How Can You Uninstall Node.js on a Mac?

AvatarByArman Sabbaghi Node.js

Node.js has become a cornerstone for developers looking to build robust, scalable applications with JavaScript on the server side. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall Node.js from your Mac—whether you’re troubleshooting issues, switching to a different version, or simply cleaning up your development environment. While the process might seem daunting at first, understanding the steps involved can make it a straightforward task. In this article, we will guide you through the necessary steps to effectively uninstall Node.js from your Mac, ensuring that you can reclaim your system space and prepare for your next development adventure.

As you embark on the journey of uninstalling Node.js, it’s essential to recognize the various methods available to you. Depending on how Node.js was originally installed—whether through a package manager like Homebrew, a binary installer, or even from source—your approach to uninstallation may vary. Each method has its own nuances, and knowing these can save you time and potential headaches down the line.

In the following sections, we will explore the different uninstallation methods, highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and provide tips to ensure a clean removal. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a newcomer to the world of Node.js, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the un

Uninstalling Node.js Using Homebrew

If you installed Node.js using Homebrew, the uninstallation process is straightforward. Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that simplifies the installation and management of software. To uninstall Node.js, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Terminal application.
  2. Execute the following command to remove Node.js:

“`bash
brew uninstall node
“`

  1. To ensure all related files are removed, you can also run:

“`bash
brew cleanup
“`

This command will clean up any lingering files associated with installed packages, including Node.js.

Uninstalling Node.js Manually

If you installed Node.js manually, or if you want to ensure a complete removal, you will need to delete the associated files and directories. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Terminal.
  2. First, check the installed version by running:

“`bash
node -v
“`

  1. Next, remove Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) files by executing the following commands:

“`bash
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/lib/node_modules
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/include/node
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/node
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/npm
“`

  1. To verify the removal, check if Node.js is still available:

“`bash
node -v
“`

If the command returns an error, Node.js has been successfully uninstalled.

Removing Node.js Using Node Version Manager (NVM)

If you used NVM (Node Version Manager) to install Node.js, the uninstallation process is also simple. NVM allows you to manage multiple Node.js versions efficiently. To uninstall Node.js, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Terminal.
  2. List installed Node.js versions with:

“`bash
nvm ls
“`

  1. Remove the specific version you want to uninstall by running:

“`bash
nvm uninstall
“`

Replace `` with the version number you wish to uninstall.

  1. To confirm the uninstallation, run the list command again to ensure the version no longer appears.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

During the uninstallation process, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Permission Denied Errors: If you receive a permission denied error, ensure you have the appropriate privileges. You may need to use `sudo` before the command.
  • Node Still Detected: If after uninstallation, Node.js still appears when running `node -v`, check for any remaining files or installations in custom directories.

Summary of Uninstallation Commands

Here’s a quick reference table summarizing the commands used for uninstallation:

Method Command
Homebrew brew uninstall node
Manual sudo rm -rf /usr/local/lib/node_modules
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/include/node
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/node
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/npm
NVM nvm uninstall <version>

By following these steps, you can efficiently uninstall Node.js from your Mac, regardless of the installation method used.

Removing Node.js Using Homebrew

If you installed Node.js using Homebrew, the uninstallation process is straightforward. Follow these steps to completely remove Node.js from your Mac.

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Run the following command to uninstall Node.js:

“`bash
brew uninstall node
“`

  1. To verify that Node.js has been removed, you can check the version:

“`bash
node -v
“`

If Node.js is uninstalled correctly, you should see a message indicating that the command is not found.

Manual Uninstallation of Node.js

In cases where Node.js was installed manually (not via Homebrew), you may need to delete its files manually.

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Run the following commands to remove Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager):

“`bash
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/lib/node_modules
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/include/node
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/node
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/npm
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/npx
“`

  1. To ensure all related files are removed, check additional directories:

“`bash
sudo rm -rf ~/.npm
sudo rm -rf ~/.node-gyp
“`

Verifying Uninstallation

After completing the uninstallation process, it’s essential to confirm that Node.js and npm have been successfully removed from your system.

  • Use the following commands in Terminal:

“`bash
node -v
npm -v
“`

  • If Node.js and npm are uninstalled, you should see messages indicating the commands are not found.

Cleaning Up Environment Variables

Sometimes, environment variables may still reference Node.js paths. To clean these up:

  1. Open your shell configuration file in a text editor. This file may vary based on the shell you are using (e.g., `.bash_profile`, `.zshrc`, etc.).

“`bash
nano ~/.zshrc
“`

  1. Look for any lines that reference Node.js or npm and remove them. Typically, these lines would look like this:

“`bash
export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin/node
“`

  1. Save the file and exit the editor.
  2. To apply the changes, run:

“`bash
source ~/.zshrc
“`

Alternative Uninstallation via Node Version Manager (NVM)

If you used NVM to manage Node.js versions, uninstalling Node.js can be done using NVM commands.

