how to delete opera gx from mac and what is the best way to backup your data before deleting applications?

how to delete opera gx from mac and what is the best way to backup your data before deleting applications?

Backing up your data before deleting an application like Opera GX can prevent any accidental loss of important files. This article will guide you through the process of uninstalling Opera GX on a Mac and discuss various methods for safely removing it from your system.

How to Delete Opera GX from Mac

Opera GX is a popular browser that offers a range of features such as ad-blocking, dark mode, and access to exclusive content. If you decide to remove it from your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1: Uninstall Opera GX Using Finder

  1. Locate the Application: Open Finder and navigate to /Applications.
  2. Drag and Drop: Drag the Opera GX icon to the Trash.
  3. Empty Trash: Once in the Trash, empty it to completely remove the application.

Step 2: Use Terminal for Advanced Removal

If you prefer using the command line, here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Terminal: You can find Terminal in Applications > Utilities.
  2. List Installed Apps: Type mdfind -onlyin /Applications "com.opera.gx" into the terminal and press Enter. This command searches for the app’s identifier.
  3. Uninstall via Command: Use the following command to remove the app: 
    sudo rm -rf /Applications/OperaGX.app
  4. Confirm Action: Enter your password when prompted and confirm the removal.

Step 3: Remove Preferences and Settings

Opera GX may leave behind preferences and settings files in the user’s Library directory. To ensure a clean uninstall, delete these files manually:

  1. Navigate to Library: In Finder, go to ~/Library/Application Support.
  2. Delete Relevant Files: Look for folders related to Opera GX (e.g., OperaGX, OperaGXSettings) and delete them.
  3. Clear Caches: Also, check the Caches folder for any Opera-related files.

Step 4: Remove System-Wide Preferences

For system-wide preferences, you might need to log out and back in or restart your Mac. Alternatively, you can use the following command in Terminal to clear Opera GX preferences:

defaults delete com.opera.gx

Step 5: Clean Up Remaining Files

Sometimes, leftover files might persist. You can use the following command to clean up:

find ~/Library/Caches/ -name "*.opera_gx" -type f -delete

This command deletes all .opera_gx files in the Caches folder.

Best Practices Before Deleting Applications

Before proceeding with the uninstallation, consider backing up your data. You can use Time Machine to create a backup of your entire Mac or specific directories. Additionally, make sure no other applications rely on Opera GX, especially if you have integrated it into your workflow.

Q: Can I just delete the Opera GX application without backing up? A: It’s always safer to back up your data before deleting applications. However, if you’re confident about your backups, you can proceed without a backup.

Q: What happens if I don’t delete Opera GX properly? A: Not deleting the application properly could lead to lingering files and settings that might cause issues with future installations or updates of other applications.

Q: Is there a way to disable Opera GX instead of deleting it? A: Yes, you can disable Opera GX by going to System Preferences > Safari, then unchecking “Show Opera GX in menu bar.” However, this does not remove the application from your system; it only hides it.