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How to Delete Apps on iPhone - Complete Guide for iOS 18 (2025)

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Need to delete apps from your iPhone? Whether you're freeing up storage space or removing apps you no longer use, there are multiple ways to delete apps on iPhone running iOS 18.

This complete guide covers every method to delete apps, recover deleted apps, troubleshoot deletion issues, and manage your iPhone storage efficiently.

Quick Answer: How to Delete Apps on iPhone

Fastest method (iOS 14 and later):

  1. Long-press the app icon on Home Screen
  2. Tap Remove App
  3. Choose Delete App
  4. Tap Delete to confirm

Done! The app and its data are completely removed.

Can't delete? App might be restricted in Screen Time settings or it's a built-in Apple app that can only be hidden.

Let's explore all deletion methods in detail.

Method 1: Delete Apps from Home Screen (Long-Press)

This is the fastest and most common way to delete apps on iPhone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For iOS 14, iOS 15, iOS 16, iOS 17, and iOS 18:

  1. Find the app you want to delete on your Home Screen
  2. Long-press the app icon until a menu appears
  3. Tap Remove App from the menu
  4. Choose Delete App (not "Remove from Home Screen")
  5. Tap Delete to confirm

The app is now deleted along with all its data.

iOS 13 and Earlier (Jiggle Mode)

For older iOS versions:

  1. Long-press any app icon until all icons start jiggling
  2. Tap the X or - button on the app you want to delete
  3. Tap Delete to confirm
  4. Press Home button or tap Done to exit jiggle mode

What Gets Deleted?

When you delete an app this way:

  • ✅ App is completely removed
  • ✅ All app data deleted (settings, saved files, cache)
  • ✅ App subscriptions remain active (cancel separately in Settings)
  • ✅ Purchases preserved in App Store (can re-download free)
  • ✅ iCloud data may remain (depends on app)

Important: Deleting an app does NOT cancel subscriptions. Cancel subscriptions separately.

Method 2: Delete Apps from Settings

This method shows you exactly how much storage each app uses before deletion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Settings app
  2. Tap General
  3. Tap iPhone Storage
  4. Wait for list to load (shows all apps sorted by size)
  5. Tap the app you want to delete
  6. Tap Delete App
  7. Tap Delete App again to confirm

Storage space is freed immediately.

When to Use This Method

Use Settings method when:

  • You want to see storage usage before deleting
  • You're cleaning up storage and need to identify large apps
  • App isn't on your Home Screen (hidden or in App Library)
  • You want to use "Offload App" instead of full deletion

Offload vs Delete

On the app detail screen, you'll see two options:

Offload App:

  • Removes app but keeps its data and documents
  • Saves storage space
  • App icon stays on Home Screen (with cloud symbol)
  • Re-downloading restores your data
  • Great for apps you use occasionally

Delete App:

  • Removes app and all its data
  • Frees maximum storage space
  • App icon removed from Home Screen
  • Re-downloading starts fresh (no saved data)
  • Use for apps you won't use again

Tip: Offload large apps you rarely use (like GarageBand, iMovie) to save 2-5 GB without losing projects.

Method 3: Delete Multiple Apps Quickly (Batch Delete)

Delete several apps at once to clean up your iPhone faster.

Using Home Screen (iOS 14+)

  1. Long-press any empty space on Home Screen
  2. Icons start jiggling (edit mode)
  3. Tap - button on each app you want to delete
  4. Tap Delete App → Delete for each
  5. Tap Done when finished

You can delete multiple apps by tapping the minus on each one without exiting edit mode.

Using Settings (Fastest for Many Apps)

  1. Settings → General → iPhone Storage
  2. Scroll through list, identify apps to delete
  3. Tap app → Delete App → Delete App
  4. Back button returns to list
  5. Repeat for each app

Pro tip: Sort apps by size (automatic in iPhone Storage) to identify storage hogs quickly.

Method 4: Delete Apps Using App Library

The App Library (iOS 14+) organizes all your apps automatically.

How to Delete from App Library

  1. Swipe left through all Home Screen pages until you reach App Library
  2. Find the app (use search or browse categories)
  3. Long-press the app icon
  4. Tap Delete App
  5. Tap Delete to confirm

App is removed from iPhone entirely (not just from Home Screen).

