Can't install trial version

Can't install trial version of matlab. My trial period is running out. I had an older version from 2020, but I disabled my VPN and deleted all applications of matlab and associated files. Still get the message that matlab can't be installed because it is installed already. I can't use the online version as it does not appear to be able to run the Largest Lyapunov Exponent function I need to evaluate for a project to see if I should buy the program. I am running a silicon Mac with Tahoe 26.6.1

[Torsten]

If the below answer doesn't help, contact support:

https://uk.mathworks.com/support/contact_us.html

Answer from AI:

To bypass the blocker saying MATLAB is already installed on your Apple Silicon Mac, you must manually purge hidden leftover cache, preference, and receipt files that simply dragging the 2020 app to the Trash missed. On macOS, installers look for specific root receipt plist entries or application support files to determine if an installation exists.

Step 1: Fully Clear Leftover MATLAB Files

Open your Mac's Terminal app (found in Applications > Utilities) and run the following commands to delete the hidden directories where MathWorks stores installation states and older licenses:

bash

# Delete MathWorks system preference and application support directories
sudo rm -rf /Library/Application\ Support/MathWorks
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/MathWorks


# Clear cache and preference files
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.mathworks.*
rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.mathworks.*


# Clear any lingering MATLAB preference logs
rm -rf ~/.matlab

(Note: When using sudo, you will be prompted to type your Mac's login password. No characters will show as you type; just type it and press Enter).

Next, check your main storage drive directory to ensure the root folder is gone:

1. Open Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G, type /Applications, and verify no MATLAB_R202X.app folders remain.
2. Press Cmd + Shift + G again, type /Library, and make sure there isn't a standalone MATLAB folder inside it.

Step 2: Deactivate the License Online

The installer checks your online MathWorks account status alongside local files. [1, 2]

1. Log into your profile on the MathWorks License Center.
2. Look under your profile for Manage Licenses.
3. If your old 2020 machine link or an old trial activation is listed as active, manually select Deactivate. [1]

Step 3: Run the Native Apple Silicon Installer

Because you are running an M-series Apple Silicon Mac on macOS Tahoe, avoid trying to install your old 2020 version, which relies heavily on Intel architecture and Rosetta 2 [0.15].

• Ensure your new trial download is for R2023b or newer (such as R2025a or R2026a), which runs natively on Apple Silicon chips [0.15].
• When running the installer, make sure to sign in with the exact MathWorks account credentials tied to your active trial so it updates the license token seamlessly. [1, 2]

A Note on the Lyapunov Function

The function you are evaluating—likely lyapunovExponent—belongs to the Predictive Maintenance Toolbox (or specific nonlinear systems toolboxes). When you run the desktop installer, ensure you check the box to install the Predictive Maintenance Toolbox and the Signal Processing Toolbox during the setup wizard. MATLAB Online often restricts heavy computational toolboxes by default, which is likely why it failed to run for your project online.

[Russell]

Thanks....will give it a try.