The two ways to remove an app from your iPad
You can delete an app from your iPad in two ways: by holding down the app icon on your home screen, or by going into your iPad's Settings. The home screen method is faster if you know exactly which app you want to remove. The Settings method works better if you want to see all your apps at once, or if you're having trouble finding an app on your home screen.
Both methods do the same thing — they remove the app from your iPad entirely. If you change your mind later, you can reinstall it from the App Store at no cost, as long as it's still available there.
Key Takeaways
- Hold your finger on any app icon for about two seconds, then tap "Remove App" and confirm the deletion.
- You can also go to Settings > General > iPad Storage, find the app, and tap "Delete App" to remove it.
- Deleting an app removes it from your iPad but does not erase any documents or data you created inside that app unless you specifically choose to delete the app data as well.
- You can reinstall any app you delete later by opening the App Store and searching for it again.
Deleting an app from your home screen
This is the quickest method if you can see the app on your home screen. Press and hold your finger on the app icon for about two seconds — do not tap it, just hold. A menu will pop up with several options.
Look for the option that says "Remove App" and tap it. A second menu will appear asking you to confirm. You'll see three choices: "Remove from Home Screen Only", "Delete App", or "Cancel". If you choose "Remove from Home Screen Only", the app stays on your iPad but disappears from your home screen — you can still find it by swiping left to your App Library. If you choose "Delete App", the app is removed from your iPad entirely.
Tap "Delete App" if you want to remove it completely. You'll be asked one more time to confirm by tapping "Delete". That's it — the app is gone.
Deleting an app through Settings
If you can't find the app on your home screen, or if you want to see a list of all your apps before deciding what to delete, use the Settings method. Open the Settings app on your iPad, then tap "General" in the left sidebar.
Scroll down and tap "iPad Storage". Your iPad will show you a list of all your apps, sorted by how much space each one takes up. Find the app you want to delete and tap on it. A screen will appear showing you how much space the app uses and when you last opened it. Tap "Delete App" at the bottom of the screen, then confirm by tapping "Delete" again.
What happens to your data when you delete an app
When you delete an app, your iPad removes the app itself, but it may keep some of your data. This depends on how the app stores information. Some apps save your data to your iCloud account, which means your information stays safe even after you delete the app. Other apps save data only on your iPad, and that data is usually deleted when you remove the app.
If you're worried about losing something, check the app's settings before you delete it. Many apps let you back up your data to the cloud or export it as a file. If the app has this option, use it before you delete.
When you delete an app, you'll also see a prompt asking if you want to "Delete App" or "Delete App and Offload Data". Choosing "Delete App and Offload Data" removes the app but keeps some of its settings and data on your iPad, so if you reinstall it later, it will remember your preferences. Choosing just "Delete App" removes everything.
Reinstalling an app you deleted
If you change your mind and want the app back, open the App Store on your iPad and search for it by name. Tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow (not the plus sign — that's for apps you've never downloaded). The app will reinstall on your iPad.
If the app cost money when you first bought it, you won't have to pay again — the App Store remembers your purchase. If the app is no longer available in the App Store, you won't be able to reinstall it, though this is rare for popular apps.
Freeing up space on your iPad
If you're deleting apps mainly because your iPad is running out of storage, the Settings method shows you exactly how much space each app uses. Apps that take up the most space appear at the top of the list in iPad Storage. Deleting even one large app can free up several gigabytes.
You can also see how much space photos, videos, and other files are using. If you're still running low on space after deleting apps, consider removing old photos or videos, or backing them up to iCloud or another cloud service first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting an app delete my photos or documents?
Not usually. Photos and documents you created in an app are often stored separately from the app itself. However, if the app is the only place you saved something, it may be deleted. Before removing an app, check if it has a backup or export option in its settings.
Can I delete built-in Apple apps like Mail or Safari?
You can hide most built-in apps by holding down the icon and choosing "Remove from Home Screen Only", but you cannot completely delete them from your iPad. They will remain in your App Library even if you hide them.
What's the difference between removing an app and offloading it?
Offloading removes the app but keeps your data and settings. Deleting removes both the app and its data. Offloading is useful if you want to free up space but might reinstall the app later and want your settings to remain the same.
If I delete an app, will it stop sending me notifications?
Yes. Once an app is deleted, it cannot send you notifications. If you reinstall it later, you'll need to turn notifications back on in your iPad's Settings if you want them.
Can I delete multiple apps at once?
Not directly, but you can speed up the process by holding down one app, tapping the plus sign to select more apps, and then tapping "Remove App" once to delete them all together.