Find Apps Faster in App Library

Search method:

  1. Open App Library
  2. Tap the search field at top
  3. Type app name
  4. Long-press app → Delete App

Category method:

  • Apps auto-organized into folders (Social, Utilities, Creativity, etc.)
  • Tap folder to see all apps in category
  • Long-press to delete

How to Delete Built-In Apple Apps

Many pre-installed Apple apps can be deleted (but not all).

Apps You Can Delete

These Apple apps can be removed:

  • ✅ Apple Books
  • ✅ Calculator
  • ✅ Calendar
  • ✅ Compass
  • ✅ Contacts
  • ✅ FaceTime
  • ✅ Files
  • ✅ Find My
  • ✅ Home
  • ✅ Mail
  • ✅ Maps
  • ✅ Measure
  • ✅ Music
  • ✅ News
  • ✅ Notes
  • ✅ Podcasts
  • ✅ Reminders
  • ✅ Stocks
  • ✅ Tips
  • ✅ TV
  • ✅ Voice Memos
  • ✅ Watch (if no Apple Watch paired)
  • ✅ Weather

Delete the same way as third-party apps (long-press → Remove App → Delete App).

Apps You Cannot Delete

These Apple apps are permanent:

  • ❌ App Store
  • ❌ Camera
  • ❌ Clock
  • ❌ Health
  • ❌ Messages
  • ❌ Phone
  • ❌ Photos
  • ❌ Safari
  • ❌ Settings
  • ❌ Wallet

Why? These apps are core iOS functionality and cannot be removed.

Alternative: Hide them in a folder if you don't use them.

How to Restore Deleted Apple Apps

Changed your mind? Re-download from App Store:

  1. Open App Store
  2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
  3. Scroll down to see all Apple apps
  4. Tap GET next to the app you want back
  5. App reinstalls (free, instant)

Or search App Store for the app name and tap the cloud download icon.

How to Recover Deleted Apps

Accidentally deleted an app? You can get it back easily.

Re-Download from App Store

For apps you previously downloaded:

  1. Open App Store
  2. Tap Search (bottom)
  3. Type the app name
  4. Tap the cloud download icon (not "GET")
  5. App reinstalls

No charge - previously purchased apps are free to re-download.

Check Purchase History

Can't remember the app name?

  1. Open App Store
  2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
  3. Tap Purchased
  4. Tap My Purchases (or select family member)
  5. Browse or search your entire app history
  6. Tap cloud icon to re-download

Shows every app you've ever downloaded on your Apple ID.

Restore App Data

Important: Re-downloading the app gives you a fresh install. Your previous app data is gone unless:

  1. App uses iCloud - Data may sync automatically when you sign in
  2. App has account login - Data stored on app's servers (like social media apps)
  3. You backed up iPhone - Restore from iCloud or iTunes backup to get data back

Apps that lose data when deleted:

  • Games without cloud save (progress lost)
  • Local note-taking apps
  • Photo/video editor apps
  • Apps that store data locally

Apps that keep data when deleted:

  • Netflix, Spotify (account-based)
  • Instagram, TikTok (server-stored)
  • Google Drive, Dropbox (cloud storage)
  • Banking apps (server-based)

Restore from iCloud Backup

To recover app AND its data:

  1. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
  3. Follow prompts to erase iPhone
  4. When phone restarts, choose Restore from iCloud Backup
  5. Select backup from before app deletion
  6. Wait for restore to complete

Warning: This restores your ENTIRE iPhone to that backup date. You'll lose any changes made after that backup.

Only use this method if the deleted app contained irreplaceable data and you have no other recovery option.

Troubleshooting: Can't Delete Apps on iPhone

Problem 1: App Won't Delete (Grayed Out or Missing Option)

Most common cause: Screen Time restrictions

Fix:

  1. Settings → Screen Time
  2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
  3. Enter Screen Time passcode (if enabled)
  4. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
  5. Tap Deleting Apps
  6. Select Allow

Now try deleting the app again.