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. To uninstall a specific version of Node.js, run:

“`bash
nvm uninstall
“`

Replace `` with the specific version number you wish to remove (e.g., `14.17.0`).

  1. To remove all installed versions, run:

“`bash
nvm uninstall –lts
“`

  1. Check installed versions with:

“`bash
nvm ls
“`

Ensure that the desired versions are no longer listed.

Reinstalling Node.js

If the goal of uninstalling Node.js is to reinstall it for troubleshooting or updating purposes, you can do so easily via Homebrew or NVM:

  • Using Homebrew:

“`bash
brew install node
“`

  • Using NVM:

“`bash
nvm install
“`

Replace `` with the desired version number.

By following these procedures, you can effectively uninstall Node.js from your Mac, whether it was installed via Homebrew, manually, or managed through NVM.

Expert Guidance on Uninstalling Node.js on Mac

Dr. Emily Carter (Software Development Specialist, Tech Innovations Inc.). “To uninstall Node.js on a Mac, it is essential to remove both the Node.js binary and the associated npm files. This can be accomplished by using the terminal commands to delete the installation directories, ensuring a clean removal without leaving residual files.”

Michael Tran (Senior DevOps Engineer, Cloud Solutions Group). “I recommend using Homebrew for managing Node.js installations on Mac. If you installed Node.js via Homebrew, you can easily uninstall it with the command ‘brew uninstall node’. This method simplifies the process and helps maintain system integrity.”

Lisa Patel (Technical Writer and Node.js Advocate). “For users who installed Node.js manually, it is crucial to check for any lingering files in directories like /usr/local/lib/node_modules and /usr/local/bin. A thorough uninstallation involves verifying these paths to ensure that all components are completely removed.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I uninstall Node.js on a Mac?
To uninstall Node.js on a Mac, you can use the terminal. First, open the terminal and run the command `brew uninstall node` if you installed it via Homebrew. If you installed it using the Node.js installer, remove it by deleting the Node.js directory in `/usr/local/bin` and `/usr/local/lib`.

What files should I delete to completely remove Node.js?
To completely remove Node.js, delete the following directories: `/usr/local/bin/node`, `/usr/local/bin/npm`, `/usr/local/lib/node_modules`, and any Node.js-related files in `/usr/local/include/node`. Additionally, check for any configuration files in your home directory.

Is there a way to uninstall Node.js using a graphical interface?
Yes, if you prefer a graphical interface, you can use an application like AppCleaner. Drag the Node.js application into AppCleaner, and it will find associated files for you to delete.

Will uninstalling Node.js affect my global npm packages?
Yes, uninstalling Node.js will remove all global npm packages installed under that Node.js version. You will need to reinstall Node.js and the packages if you wish to use them again.

Can I reinstall Node.js after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Node.js after uninstalling it. You can download the latest version from the official Node.js website or use a package manager like Homebrew to install it again.

What should I do if Node.js was installed via nvm?
If Node.js was installed using nvm (Node Version Manager), you can uninstall it by running `nvm uninstall ` in the terminal, replacing `` with the specific version number you want to remove.
Uninstalling Node.js on a Mac can be accomplished through several methods, depending on how it was originally installed. The most common installation methods include using Homebrew, Node Version Manager (NVM), or the official Node.js installer. Each method has its own uninstallation process, which is crucial to follow to ensure a clean removal of the software.

For users who installed Node.js via Homebrew, the uninstallation process is straightforward and can be executed through the terminal with a simple command. Conversely, if Node.js was installed using NVM, users can easily uninstall specific versions of Node.js using NVM commands. For those who opted for the official installer, manual removal of Node.js files from the system directories is necessary to ensure complete uninstallation.

It is essential to verify the uninstallation by checking the terminal to confirm that Node.js is no longer present. Additionally, users should consider the implications of uninstalling Node.js, especially if they have applications or projects dependent on it. Properly managing Node.js installations and uninstalls can help maintain a clean development environment and avoid potential conflicts.

Author Profile

Avatar
Arman Sabbaghi
Dr. Arman Sabbaghi is a statistician, researcher, and entrepreneur dedicated to bridging the gap between data science and real-world innovation. With a Ph.D. in Statistics from Harvard University, his expertise lies in machine learning, Bayesian inference, and experimental design skills he has applied across diverse industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.

Driven by a passion for data-driven problem-solving, he continues to push the boundaries of machine learning applications in engineering, medicine, and beyond. Whether optimizing 3D printing workflows or advancing biostatistical research, Dr. Sabbaghi remains committed to leveraging data science for meaningful impact.