Deleting apps you no longer use frees up storage and keeps your iPad's Home Screen tidy. The steps have changed since iOS 9, when you tapped and held until the icons wiggled and tapped an X. On current iPadOS, you have several options, including removing an app from the Home Screen while keeping it in the App Library, offloading it to keep its data, and deleting it completely. This guide covers all of them, plus how to handle apps that will not delete.
Quick Answer
Touch and hold the app icon on the Home Screen, tap Remove App, then tap Delete App and confirm with Delete. You can also delete apps in Settings > General > iPad Storage. On older iPads running iOS 9 to 12, tap and hold until the icons jiggle, then tap the X.
Delete vs. Remove vs. Offload
| Option | What happens | Data kept? |
|---|---|---|
| Delete App | Uninstalls the app | No (unless stored in iCloud) |
| Remove from Home Screen | Hides the icon; app stays in App Library | Yes, app still installed |
| Offload App | Removes the app but keeps documents and data | Yes, restored if you reinstall |
Method 1: From the Home Screen
- Find the app on your Home Screen.
- Touch and hold the icon until a menu appears.
- Tap Remove App.
- Tap Delete App, then tap Delete to confirm.
If you hold longer, the icons start to jiggle. Tap the minus (−) button on the app, then Delete App. Tap Done when finished.
Method 2: From the App Library
- Swipe left past your last Home Screen page, or tap the App Library icon in the Dock.
- Touch and hold the app icon (or search for it at the top).
- Tap Delete App, then Delete.
Method 3: From Settings (Shows App Sizes)
- Open Settings > General > iPad Storage.
- Wait for the list to load. Apps are sorted by size.
- Tap an app.
- Tap Delete App and confirm, or tap Offload App to keep its data.
This is the best way to find large apps that are using the most space. You can also turn on Offload Unused Apps here to let iPadOS remove apps you rarely use automatically.
Method 4: From the App Store
- Open the App Store and tap your profile picture.
- Scroll to the list of pending updates and recently updated apps.
- Swipe left on an app and tap Delete.
On Older iPads (iOS 9 to iOS 12)
- Lightly tap and hold any app icon until all icons jiggle. (On iPads with 3D Touch, do not press too hard.)
- Tap the X in the corner of the app.
- Tap Delete.
- Press the Home button to stop the jiggling.
On iOS 9 and 10, some built-in Apple apps could not be deleted at all. From iOS 10 onward, many built-in apps can be removed and reinstalled from the App Store.
Can You Delete Built-In Apps?
Many built-in apps, such as Books, Calculator, Stocks, Weather, and Podcasts, can be deleted. Some core apps, including Settings, Photos, Camera, Messages, App Store, and Safari, cannot. If you remove a built-in app, you can reinstall it free from the App Store.
Why Can't I Delete an App?
Screen Time restrictions
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Deleting Apps and choose Allow. You may need the Screen Time passcode.
Managed iPad
School or work iPads managed by an organization may block app deletion. Contact the administrator.
App is still downloading
Wait for the download to finish or pause it, then try again.
Does Deleting an App Cancel a Subscription?
No. Subscriptions continue after you delete an app. To cancel, go to Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions, choose the subscription, and tap Cancel Subscription.
Freeing space for an update? See how to update an iPad 6th generation.
To just close an app rather than delete it, see how to close windows and apps on iPad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reinstall a deleted app?
Open the App Store, search for it, and tap the cloud download icon. Paid apps you bought before are free to redownload with the same Apple Account.
Will deleting an app delete my data?
Local data is removed, but data synced to iCloud or the app's own account usually returns when you reinstall. Offload the app if you want to keep local data.
How do I delete multiple apps quickly?
Enter jiggle mode and tap the minus button on each app, or use Settings > General > iPad Storage.
Summary
- Touch and hold the app, tap Remove App > Delete App.
- Use Settings > General > iPad Storage to see sizes and offload or delete apps.
- On iOS 9 to 12, tap and hold until apps jiggle and tap the X.
- Check Screen Time if deleting is blocked, and cancel subscriptions separately.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.