If you’ve been wondering how to delete an app on an iPad, it’s easier than you might think. Whether trying to clean up your Home Screen or free up space, removing apps takes just a few taps and can make your device feel much more organized.
Maybe you downloaded something you don’t use anymore, or your iPad is starting to feel cluttered. Whatever the reason, deleting apps is quick and straightforward, and there’s more than one way to do it.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to remove apps in seconds, even if hidden or stuck.
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How to Delete an App on iPad: 3 Simple Ways That Work
You can remove apps from your iPad in several ways. No matter which method you choose, you can free up space and keep your device organized.
1. How to Delete an App on iPad From the Home Screen
Deleting an app from the Home Screen is quick and simple.
- Tap and hold the app you want to remove.
- Wait for the icons to start wiggling.
- Tap the minus (–) icon in the top left corner of the app.
- Select Delete App when you see the menu.
- Tap Delete again to confirm.
This method deletes the app along with its data. If the app data is not backed up to iCloud, you won’t be able to recover it.
Apps deleted this way disappear from your Home Screen right away.
You can do this for any app you’ve installed yourself.
If you change your mind, you can always download the app again from the App Store.
2. How to Delete an App on iPad From the Settings App
Using the Settings app helps you see how much storage each app uses.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select iPad Storage.
- Scroll down and tap the app you want to remove.
- Tap Delete App.
- Confirm by tapping Delete App again.
A helpful feature of this method is viewing how much space the app takes on your device. This is useful if you want to clear up storage.
You can also "Offload App" here, which removes the app but keeps its data. Deleting the app will remove both the app and all its data.
This approach is especially good for managing large apps or finding apps you rarely use.
3. How to Delete an App on iPad From the App Library
The App Library stores all your apps, even those not on the Home Screen.
- Swipe left on your Home Screen until you reach the App Library.
- Find the app by browsing or using the search bar at the top.
- Tap and hold the app icon.
- Tap Delete App from the menu.
- Confirm by selecting Delete.
This way is handy if you’ve hidden apps from the Home Screen but still want to remove them.
If you cannot find an app easily, the search feature in the App Library can help.
Once you delete the app, it is removed from your device and will no longer take up space.
You can reinstall it anytime from the App Store if you want it back.
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How to Delete an App on iPad When It Won’t Delete or Is Hidden
Sometimes you can’t delete an app on your iPad no matter what you try. This may be because of iPad settings or the app itself. Here are the main reasons and ways to fix them.
1. Make Sure You’re Not Using Screen Time Restrictions
If you have Screen Time set up, you or someone else may have blocked the ability to delete apps.
- Go to Settings
- Tap Screen Time
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Select iTunes & App Store Purchases
- Tap Deleting Apps and make sure it is set to Allow
If it was set to Don’t Allow, you won’t be able to delete any app. After you change this to Allow, you can delete apps like normal. If you don’t remember your Screen Time passcode, you’ll need it to change these settings.
Screen Time can also hide apps. In the Screen Time menu, check Allowed Apps or App Limits. If an app is hidden, adjust the settings so it shows up again, then try to delete it.
2. Check If It’s a Built-In Apple App
Not every app on your iPad can be deleted. Some built-in Apple apps are permanent.
- You can delete: Calculator, Weather, Podcasts, and more.
- You cannot delete: Safari, Messages, App Store.
If you try to remove an app and the delete (X or minus) icon does not show up, it may be a core Apple app. The only option for apps like Safari or Messages is to move them off your main screen or use a folder.
Tap and hold the app icon to see if an app is removable. If you see the option to Remove App, then it can be deleted. If you don’t see this, it’s likely built-in and can’t be removed.
3. Try Restarting Your iPad
If nothing else works, your iPad may just need a simple restart. Sometimes a glitch keeps you from deleting apps.
- Hold the top power button until you see slide to power off
- Slide the bar to turn off your iPad
- Wait a few seconds
- Hold the power button again to turn your iPad back on
After restarting, unlock your iPad and try to delete the app again like normal. Most of the time, restarting fixes small software issues. If the problem is still there, check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update to make sure your software is up to date.
