Deleting an app from App Store Connect removes it from the App Store, but the process differs depending on whether you want to keep the app record or erase it completely
When you delete an app in App Store Connect, you have two main paths. You can remove the app from sale — which takes it off the App Store immediately but keeps your app record and version history intact in App Store Connect. Or you can delete the app entirely — which removes both the listing and all associated data from App Store Connect permanently. Most developers choose the first option because it preserves your records and lets you re-list the app later if you change your mind.
The steps depend on which action you want. Removing from sale takes about 24 hours to appear on the App Store. Deleting the app record is instant but irreversible, so Apple requires you to confirm the action twice.
Key Takeaways
- Removing an app from sale keeps your app record in App Store Connect but takes it off the App Store within 24 hours.
- Deleting an app record erases it completely from App Store Connect and cannot be undone, so use this only if you are certain.
- You must have Admin or Account Holder access in App Store Connect to delete or remove any app.
- If you want to keep the app but stop selling it, removing from sale is the safer choice because you can re-list it later.
How to remove an app from sale without deleting it
Removing from sale is the reversible option. Your app disappears from the App Store, but App Store Connect keeps the app record, all your version history, and your analytics. You can re-list the app at any time by changing its status back to "Ready for Sale."
Open App Store Connect and go to My Apps. Select the app you want to remove. Click the App Information tab on the left sidebar. Scroll down to the App Status section. Change the status from "Ready for Sale" to "Remove from Sale." Click Save. A confirmation dialog will appear — click Remove from Sale again to confirm. The app will stop appearing in the App Store within 24 hours, though users who already downloaded it can still use it and re-download it.
How to permanently delete an app from App Store Connect
Permanent deletion removes the app record, all versions, and all associated data from App Store Connect. This action cannot be reversed. Apple requires two confirmations to prevent accidental deletion.
Open App Store Connect and go to My Apps. Select the app you want to delete. Click the App Information tab. Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the Delete App button (it appears only if the app is not currently for sale). Click Delete App. A dialog will ask you to confirm by typing the app name exactly as it appears. Type the name and click Delete. The app and all its data will be removed from App Store Connect immediately.
What happens to users after you delete or remove an app
When you remove an app from sale, users who already own it can still download it from their purchase history and use it normally. The app simply stops appearing in search results and category listings on the App Store. Users cannot download it for the first time, but existing users are not affected.
When you permanently delete an app, the same rule applies to existing users — they keep their copy and can re-download it. However, the app record disappears from App Store Connect, so you lose access to crash reports, analytics, and version history. New users cannot find or download the app anywhere.
Reasons to remove versus delete
Remove from sale if: You want to pause selling the app temporarily, you plan to update it later, you want to keep your analytics and version history, or you might re-list it in the future. This is the safer choice for most situations because nothing is lost.
Delete the app if: You are shutting down the app permanently and have no use for the app record, you want to clean up your App Store Connect account, or you are starting over with a new app under a different name. Deletion is permanent, so only choose this if you are absolutely certain.
Troubleshooting: Why you cannot delete your app
The Delete App button only appears if your app is not currently for sale. If the button is missing, your app status is still set to "Ready for Sale" or another active status. Remove it from sale first using the steps above, wait a few hours for the status to update, then return to the App Information tab to find the Delete App button.
If you still do not see the Delete App button, check your user role. Only Account Holder or Admin users can delete apps. If you have a lower permission level, ask your Account Holder or Admin to perform the deletion, or request a role upgrade.
How to re-list an app you removed from sale
If you removed an app from sale and later want to sell it again, the process is simple. Open App Store Connect, go to My Apps, and select the app. Click App Information. Find the App Status section and change it back to "Ready for Sale." Click Save. The app will return to the App Store within 24 hours. All your previous version history, pricing, and app details remain intact.
This reversal works because removing from sale does not erase any data — it only changes the visibility status. Your app record stays in App Store Connect the entire time, so restoring it is as straightforward as flipping a switch back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete an app if it still has active sales?
No. You must remove the app from sale first, which stops new sales immediately. After the status changes, the Delete App button becomes available. This prevents accidental deletion of apps that are still generating revenue.
Will deleting my app refund money to users who bought it?
No. Deleting the app record does not trigger refunds. Users who purchased the app keep their copy and can re-download it. If you want to offer refunds, you must handle that separately through your payment processor or by contacting Apple Support.
What happens to my app's reviews and ratings after I delete it?
Reviews and ratings are deleted along with the app record when you permanently delete it. If you only remove the app from sale, reviews remain in App Store Connect but are not visible to new users on the App Store.
Can I delete just one version of my app instead of the whole app?
No. App Store Connect does not allow you to delete individual versions. You can only remove the entire app from sale or delete the whole app record. If you need to remove a specific version, you must update the app with a new version that fixes the issue.