How to Uninstall Node.js on Mac?

Your time using Node.js has run its course, so you need to remove it from your Mac to make way for something else. As you may know, Node.js is an open-source JavaScript programming environment used by developers to build apps that support multiple requests simultaneously. It’s a great option for data streaming apps and real-time apps.

Maybe you want to try something different—perhaps a Node.js alternative like Python or Java. If you don't use it, it wouldn’t make sense to keep Node.js installed on your Mac. Whatever the case is, we’ve got you covered.

A note from our experts:

 

Sometimes, uninstalling apps is way more complicated than expected because of plenty hidden files left on the Apple laptop. To remove Node,js fiels completely and safely, we advise using a third-party app and avoiding the frustration when the app removal goes wrong.

 

Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller tool:

1. Download MacKeeper on your MacBook device
2. Open the app and select Smart Uninstaller on the left
3. Click Start Scan and wait a few moments while the app scans your Mac for unused apps. MacKeeper will let you know when the scan is complete. If any apps are identified for uninstalling, click Remove Selected. Confirm your decision by clicking Remove
4. When you delete an app manually, MacKeeper will identify any leftover files and prompt you to delete them. Follow the prompts to remove all traces of that app.

Need a proper guide? Learn how to uninstall apps on Mac. As a start, learn how to delete iTunes from Mac to free up some space if you no longer use it.

You can easily uninstall Node.js on your Mac by following our handy guide below. Here’s what to expect:

• How to remove Node.js from Mac manually
• How to remove Node.js with Homebrew
• How to delete Node.js with Node Version Manager (NVM)
• How to uninstall Node.js using Terminal.

Let’s get started.

How to remove Node.js from Mac

There are multiple ways to uninstall Node.js on Mac—it all depends on how you installed it.

How to uninstall Node.js manually

This could be the most tedious method of removing Node.js, as you must remove individual files, so follow along carefully.

1. Open Finder, select Go in the top menu, and choose Go to Folder > Go.
2. Enter “/usr/local/lib” (without quotation marks) in the text box and click Go.
3. Find any files with the word “node” in the name and drag them to the Trash.
4. Repeat the steps above for each directory listed below, and you’re done.
   • /usr/local/bin
   • /opt/local/bin/
   • /opt/local/lib/
   • /usr/local/lib/dtrace/
   • /opt/local/include/
   • /usr/local/include
   • /usr/local/share/doc/
   • /usr/local/share/man/man1/
   • /usr/local/share/systemtap/tapset/

Not a fan of Safari? Consider letting it go. Read up on how to delete Safari on Mac.

How to remove Node.js with Homebrew

If you installed Node.js using Homebrew, you’ll have to uninstall it with a Homebrew command in Terminal. This is probably the easiest way to remove Node.js on Mac.

Simply bring up Terminal on your Mac and type the following command: “brew uninstall — force node” (omit the quotation marks). That’s it.

An extra tip from us: 

 

Need a proper guide on how to uninstall apps on Mac? Now, you’ve got one. Meanwhile, we do recommend starting with iTunes, which many of us no longer use. Learn how to delete iTunes from Mac and free up some space on your computer.

How to delete Node.js from Mac with Node Version Manager (NVM)

NVM is also another simpler method of removing Node.js on Mac. To do this, enter the command “nvm uninstall [version]” (without quotation marks) in Terminal. (Replace “[version]” with the applicable version. For example, “nvm uninstall v18.16.0”.)

How to check Node.js version on Mac

Not sure what version to enter? Don’t worry, we’re here to help guide you.

Determining which Node.js version you’re using is quite simple. To find the Node.js version, all you need to do is install Node.js on your Mac. Here’s how to find the version of Node.js installed on Mac:

1. Start by downloading Node.js on your Mac device. There are three download options, so ensure you choose the macOS Installer option in the middle (between Windows installer and Source Code).
2. When Node.js has been downloaded, click on the download file to run the Node.js .pkg installer.
3. Complete the process by following all the prompts on your screen to finish the installation.
4. Once that’s done, Node.js will be saved on your computer.
5. Now, in Terminal, run the command $ node -v to view the version of Node.js installed on your device.

How to uninstall Node.js using Terminal

The final method of deleting Node.js from your system is using a Terminal command line. Here’s how to do it:

• Open Terminal and run the command:
  • # sudo rm -rf /usr/local/{lib/node{,/.npm,_modules},bin,share/man}/{npm*,node*,man1/node*}
• Alternatively, you can delete all global packages installed via NPM by entering the command:
  • # rm –rf ~/.npm

And there you have it; you’ve successfully removed Node.js on your Mac.

Conclusion

The thought of uninstalling Node.js on a Mac can be daunting. Chances are, like many people, you don’t really know where to start or which method to use. As you can see, it can be a tedious process. In fact, you’re probably ditching Node.js for this very reason—maybe you prefer a simpler solution. Whatever the case may be, we’ve simplified the process of deleting Node.js on your Mac. The handy tips and guides in this article should make it easier to achieve this result.

No matter which method you go with, remember to use MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller tool to thoroughly remove Node.js by ensuring that no leftover files remain behind. After all, your MacBook is better off with no leftover files cluttering it unnecessarily.