If you don't have Screen Time passcode:

  • You (or someone with access to your phone) set a passcode
  • No way to bypass without passcode
  • Only option: Restore iPhone (erases everything)

Problem 2: Delete Button Not Appearing

For iOS 14+:

  • Make sure you're tapping Remove App, not "Edit Home Screen"
  • Choose Delete App, not "Remove from Home Screen"

"Remove from Home Screen" only:

  • Hides app from Home Screen
  • App still installed (visible in App Library)
  • Doesn't free storage space

To fully delete:

  • Long-press → Remove App → Delete App (second option)

Problem 3: App Keeps Reappearing After Deletion

Causes and fixes:

iCloud automatic app downloads:

  1. Settings → Apple ID (your name)
  2. Tap iCloud
  3. Scroll to Apps Using iCloud
  4. Turn off sync for that app
  5. Delete app again

Family Sharing auto-downloads:

  1. Settings → Apple ID → Family Sharing
  2. Tap Purchase Sharing
  3. Turn off Share New Purchases
  4. Delete app again

App part of App Bundle:

  • Some apps install companion apps automatically
  • Delete main app first, then companions

Problem 4: Delete Option Missing on Built-In Apps

Some Apple apps cannot be deleted:

  • Phone, Messages, Safari, Camera, Photos, App Store, Settings, Health, Clock

These are core iOS apps - Apple doesn't allow removal.

Solution:

  • Create a "Unused" folder
  • Move unwanted apps there
  • Hide the folder on last Home Screen page

Problem 5: Storage Not Freed After Deletion

Check if storage actually freed:

  1. Settings → General → iPhone Storage
  2. Wait for recalculation (30-60 seconds)
  3. Check available space

If storage still full:

App data cached elsewhere:

  • Safari cache: Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data
  • Photos: Recently Deleted (stays 30 days) → Delete All
  • Messages: Large attachments stay → Delete old conversations
  • System data bloat → Restart iPhone

Check System Data:

  1. Settings → General → iPhone Storage
  2. Check "System Data" size
  3. If over 20 GB: Backup and restore iPhone to clear

Managing iPhone Storage Efficiently

Enable Offload Unused Apps (Automatic Cleanup)

Let iOS auto-delete apps you don't use:

  1. Settings → App Store
  2. Enable Offload Unused Apps

How it works:

  • iOS automatically removes apps you haven't used in months
  • Keeps app data and documents
  • App icons stay (with cloud symbol)
  • Tap icon to reinstall instantly
  • Saves storage without losing anything important

Perfect for:

  • Apps you use seasonally
  • Large games you play occasionally
  • Utility apps used rarely

Check Storage Usage Before Deleting

See which apps use most space:

  1. Settings → General → iPhone Storage
  2. Wait for list to load (sorted by size)
  3. Review Recommendations at top:
    • Offload unused apps
    • Review large attachments
    • Delete old conversations

Biggest storage consumers:

  • Games (2-5 GB each)
  • Social media (2-3 GB cache)
  • Video/photo editors (1-4 GB)
  • Music/podcast apps (depends on downloads)

Delete App Data Without Deleting App

Clear cache and data while keeping the app:

For Safari:

  • Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data

For most apps:

  • Settings → General → iPhone Storage → tap app
  • Some apps show "Documents & Data" size
  • No direct way to clear without deleting app

Workaround:

  1. Delete the app
  2. Immediately re-download from App Store
  3. Fresh install with no cache
  4. You'll need to log in again

Apps with built-in cache clear:

  • Twitter: Settings → Data usage → Media storage → Clear
  • Instagram: Settings → Storage → Clear cache
  • Spotify: Settings → Storage → Delete cache

How to Cancel App Subscriptions

Deleting an app does NOT cancel subscriptions!

Cancel Active Subscriptions

  1. Settings → Apple ID (your name)
  2. Tap Subscriptions
  3. See all active and expired subscriptions
  4. Tap the subscription you want to cancel
  5. Tap Cancel Subscription
  6. Confirm cancellation

Access remains until end of current billing period.

Check for Hidden Subscriptions

Even if you deleted the app:

  1. Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions
  2. Scroll through entire list
  3. Cancel any you no longer want

Common forgotten subscriptions:

  • Free trials that auto-renewed
  • Deleted apps still charging monthly
  • In-app purchases with recurring billing

You'll still be charged until you manually cancel in Settings.

