MySQL is an open-source relational database management system that is used to store, organize, and manage data. It is an essential tool for developers, database administrators, and businesses. However, sometimes you may need to uninstall MySQL from your Mac for various reasons such as upgrading to a newer version, troubleshooting issues, or simply freeing up disk space. In this article, we will guide you on how to uninstall MySQL on your Mac.
Before we proceed, it is essential to note that MySQL is a powerful tool and plays a critical role in many applications. Therefore, it is crucial to back up your databases and configurations before uninstalling MySQL. This will enable you to recover your data and settings if you decide to reinstall MySQL or switch to another database system.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall MySQL on Mac:
Step 1: Stop MySQL Server
The first step is to stop the MySQL server process running on your Mac. To do this, open your Terminal app by pressing Command + Space and typing Terminal. Once the Terminal app opens, type the following command:
Sudo /usr/local/mysql/support-files/mysql.server stop
This command will stop the MySQL server process running on your Mac. You will be prompted to enter your admin password.
Step 2: Remove MySQL Packages
The next step is to remove the MySQL packages from your Mac. To do this, open the Terminal app and type the following command:
Sudo rm -rf /usr/local/mysql*
This command will remove all the MySQL packages from your Mac, including the configuration files and data directories. You will be prompted to enter your admin password.
Step 3: Remove MySQL Preferences
The next step is to remove the MySQL preferences from your Mac. To do this, open the Finder app and click on the “Go” menu in the top menu bar. Select “Go to Folder” and type the following path:
~/Library/Preferences/
This command will open the Preferences folder. Look for any files that start with “com.mysql.” and delete them. You can also search for “mysql” using the search bar to find any files related to MySQL and delete them.
Step 4: Remove MySQL Launch Daemons
The next step is to remove the MySQL launch daemons from your Mac. To do this, open the Terminal app and type the following command:
Sudo rm -rf /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.oracle.oss.mysql.mysqld.plist
This command will remove the MySQL launch daemon from your Mac. You will be prompted to enter your admin password.
Step 5: Remove MySQL Startup Items
The last step is to remove the MySQL startup items from your Mac. To do this, open the Terminal app and type the following command:
Sudo rm -rf /Library/StartupItems/MySQLCOM
This command will remove the MySQL startup items from your Mac. You will be prompted to enter your admin password.
Congratulations! You have successfully uninstalled MySQL from your Mac. However, it is essential to note that the above steps only remove the MySQL packages, preferences, launch daemons, and startup items from your Mac. It does not remove any databases, tables, or data stored in your MySQL server.
If you want to remove the MySQL databases and data directories, you can use the following command:
Sudo rm -rf /usr/local/var/mysql
This command will remove all the MySQL data directories and databases from your Mac. However, it is crucial to backup your data before executing this command, as it will permanently delete your data.
Uninstalling MySQL from your Mac can be a daunting task, especially if you do not know the correct steps to follow. However, by following the above steps, you can easily uninstall MySQL from your Mac without any complications. Remember to backup your data and configurations before uninstalling MySQL to avoid losing your data. If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation process, you can seek help from the MySQL community or contact a professional MySQL developer.