Why is CleanMyMac X bad for my Mac?

Apple has no opinion regarding CleanMyMac. We are not Apple employees but are end users like yourself who volunteer here to help others.

Why we feel as we do is based on literally hundreds of topic where the user was having problems and uninstalling CMM solved the problem.

The ultimate decision to use it or not is yours as it's your Mac. We're just trying to import some of the information we've gleaned here from countless threads.

Unfortunately Mac doesn’t have a good uninstall system.

It does. It's that simple.

It leaves a lot of junk behind.

It doesn't. perhaps a few preference files.

I don’t have the know how to delete all the files that are left behind on Mac.

You don't need to. If the app comes with an Uninstaller use that. Otherwise trash ti.

I do okay with windows registry.

Macs don't have a registry, and that's one of the reasons it's so simple.

Santanesia wrote:

Unfortunately Mac doesn’t have a good uninstall system. It leaves a lot of junk behind. I use CleMyMac X just to uninstall apps, not for tune up. But I will try the AppCleaner.

I don’t have the know how to delete all the files that are left behind on Mac. I am using Mac only for a couple of years.

On windows I can pretty much do any damage and fix it. My desisted mother favorite key was delete! She got in so many problems…. And my ex once got a virus that literally frayed his pc. I mean that it cot fire! That one I could not fix but anything else I did okay. I do okay with windows registry.

I have no idea how to fix a Mac OS.

Thank you very much for your Reply.

This User Tip may help you: Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community

See this bullet item in the referenced User Tip:

"Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac;"

Version 3.6.8 works just fine with Ventura. I've been using the app for years .. it's free, safe and has a tiny footprint.

You can set it up so it will not easily allow the uninstallation of critical system apps.

If you paste the following line into a Google search you will get about 17,500+ reasons what problems you may run into…

site:discussions.apple.com cleanmymac

If you have to have something to automatically uninstall apps, try AppCleaner. It works and it's free. Just be careful to make sure it doesn't try to uninstall something you didn't expect.

As long as it meets Apple's requirements, CMM apparently is allowed. It's up to the individual user to determine if an app is worthwhile. Caveat emptor applies.

I'm with you on it being in the App Store, but if it meets Apple's requirements .... Can you imagine the stink that could be caused if it met all Apple's requirements but Apple arbitrarily excluded it? I seem to recall that's already happened or something close to it.

Never install any app that claims to "tune up", "speed up" or "clean up" your Mac.

These apps exist for one reason: to separate the unwary and inexperienced user from their hard-earned money.

At best they do very little, at worst, they can damage your OS installation and cause far more problems than they "solve".

Santanesia wrote:

Very interesting article! I don’t think Macs need a tuneup, or a speed up help. If it is not fast it may have a problem that I would have to take to a technician to fix… now I do think it makes a horrible job in deleting apps. So I need a software to do it for me.

You do not need "a software to do it for me." You have been advised of this by several users here and if you do a search of these communities you will find the same advice.

I do think that VPN is a must on Wi-Fi that you don’t know well but it is just my opinion.

Do not install a VPN unless directed to do so by your company or other institution to provide a secure point-to-point tunnel to that organization. By installing a public VPN you are not adding any additional security. In fact, you are giving your online data to the VPN provider to do with as they want including sale and distribution. Just use secure Internet protocols when using the Internet. Public VPNs do not provide or increase security.

As far of virus and malware protection I don’t use any but if Apple thinks it is bad for the OS they should not allow it to be sold on Apple Store.

Apps in the Apple store are not recommended by nor tested by Apple.

When I got my Mac… I waited many years to have it. I was so happy and also so confused…. I asked what kid of softwares I could buy for it. I asked many people at the Apple Store and they ALL told me that anything I could buy on the Apple-store app was okay. The truth is according to some experts it could not be further from the truth! In fact they claim that AppCleaner is okay and it is not on the Apple Store and CleanMyMac X along with all the antivirus apps on the Apple Store are not. It is confusing.

You are responsible for what you install on your computer. App developers and Apple are in the business of making money from whoever will buy.

I understand that Apple doesn’t think installing CleanMyMac is a good idea. I just don’t understand why…

I don't think Apple has anything to say on the subject.

Why do you think you need to clean your Mac? I've never cleaned a Mac in over 30 years using them.

You don't need a special app to uninstall an app; just use the uninstaller the developer created specifically for the purpose.

Santanesia wrote:

Thank you for your answer. Many apps or software don’t have their own uninstall.

Then, you shouldn't install them. If they need an installer (most don't, but have on anyway), they should provide an uninstaller or specific instructions. If they don't, that is a giant red flag as to the quality and security if the software.

App Store apps and Drag and Drop apps don't need an uninstaller. You just drag the app to the trash. Now, if you drag and drop an app and it asks for an admin password to start a "first run" routine, stop and ask yourself what they are going to install and why. Find out if they have an uninstaller or instructions.

Microsoft Word for once don’t have it and many times after an update specially when Apple change the OS it stops working and I have to uninstall and install again.

Every Office version I've installed has an uninstaller or (now) instructions. https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/uninstall-office-for-mac-eefa1199-5b58-43af-8a3d-b73dc1a8cae3

I use iMovie and I am starting to use Final Cut but I still uses other much sample softwares to do a few quick videos…

What does that mean? Does that require you to install poorly written software?