How to Delete Apps on iPhone: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Free Up Storage

How to Remove Apps from Your iPhone

Managing storage on an iPhone often means tidying up those apps you hardly ever use. Deleting them is straightforward, but knowing the best way can save you time and hassle. Removing an app not only creates more space but also clears out any data it’s been hoarding, helping your device run more smoothly. Getting it right makes everything easier. Here’s how to clean up your home screen efficiently.

Deleting Apps Like a Pro

First up, identify which app is taking up unnecessary space. It’s surprising how many little-used apps end up cluttering the home screen. Take a moment to double-check the icon and name so you don’t accidentally delete something important.
When you’re sure, just press and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle. This is the universal sign that you’re in edit mode, ready for a quick tidy-up. Sometimes a small “X” or a menu will appear, depending on your iOS version.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more info-centric approach, head to: Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see a list of all your apps, making it easier to spot the ones hogging space.

While in jiggle mode, tap the minus sign or select “Remove App”. A prompt will appear asking for confirmation — it’s good they ask, as deleting can sometimes feel like a permanent move. Double-check, then confirm by tapping “Delete App”. And just like that, it’s gone.
Quick Tip: For a faster tidy-up, try using the App Library by swiping left past your last home screen. Long-pressing apps here also lets you delete them swiftly.

Once you’ve removed the app, don’t forget to tap “Done” in the corner. That exits edit mode and brings your home screen back to neatness. Regularly clearing out unused apps helps keep your device tidy and running optimally.

Top Tips for Deleting Apps Effectively

Before hitting delete, consider backing up any important data from the app, especially if it contains information you might need later. It’s also wise to check your battery usage in Settings > Battery > Battery Usage to spot apps that are draining power unnecessarily.
For the tech-savvy: you can connect your iPhone to a PC or Mac with iTunes or Finder and manage apps via a backup. Commands like:

ideviceinstaller -l (if you have the right tools on a jailbroken device) can help manage apps more directly.

Additionally, using the App Library (available from iOS 14 onwards) gives you an overview of all your installed apps, making it easier to decide which ones to streamlining. And if you delete an app you want to reinstall later, just head to App Store > Purchased to re-download it for free, as long as it’s still available.

Common Questions About Deleting Apps

Can I recover an app I’ve deleted?

Absolutely. Head over to App Store, search for the app, and tap the download icon. If you had data stored in the cloud, it’ll restore automatically once you reinstall.

Does deleting an app remove all its data?

Generally, yes. Deleting an app also deletes its local data. But if the app syncs with a cloud service, some of your data might come back once you reinstall it.

Can I delete pre-installed apps on an iPhone?

Most bundled apps can’t be completely removed, but you can hide them by moving them off your home screen. That’s a good workaround if you don’t want them cluttering your display.

What if I delete a paid app?

No worries—you won’t lose access entirely. Just revisit App Store > Purchased to re-download it free of charge, as long as it’s still listed.

Can I delete multiple apps at once?

iOS doesn’t natively support bulk deletions, which is a bit frustrating. However, the App Library simplifies the process slightly. For more control, connecting your iPhone to a computer with tools like iMazing might let you manage several apps all at once.

Quick Summary

Find the app you want to remove.
Press and hold until it jiggles.
Tap “Remove App” or the minus sign.
Confirm by selecting “Delete App”.
Tap “Done” to finish editing.

Final Tips for Organising Your iPhone

Getting comfortable with deleting apps isn’t just about freeing up space — it’s about keeping your device flowing smoothly. Regularly checking your app usage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage or using the App Library can help keep everything neat. Plus, activating the Offload Unused Apps feature automatically manages storage, so your iPhone stays optimised without Extra fuss.