If apps are still not deleting, review the steps above. These are the most common fixes for how to delete an app on iPad that won’t delete or is hidden.
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Things to Know Before You Delete an App on iPad
Removing apps from your iPad can clear space or reduce clutter, but some actions cannot be undone. Deleting an app may also affect the files or settings saved within that app.
App Data May Be Lost
When you delete an app from your iPad, most or all of its data is also erased. This could include saved games, documents, settings, or any customizations you made.
If your app stores files locally, they will be gone once you remove the app.
Some apps use cloud storage, like iCloud, so certain files may be safe online. However, always double-check where your files are saved.
If the app does not sync with any cloud service, consider backing up your important files before you delete them.
Tips before deleting:
- Open the app and check if there’s a backup or export option
- Look for cloud sync settings
- Save important files elsewhere first
Offloading vs. Deleting
Apple lets you offload an app instead of deleting it. Offloading removes the app itself but keeps documents and data on your iPad. This is helpful to free up space without losing your information.
You can find this option in: Settings > General > iPad Storage
Tap the app you want in the app list and choose Offload App. Later, you can reinstall the app, and all your data will still be there.
Key points:
- Offloading saves app data, and deleting removes everything
- Offloaded app icons stay on your Home Screen with a small cloud symbol
- Use offloading if you just need more space and plan to use the app again
Reinstalling Is Easy
If you accidentally delete an app, you can get it back anytime from the App Store. You do not need to buy it again if you already paid for it. Most free apps will let you download them as many times as you like.
Here’s what to do:
- Open the App Store
- Search for the app’s name
- Tap the download button (looks like a cloud with an arrow)
If the app was offloaded, tapping the icon will reinstall it right away. If you delete an app, you might lose its data unless it's stored in the cloud or backed up elsewhere.
Remember:
- Reinstalling is simple and quick
- You may need your Apple ID password
- Check if your files are saved before deleting
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Conclusion: Your iPad, Your Control
Managing your iPad's apps is simple. You can remove apps you no longer use, helping your device stay organized and run smoothly.
Before deleting an app, it’s a good idea to check if you need any data from it. Also, backup important files so you don’t lose anything by mistake.
Deleting an app can:
- Free up space for new apps or photos
- Reduce clutter on your home screen
- Help your iPad work more efficiently
You have choices. You can delete apps straight from your Home Screen or through your settings. If you share your iPad with family, you can set up restrictions to control which apps can be deleted.
Your iPad, your control. A few taps give you a cleaner device and make it easier to find what you need.
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❓ FAQs About How to Delete an App on iPad
You may have trouble deleting some apps or keeping the data off your device. Not all apps work the same, and finding or restoring them can sometimes be confusing.
How do I delete an app on an iPad that won’t delete?
If pressing and holding an app doesn’t show the delete option, go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. Find the app in the list, tap it, then select Delete App. If the delete option isn’t available, it could be a built-in app or have restrictions set in parental controls.
Will deleting an app delete all its data too?
Removing an app usually deletes the app and its data from your iPad. However, some data may be stored in iCloud or online accounts. If you want to keep specific data, check the app’s settings or backup information before deleting it.
Can I delete built-in Apple apps on iPad?
You can remove some built-in Apple apps, like Stocks or Notes, but not all of them. Essential apps, such as Settings and Safari, cannot be deleted. If you don’t see the option to delete, the app is likely required by the system.
Why can’t I find the app I want to delete?
If you can’t find the app on your Home Screen, search for it using Spotlight Search by swiping down on your Home Screen. Some apps may only appear in Settings > General > iPad Storage if hidden or offloaded. Make sure the app isn’t restricted under Screen Time settings.
How do I restore a deleted app on an iPad?
Go to the App Store and search for the app’s name. Tap the download button next to the app to reinstall it. Any app-specific data not backed up or saved to an account will not return when you restore the app.
