I’ve been using CleanMyMac for a few months. It offers a suite of features designed to optimize your Mac’s performance, protect against malware, and manage applications effectively.
Is CleanMyMac Safe? Today, I want to analyze CleanMyMac’s features, reputation, and safety for Mac users. If you’re looking to choose a Mac cleaning software, I hope this article will be helpful to you.
1. What is CleanMyMac?
CleanMyMac is a utility software developed by MacPaw, first released in 2008. Its primary goal is to enhance macOS performance by removing unnecessary files, managing disk space, and providing tools for system optimization. Over the years, it has evolved to include features such as malware removal, privacy protection, and application management.
The latest version, CleanMyMac 5.0.5, was released on February 10, 2025. The release notes for CleanMyMac reveal that the development team has been consistently updating the software to fix bugs and enhance performance. In the “What’s New” section, users can view the current development progress and see which features are in development. This transparency indirectly demonstrates the software’s reliability and the team’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Features of CleanMyMac
- System Cleanup: Scans and removes 20+ types of junk files, including system caches, logs, and language files, freeing up significant storage space.
- Malware Removal: Powered by MacPaw’s Moonlock engine, it detects and eliminates security threats like adware and spyware.
- Application Management: Uninstalls apps completely, including residual files, and identifies outdated software for updates.
- Performance Optimization: Tools like RAM cleanup, maintenance scripts, and Spotlight index rebuilding ensure faster system responsiveness.
- Privacy Protection: Erases browsing history, download logs, and other sensitive data to safeguard user privacy.
- System Monitoring: Monitors CPU, memory usage, disk space, and network speed, providing real-time insights into your Mac’s performance.
Unlike basic cleanup tools, CleanMyMac offers a holistic approach to Mac maintenance, making it ideal for both casual users and professionals.
2. Is CleanMyMac Legit and Safe?
In short, CleanMyMac is legit and safe to use.
The legitimacy and safety of CleanMyMac have been subjects of discussion among users and experts. It has also received positive reviews from reputable sources. For instance, MacWorld awarded CleanMyMac a 4.5 out of 5-star rating, praising its effectiveness in cleaning and optimizing Macs.
However, some users have expressed concerns. Discussions on forums like Reddit and Apple Community reveal mixed opinions. Some users report positive experiences, while others caution against potential issues, such as the software not fully uninstalling applications or causing system instability.
CleanMyMac’s legitimacy and safety are backed by its developer reputation, certifications, and user reviews.
Developer Credibility
MacPaw, the company behind CleanMyMac, is a trusted name in macOS software development. Its tools are notarized by Apple, ensuring compliance with macOS security standards. As of 2024,
CleanMyMac has been downloaded over 29 million times and has received multiple awards, including the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, and the UX Design Award. It has also received positive reviews from reputable sources. For instance, MacWorld awarded CleanMyMac a 4.5 out of 5-star rating, praising its effectiveness in cleaning and optimizing Macs.
Reviews from Major Media
CleanMacMac can simplify Mac maintenance tasks for you and save time when cleaning your Mac’s hard drive and files to help to keep your Mac fighting fit. – Macworld
With its colorful backgrounds and attractive pages, CleanMyMac is a lot better looking than the average macOS antivirus. It also boasts a wide range of truly useful features for tuning and cleaning your Mac. – PCMag
CleanMyMac X is a terrific maintenance solution that’s reasonably priced and packed full of features. Of course, some of these are better than others. And yet, as a whole, the app serves a valuable purpose. – TechRador
User Feedback
Trustpilot: 4.6/5 stars from 3k+ reviews for MacPaw, with users applauding its clutter-free interface and reliable performance.
Apple App Store: 4.6/5 starts from 10k+ reviews for CleanMyMac.
My computer and I love our MacPaw! We also like a lot the people behind the hotline which are super efficient each time we need them! Thank you – Sophie S from Trustpilot
Hands down the best thing out there for Mac care!
Thorough system scanning. Multiple care functions to identify and address any issues that may be causing less than optimal performance of your Mac computer. Easy to use with accurate system diagnoses and understandable recommendations and/or explanations or terms of use all in one affordable (great discount offers always available on the website!) presentable and very user-friendly app design. I have bought and used many expensive top-rated malware & system cleaning programs since my first computer, that do not even come close to the brilliant and convenient design, smooth running, safe and effective system cleaning, and reliable protection and operation of CleanMyMac. Best multi-system monitoring and care program made for Mac out there! kept two Macbooks and their owner happy and worry-free for the last 5 years and hasn’t disappointed once so far. – Vinci4pl from the Apple App Store
My Own Experience
- From my own experience, I feel that CleanMyMac is very safe to use. It always asks for your permission before scanning your computer, which gives me peace of mind. It also seems to prioritize user privacy, which I appreciate.
- I think CleanMyMac is easy to use. All I had to do was open the app and click the ‘Scan’ button on the main screen to start scanning my Mac. It quickly identified large unwanted files, junk, cache, viruses, and more. In less than a minute, I was surprised to see that it had found 16GB of junk files! The interface is super clean and simple—honestly, you don’t need any technical skills to use it, so it’s perfect for anyone.
- When I launch CleanMyMac, the monitor feature automatically kicks in. It gives me an easy overview of my Mac’s memory usage, CPU status, and network speed, all in one place. I appreciate how user-friendly it is – everything I need to know is right there, clearly displayed.
Safety Tips
Always download CleanMyMac from its official website or authorized platforms like MacUpdate to avoid counterfeit versions.
3. How to Use CleanMyMac?
When you first download CleanMyMac, you get a 7-day free trial. You’ll need to provide a payment method, but you can cancel your subscription at any time before the trial ends.
Using CleanMyMac is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Download and Install
Visit the official MacPaw website to download CleanMyMac.
Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
Launch the Application
After installation, open CleanMyMac from your Applications folder.
Run a Smart Scan
Click on the “Smart Scan” button.
The software will scan for system junk, malware, and performance issues.
Review and Clean
Once the scan is complete, review the findings.
Click “Clean” to remove unnecessary files and threats.
Optimize Performance
Navigate to the “Performance” tab.
Use tools like “Free Up RAM” and “Maintenance” to enhance system performance.
Manage Applications
Go to the “Applications” tab.
Uninstall unwanted apps and manage startup items.
4. FAQs about CleanMyMac
Is CleanMyMac necessary for my Mac?
While macOS has built-in maintenance tools, CleanMyMac offers a user-friendly interface and additional features that can help optimize performance and manage applications more efficiently.
Does CleanMyMac remove malware effectively?
CleanMyMac includes a malware removal feature that scans for and removes known threats. However, its effectiveness may not match that of dedicated antivirus software.
Will CleanMyMac slow down my system?
Some users have reported that CleanMyMac can consume system resources, potentially affecting performance. It’s advisable to monitor your system’s performance after installation.
How often should I use CleanMyMac?
It’s recommended to run CleanMyMac periodically, such as once a month, to keep your system optimized. However, avoid overusing it, as frequent cleaning may not be necessary and could lead to unintended consequences.
Can I uninstall CleanMyMac if I don’t like it?
Yes, you can uninstall CleanMyMac by dragging it to the Trash. Ensure you follow the proper uninstallation steps to remove all associated files.
Final Words
In summary, CleanMyMac offers a range of tools designed to optimize and maintain your Mac. While CleanMyMac is a legitimate software notarized by Apple and has received positive reviews, it’s essential to consider user feedback and exercise caution. Always ensure you download the software from the official website to avoid counterfeit versions.
