How to Clean Up Docker on macOS

When Docker takes up too much space or misbehaves, a complete cleanup can be the easiest way to start fresh. Follow these steps to remove all Docker data from your Mac and reinstall Docker Desktop if needed.

1. Remove Containers, Images, and Volumes

Open Terminal and run these commands to delete everything:

• Remove all containers

  docker rm -f $(docker ps -a -q)
  

• Remove all images

  docker rmi -f $(docker images -a -q)
  

• Remove all volumes

  docker volume rm $(docker volume ls -q)
  

These commands permanently delete all existing Docker resources, so back up anything important first.

2. Uninstall Docker Desktop

You can uninstall from the app or via Terminal:

• From the Docker Desktop app
  • Open Docker Desktop and click the bug icon.
  • Choose Uninstall and confirm.
• From Terminal

  /Applications/Docker.app/Contents/MacOS/uninstall
  

  If you see an “operation not permitted” message, you can ignore it.

3. Remove Leftover Files

Delete the residual Docker folders to ensure nothing remains:

rm -rf ~/Library/Group\ Containers/group.com.docker
rm -rf ~/.docker
rm -rf ~/Library/Containers/com.docker.docker
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Docker\ Desktop
rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.docker.docker.plist
rm -rf ~/Library/Saved\ Application\ State/com.electron.docker-frontend.savedState
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/Docker\ Desktop

If you run into permission errors, grant Terminal Full Disk Access in System Settings → Privacy & Security.

4. Optional: Use a Third-Party Uninstaller

Tools like CleanMyMac or App Cleaner & Uninstaller can automatically remove Docker files, including hidden caches and logs.

5. Reinstall Docker Desktop

Download the latest Docker Desktop for Mac from the official website and install it as usual by dragging the app into Applications.

After installation, Docker should start with no previous containers, images, or volumes. You now have a clean slate for your development environment.

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Summary of Key Commands

Task	Command
Remove all containers	docker rm -f $(docker ps -a -q)
Remove all images	docker rmi -f $(docker images -a -q)
Remove all volumes	docker volume rm $(docker volume ls -q)
Uninstall Docker Desktop	/Applications/Docker.app/Contents/MacOS/uninstall
Remove Docker leftovers	See leftover file commands above

This procedure removes all Docker components from your Mac, letting you reinstall or update Docker Desktop cleanly.