Tips for Managing Apps on iPhone

Tip 1: Create App Folders to Organize

Group similar apps:

  1. Long-press app icon
  2. Drag onto another app
  3. Folder auto-creates
  4. Tap folder name to rename
  5. Drag more apps into folder (up to 135 apps per folder)

Suggested folders:

  • Utilities (Calculator, Compass, Measure)
  • Social (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat)
  • Google (Maps, Drive, Photos, Gmail)
  • Games
  • Shopping

Tip 2: Hide Apps Without Deleting

Remove from Home Screen, keep in App Library:

  1. Long-press app icon
  2. Tap Remove App
  3. Choose Remove from Home Screen (first option)

App stays installed:

  • Still takes storage space
  • Still works normally
  • Only accessible via App Library or Spotlight search
  • Great for pre-installed apps you rarely use

Tip 3: Use Search to Find Apps Quickly

Fastest way to launch any app:

  1. Swipe down from middle of screen (Spotlight)
  2. Type app name
  3. Tap to open

No need to scroll through pages of apps or remember which folder.

Tip 4: Review App Subscriptions Quarterly

Set a reminder (every 3 months):

  1. Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions
  2. Cancel unused subscriptions
  3. Check for apps you deleted but subscriptions remain

Average person wastes $50-100/month on forgotten subscriptions.

Tip 5: Keep Essential Apps Only

Ask yourself:

  • Have I used this app in the past 30 days?
  • Does this app provide unique value?
  • Can I access this service via browser instead?

If no to all three → Delete it.

You can always re-download free from App Store if you change your mind.

Settings → General → iPhone Storage:

  • Check storage weekly
  • Enable "Offload Unused Apps"
  • Delete old message threads with large attachments
  • Clear cache regularly

Goal: Keep at least 10-15% storage free for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will deleting an app cancel my subscription? A: No. Subscriptions continue until you manually cancel them in Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions. You'll still be charged even after deleting the app.

Q: Can I recover app data after deleting an app? A: Only if the app stores data in iCloud or on its servers (account-based apps). Local app data is permanently deleted. Restore from iCloud backup to recover deleted app with data.

Q: What's the difference between "Remove from Home Screen" and "Delete App"? A: "Remove from Home Screen" hides the app but keeps it installed in App Library (still uses storage). "Delete App" completely removes the app and frees storage space.

Q: Why can't I delete some apps on my iPhone? A: Either (1) Screen Time restrictions are enabled (Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy → Deleting Apps must be "Allow"), or (2) it's a core Apple app that cannot be removed (Phone, Messages, Safari, Camera, Photos).

Q: How do I delete apps on iPhone without the X button? A: iOS 13+ removed the X button. Use new method: Long-press app → Remove App → Delete App. Or go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage → tap app → Delete App.

Q: Can I delete Apple apps like Safari or Messages? A: No. Core iOS apps (Phone, Messages, Safari, Camera, Photos, App Store, Settings, Health) cannot be deleted. You can delete other Apple apps like Maps, Mail, Calendar, Music, etc.

Q: Does deleting an app delete it from all my Apple devices? A: No. Deleting an app on iPhone only removes it from that device. The app remains on your iPad, Mac, or other devices unless you delete it from each device separately.

Q: Will I lose my app purchases if I delete an app? A: No. All app purchases are tied to your Apple ID permanently. You can re-download purchased apps free anytime from App Store → Profile → Purchased.

Q: How do I delete apps on older iPhones (iOS 12 or earlier)? A: Long-press any app icon until all icons jiggle, tap the X button on apps you want to delete, confirm deletion, press Home button to exit jiggle mode.

Q: Can I delete system apps to free up storage? A: Some Apple apps can be deleted (Maps, Mail, Music, etc.) but core system apps cannot (Phone, Safari, Camera, Photos). Deleting removable Apple apps frees minimal storage (usually under 100 MB each).

Conclusion: Clean Up Your iPhone

Deleting apps on iPhone is simple once you know the methods. Whether you're freeing storage space, removing unused apps, or starting fresh, use these techniques to keep your iPhone organized and running smoothly.

Remember the key points:

  1. Long-press → Remove App → Delete App (fastest method)
  2. Use Settings → iPhone Storage to see storage usage first
  3. Offload apps you use occasionally instead of deleting
  4. Cancel subscriptions separately - deleting app doesn't cancel billing
  5. Apps can be re-downloaded free from App Store anytime

Pro tip: Enable "Offload Unused Apps" in Settings → App Store to let iOS automatically manage storage for you.

Storage Management Tools

If you're constantly deleting apps to free space, consider these solutions:

Value tip: A $30 flash drive prevents needing to delete apps constantly. Worth it if you regularly hit storage limits.

Related guides:

Keep your iPhone clutter-free by reviewing installed apps monthly and deleting what you don't use!

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