. Amanda Chen (Software Engineer and macOS Systems Specialist). When uninstalling Python on a Mac, it is crucial to first identify which version of Python you intend to remove, as macOS often comes with a pre-installed system version that should not be deleted to avoid system instability. For user-installed versions, the safest approach is to remove the Python framework directories located in /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework and to delete symbolic links in /usr/local/bin. Always back up your environment and configurations before proceeding.

Michael Torres (DevOps Engineer and macOS Automation Expert). The most effective way to uninstall Python on a Mac involves using the Terminal to manually remove all related files and directories, including the Python binaries, libraries, and cached files. Tools like Homebrew simplify this process if Python was installed via their package manager—simply run `brew uninstall python`. However, if Python was installed through the official installer, manual deletion of framework files and cleanup of environment variables is necessary to ensure a complete uninstall.

Lisa Morgan (Mac Security Analyst and IT Consultant). From a security and system integrity perspective, uninstalling Python on a Mac requires careful attention to avoid removing critical system components. It is advisable to verify the installation paths and avoid deleting the system’s default Python located in /usr/bin. Instead, focus on user-installed versions, and after removal, check for residual files such as pip caches or virtual environment folders to maintain a clean system environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I completely uninstall Python from my Mac?
To completely uninstall Python, remove the Python framework from `/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework`, delete symbolic links in `/usr/local/bin/`, and remove any related files in `/Applications` and your user directories. Use Terminal commands with caution and consider backing up important data.

Can I uninstall the pre-installed Python version on macOS?
No, the pre-installed Python version that comes with macOS is part of the system and should not be removed, as it may cause system instability. Instead, uninstall only the versions you have installed manually.

What Terminal commands are used to uninstall Python on a Mac?
Common commands include `sudo rm -rf /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework`, `sudo rm /usr/local/bin/python3`, and removing related files in `/Applications`. Always verify paths before deletion to avoid removing critical system files.

Will uninstalling Python affect other applications on my Mac?
Uninstalling Python versions you installed manually typically does not affect system applications. However, some third-party applications might depend on specific Python versions, so verify dependencies before uninstalling.

How can I check which Python versions are installed on my Mac?
Use the command `ls /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/` or `which python3` and `python3 –version` in Terminal to identify installed Python versions and their locations.

Is it necessary to remove Python-related environment variables after uninstalling?
Yes, it is recommended to remove or update environment variables such as `PATH` entries related to the uninstalled Python version to prevent conflicts and ensure your system uses the correct Python interpreter.
Uninstalling Python on a Mac involves several steps depending on the version installed and the method used for installation. The system Python that comes pre-installed with macOS should generally be left untouched to avoid disrupting system processes. For versions installed via package managers like Homebrew or through official installers from Python.org, removal typically requires deleting specific directories and files associated with the Python installation.

Key actions include identifying the Python version and installation path, removing the relevant framework directories (such as those in /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework), uninstalling symbolic links in /usr/local/bin, and cleaning up related files in user directories if necessary. Using package managers like Homebrew simplifies this process by providing commands such as `brew uninstall python`, which safely removes the installed version without affecting the system Python.

It is important to exercise caution during uninstallation to prevent accidental deletion of critical system files. Backing up important scripts or virtual environments before removal is advisable. Understanding the distinction between the system Python and user-installed versions ensures a smooth and safe uninstallation process, maintaining system stability while freeing up space or preparing for a fresh Python installation.

Author Profile

Avatar
Barbara Hernandez
Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.