Whether you’re freeing up storage, decluttering your Home Screen, or removing an app you no longer use, knowing how to delete an app from your iPhone is a basic but essential skill. In iOS 17 and later, Apple makes it simple to remove apps with just a few taps.
This 2025 guide will walk you through multiple methods to delete apps from your iPhone, including from the Home Screen, App Library, and Settings.
Why Delete Apps from iPhone?
Here are a few reasons why users remove apps from their devices:
You’re running low on storage
The app is no longer needed or used
You want to reduce distractions
You’re switching to a better alternative
You’re troubleshooting app-related issues
No matter your reason, deleting an app helps keep your device organized and running smoothly.
How to Delete an App from the Home Screen
This is the most common and quickest method.
Steps:
- Find the app on your Home Screen
- Tap and hold the app icon until a menu appears
- Tap Remove App
- Then select Delete App
- Confirm by tapping Delete again
The app and all its data will be removed from your iPhone.
How to Delete an App from the App Library
If the app isn’t on your Home Screen but is in the App Library:
- Swipe left until you reach the App Library
- Locate the app using the categories or the search bar
- Press and hold the app icon
- Tap Delete App
- Confirm when prompted
This method is helpful if you’ve hidden the app from the Home Screen but still want to delete it.
How to Delete Apps via iPhone Settings
If you prefer to manage apps through Settings, especially to see how much space they’re using:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap General
- Tap iPhone Storage
- Scroll through the list and tap the app you want to remove
- Tap Delete App
- Confirm by tapping Delete App again
This view also shows how much space each app takes up, helping you prioritize what to delete.
How to Offload an App Instead of Deleting
If you want to remove the app but keep its data:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Tap the app
- Tap Offload App
- Confirm by tapping Offload App again
This removes the app itself but keeps its data. You can reinstall the app later and pick up where you left off.
How to Delete Built-In Apple Apps
Since iOS 10, Apple allows deletion of some stock apps like Calculator, Calendar, or Notes.
To remove them:
- Tap and hold the app on your Home Screen
- Tap Remove App
- Tap Delete App, then confirm
Note: Not all built-in apps can be removed. Apps like Phone, Messages, and Safari cannot be deleted.
How to Reinstall a Deleted App
If you deleted an app and want it back:
- Open the App Store
- Tap the Search tab
- Type the name of the app
- Tap the Download icon (cloud with an arrow)
- The app will reinstall with a fresh start (unless previously offloaded)
Apps you’ve paid for can be redownloaded without paying again.
Common Issues When Deleting Apps
App won’t delete? Try these fixes:
- Make sure Screen Time restrictions aren’t enabled
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases
- Set Deleting Apps to Allow
- Restart your iPhone if the app seems stuck
- Ensure you’re not in Jiggle Mode without confirming deletion
Some apps also appear as profiles (especially MDM or enterprise apps) and need to be removed through Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
FAQs About Deleting Apps from iPhone
What happens when I delete an app from my iPhone?
The app and all its local data are removed from your device. If the app stores data in the cloud, that information may still be accessible when reinstalled.
Can I delete apps that come with the iPhone?
Some pre-installed Apple apps can be deleted, but core system apps like Safari or Messages cannot be removed.
Why can’t I delete an app on my iPhone?
You might have restrictions enabled through Screen Time, or the app might be part of a device management profile.
Will deleting an app cancel its subscription?
No. You must manually cancel subscriptions through Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions to stop being billed.
Is offloading an app the same as deleting it?
No. Offloading removes the app but keeps its data. Deleting removes both the app and its data. Learn how to