CCleaner is a popular tool used to optimize and clean your system, helping to improve performance by removing unwanted files and system junk. However, if you're encountering issues with CCleaner not working on Mac, it can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it to keep your system running smoothly. In this article, we’ll cover some quick and effective solutions to fix CCleaner issues on your Mac, so you can get back to optimizing your system without any hassle.
Common Reasons Why CCleaner May Not Be Working on Mac
Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand the potential causes of CCleaner malfunctioning on your Mac. Some common reasons include:
Outdated Version: Running an old version of CCleaner that is incompatible with your current macOS.
Permission Issues: Lack of proper system permissions preventing CCleaner from performing its cleaning tasks.
Corrupted Installation Files: Installation files of CCleaner may be corrupted or incomplete.
macOS Compatibility Issues: A conflict between CCleaner and the latest macOS update.
Third-Party Software Conflicts: Other software may be interfering with CCleaner’s functionality.
Now that we understand some of the common causes, let’s move on to the solutions.
1. Update CCleaner to the Latest Version
One of the primary reasons for CCleaner not working on Mac is using an outdated version. Updates are regularly released to ensure compatibility with new macOS versions and to fix bugs.
Step 1: Open CCleaner on your Mac.
Step 2: Go to the CCleaner menu at the top of your screen.
Step 3: Click on Check for Updates. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Step 4: Restart CCleaner after the update is complete and check if the issue is resolved.
If updating CCleaner doesn't solve the problem, proceed with the next solution.
2. Check macOS Compatibility
If CCleaner is suddenly not working after updating macOS, there may be compatibility issues between the latest operating system and the current version of CCleaner. Check the CCleaner website to see if your macOS version is supported by the software.
Step 1: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac.
Step 2: Note your macOS version.
Step 3: Visit the to check if your macOS version is compatible with the latest version of CCleaner.
Step 4: If there are known issues with compatibility, wait for an official update or consider downgrading macOS (if applicable).
3. Reinstall CCleaner
If the issue persists, your CCleaner installation files may be corrupted or incomplete. Reinstalling CCleaner can often resolve the problem.
Step 1: Close CCleaner and go to Finder.
Step 2: Open the Applications folder and locate CCleaner.
Step 3: Right-click on CCleaner and select Move to Trash.
Step 4: Empty the Trash to completely remove the old installation.
Step 5: Visit the official and download the latest version for Mac.
Step 6: Install CCleaner by following the on-screen instructions.
After reinstalling CCleaner, launch it and check if the issue is resolved.
4. Grant Full Disk Access to CCleaner
macOS’s security settings sometimes prevent CCleaner from accessing important files it needs to clean. To fix this, you need to grant CCleaner full disk access.
Step 1: Open System Settings on your Mac and click on Privacy & Security.
Step 2: Scroll down to Full Disk Access and click the lock icon to make changes (you may need to enter your admin password).
Step 3: Find CCleaner in the list of apps, or click the + button to add CCleaner manually.
Step 4: Check the box next to CCleaner to grant it full disk access.
Step 5: Restart CCleaner and check if the issue has been resolved.
Granting full disk access ensures that CCleaner can perform its functions without being blocked by macOS security protocols.
5. Check for Conflicting Software
Sometimes other optimization tools, antivirus software, or system utilities can interfere with CCleaner’s functionality. If CCleaner is not working properly, try disabling or uninstalling any similar tools to see if the issue is resolved.
Step 1: Open Activity Monitor by going to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.
Step 2: Look for any other optimization tools or system utilities running in the background.
Step 3: Select the conflicting process and click on the X button to quit it.
Step 4: Restart CCleaner and see if it works correctly.
If CCleaner starts working after disabling other tools, consider removing the conflicting software or contacting their support teams for further guidance.
6. Clear CCleaner Preferences
Corrupted or conflicting preferences can cause CCleaner to malfunction. You can reset CCleaner by deleting its preferences.
Step 1: Close CCleaner.
Step 2: Open Finder, then click on Go in the top menu and select Go to Folder.
Step 3: Type
~/Library/Preferencesand press Enter.Step 4: Find and delete any files related to CCleaner, typically named
com.piriform.ccleaner.plist.Step 5: Restart your Mac and open CCleaner to see if the problem is resolved.
This will reset CCleaner’s settings, giving you a fresh start without any corrupted preferences.
7. Contact CCleaner Support
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact CCleaner Support for assistance. You can visit their official support page for troubleshooting help or to open a support ticket.
Step 1: Go to the CCleaner Support Page.
Step 2: Search for your issue or click on Submit a request to contact their support team.
Step 3: Provide a detailed description of your problem and include any relevant screenshots.
CCleaner’s support team will guide you through more advanced troubleshooting steps if needed.
Conclusion
When CCleaner is not working on Mac, it can affect your ability to keep your system running smoothly. However, with these quick and easy solutions, you can usually get CCleaner back on track in no time. Whether it’s updating the app, granting permissions, or reinstalling the software, these steps should help resolve the issue. If all else fails, reaching out to CCleaner Support can provide further assistance.
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