How to uninstall Mullvad VPN on Mac completely
Mullvad VPN adds more to a Mac than the app: a background VPN service with its own settings, logs and cache in system folders, command-line tools, and the app’s own data in your Library folder. Here is how to remove all of it. Write down your account number first: it is all you need to use Mullvad again.
- Open MacWashing and choose Uninstaller in the sidebar.
- Click Show Apps and check Mullvad VPN in the list.
- Click Remove and confirm. Files that may be yours are listed as Possible and stay unchecked.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Uninstall Mullvad VPN with its script
Mullvad ships an uninstall script inside the app. According to Mullvad, it removes the app together with its log files, cache and settings.
- Write down your Mullvad account number.
- Open Terminal (in Applications › Utilities).
- Run
/Applications/Mullvad\ VPN.app/Contents/Resources/uninstall.shand answer its questions. - If it asks for a password, type your Mac login password. It isn’t shown as you type.
- Restart your Mac.
Or delete Mullvad VPN in Finder
Mullvad’s help page also describes the usual way. It removes the same logs, cache and settings.
- Write down your Mullvad account number.
- Disconnect and quit Mullvad VPN, in the Dock and in the menu bar.
- Open Finder › Applications and drag Mullvad VPN to the Trash.
- Enter your administrator password if macOS asks for it, then empty the Trash.
What Mullvad VPN leaves behind
If the app was deleted while it was running, or you want to be sure, check these places. The first ones are in the Library folder inside your home folder:
~/Library/Application Support/Mullvad VPN— the app’s data and caches.~/Library/Preferences/net.mullvad.vpn.plist— the app’s settings.~/Library/Logs/Mullvad VPN— the app’s logs./private/etc/mullvad-vpn— settings of the background VPN service./private/var/log/mullvad-vpn— logs of the background VPN service./Library/Caches/mullvad-vpn— the service’s cache./usr/local/bin/mullvad— the command-line tool.
Remove the leftovers by hand
- In Finder, choose Go › Go to Folder (Shift-Command-G), type a path from the list above and press Return.
- Move the folder or file to the Trash. Files outside your home folder need your administrator password.
- Repeat for the other paths.
- Restart your Mac, so the VPN service is no longer running, then empty the Trash.
Mullvad VPN isn’t the only app that leaves files behind: see how to uninstall apps on Mac completely.
With MacWashing, it’s one click
The Uninstaller in MacWashing knows the files Mullvad VPN creates — in your Library folder and in the system folders — and removes them together with the app, command-line tools included.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Will MacWashing delete my own files when it removes Mullvad VPN?
No. The Uninstaller checks only what belongs to the app: its settings, caches, logs and background items. Folders that may hold your own files are listed as Possible and stay unchecked until you check them yourself, and apps go to the Trash by default, so you can put them back.
What if Mullvad VPN is still running?
MacWashing waits for it to quit, or quits it at your request, and only then removes its files.
Is it free to uninstall Mullvad VPN with MacWashing?
Yes, within the free trial: System Junk and the Uninstaller free up to 25 GB in total, with no account or card needed.
What do I need to use Mullvad VPN again after uninstalling it?
Only your account number. Mullvad accounts have no username or password, so write the number down before you uninstall and enter it when you install the app again.
Does uninstalling Mullvad VPN remove the time left on my account?
No. Paid time belongs to your account number, not to the app. A recurring payment keeps running until you cancel it where you set it up.
Why does the uninstall script ask for my password?
Mullvad’s VPN service keeps its settings, logs and cache in system folders that only an administrator can change. Removing them needs the same rights.