Deleting apps you no longer use frees up storage and tidies your Home Screen. On an iPhone SE (or any iPhone) you can delete an app from the Home Screen, from the App Library, or from Settings, and you can offload an app to free space while keeping its data. This guide covers every method on current iOS versions, plus what to do if an app won’t delete.
Quick Answer
Touch and hold the app icon on the Home Screen, tap Remove App, then tap Delete App and Delete to confirm. Choosing Remove from Home Screen only hides the app in the App Library.
Method 1: From the Home Screen
- Touch and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
- Tap Remove App.
- Tap Delete App.
- Tap Delete to confirm.
To delete several apps, touch and hold an empty area until the icons jiggle, then tap the − on each app. Tap Done when finished.
Method 2: From the App Library
- Swipe left past your last Home Screen page to open the App Library.
- Touch and hold the app (or search for it and touch and hold the result).
- Tap Delete App and confirm.
This is the easiest way to delete apps you’ve hidden from the Home Screen.
Method 3: From Settings (See App Sizes)
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Wait for the list to load. Apps are sorted by size.
- Tap an app, then tap Delete App and confirm.
Offload an App Instead
Offload App (in the same iPhone Storage screen) removes the app but keeps its documents and data. The icon stays with a small cloud symbol; tap it to reinstall and pick up where you left off. To offload automatically, turn on Settings > Apps > App Store > Offload Unused Apps (on iOS 17 and earlier, Settings > App Store).
What Happens When You Delete an App
- The app and its local data are removed from the iPhone.
- Data stored in iCloud or the app’s own account (like your email or social media) isn’t deleted.
- Subscriptions don’t cancel automatically. Cancel them in Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions.
- You can reinstall a purchased app for free from the App Store (tap your profile picture > Apps or Purchased).
Can’t Delete an App?
- No Delete option: Screen Time may block it. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Deleting Apps and choose Allow.
- Built-in apps: most Apple apps can be deleted, but some, like Settings, Phone, Messages, Photos, Camera and the App Store, can’t.
- Work or school iPhone: apps installed by your organization may be locked by device management.
- App stuck “Waiting” or “Installing”: touch and hold it and tap Cancel Download, or restart the iPhone.
Older iPhone SE Models (iOS 12 and Earlier)
Lightly touch and hold an app until all icons jiggle, then tap the X in the corner and tap Delete. Press the Home button when you’re done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting an app delete my account?
No. Delete your account inside the app first if you want it gone.
Why do deleted apps come back?
Check Settings > Apps > App Store > App Downloads; automatic downloads from other devices may reinstall them.
How do I hide an app instead?
Touch and hold it and choose Remove from Home Screen. On iOS 18 and later, you can also choose Require Face ID > Hide and Require Face ID for supported apps.
Summary
- Touch and hold the app.
- Tap Remove App > Delete App > Delete.
- Or use the App Library or Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Cancel any 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.