Title says it all… How to completely remove a Postgres cluster from a macOS computer?
I used the installer app provided by EnterpriseDB as a courtesy to the community.
This uninstallation question has been asked multiple times on Stack Overflow. But those questions and answers are years out-of-date.
postgres userThe user account named postgres (by default) created by the installer is actually a macOS user account.
System Preferences > Users & Groups > - button in list, after authenticating with padlock icon in lower corner. Every other trace of Postgres can be removed.
Of course, first backup your database with a tool like pgBackup. And/or export your data.
Uninstaller appThe installer app provided by EnterpriseDB does install an app named Uninstaller. Find it in the Postgres folder, probably located at the root Library folder (not the Library folder in your home folder).
/Library/PostgreSQL/10
Run that uninstaller app, and supply your macOS system password. After the run, the data folder remains as that is owned by the postgres user rather than your regular macOS user. The uninstaller app reminds you of this fact.
/Library/PostgreSQL/10/data
data folderSelect that data folder in the Finder, and choose File > Move to trash. When prompted, provide your own macOS user account password.
Delete that outer Postgres folder(s) that contained data.
Applications folderRemove the PostgreSQL 10 folder in your Applications folder if it remains. Again, provide your own macOS user account password.
uninstall.app in /Users/vignesh/PostgreSQL/uninstall folder.
Oct 9, 2018 at 12:30
As an addendum to the current accepted answer:
To remove the Postgres user:
Postgres user and click the minus button, confirm in the dialogTested on Siera 10.12
