Removing apps you no longer use frees up storage and tidies your Home Screen. On an iPhone you can delete an app completely or offload it to keep its data while clearing the app itself.
Step by step
- Find the appLocate the app on your Home Screen or in the App Library. You can swipe left past your last Home Screen page to reach the App Library search.
- Press and hold the iconTouch and hold the app icon until a menu pops up. If the icons start to jiggle, tap once on empty space first, then hold the icon again.
- Choose Remove AppTap Remove App in the menu. A confirmation appears offering to delete the app or, in some cases, remove it from the Home Screen only.
- Confirm the deletionTap Delete App, then confirm again. This removes the app and its data from your phone.
- Delete in jiggle mode as an alternativePress and hold any icon until they all wiggle, tap the minus sign on the app you want gone, then choose Delete App and press Done.
Handy tips
- Choosing Remove from Home Screen keeps the app installed and available in the App Library instead of deleting it.
- To see which apps use the most space, open Settings, General, then iPhone Storage.
- Anything you buy or download can be reinstalled free from the App Store, so deleting a purchased app does not cost you again.
Heads up
- Deleting an app removes its stored data, such as saved game progress or downloaded files, unless that data is backed up to iCloud or the app's own account.
FAQ
Will I lose my data if I delete an app?
You lose data stored only on the device. Anything synced to iCloud or an online account tied to the app comes back when you reinstall and sign in.
What is the difference between deleting and offloading?
Deleting removes the app and its data. Offloading removes only the app while keeping its documents and data, so reinstalling restores things where you left off.
Why can't I delete a built-in Apple app?
Some core apps can be removed, but a few essential ones cannot. If Remove App is missing, that app is a system app that stays on the phone.