Deleting an app from your iPhone removes it completely, but the process depends on which method you use and whether you want to keep your data
The fastest way to delete an app is to press and hold its icon on your home screen, tap Remove App, then tap Remove from Home Screen or Delete App. If you choose Remove from Home Screen, the app stays on your iPhone but disappears from view — you can still find it in the App Library. If you choose Delete App, the app itself is removed from your phone, though Apple keeps a record of your purchase and you can reinstall it later for free.
The difference matters because removing an app from your home screen takes five seconds but leaves it taking up storage space. Fully deleting it frees up that space. Both options delete the app's data — your saved games, login information, and settings — unless you back them up first.
Key Takeaways
- Press and hold the app icon, tap Remove App, then choose whether to remove it from your home screen only or delete it entirely from your iPhone.
- Deleting an app removes its data like saved games and login information, so back up anything you want to keep before you delete.
- You can also delete apps through Settings by going to General > iPhone Storage, finding the app, and tapping Delete App.
- Removing an app from your home screen keeps it on your iPhone but hides it — you can still find it in the App Library and search for it by name.
- Apps you purchased can be reinstalled for free later, even after you delete them completely.
Delete an app using the home screen method
This is the quickest way to fully delete an app. Find the app icon on any of your home screens, then press and hold it until a menu appears. The menu shows several options including Remove App near the bottom.
Tap Remove App. A second menu appears asking what you want to do. Tap Delete App to remove it from your iPhone entirely. A confirmation message appears saying "Deleting [app name] will also delete its data." Tap Delete to confirm. The app and all its data are now gone from your phone.
If you see Remove from Home Screen instead of Delete App, your iPhone is set to hide apps rather than delete them. Both options work — Remove from Home Screen hides the app but keeps it installed, while Delete App removes it completely. Choose based on whether you want to keep the app hidden or remove it entirely.
Delete an app through iPhone Settings
If you cannot find the app on your home screen or prefer using Settings, you can delete it there. Open the Settings app, then go to General > iPhone Storage. Your iPhone shows a list of installed apps sorted by size, with the largest ones at the top.
Scroll down to find the app you want to delete. Tap its name to open its details page. You see how much storage space it uses and when you last opened it. Tap Delete App in red text at the bottom. A confirmation message appears — tap Delete again to confirm.
This method is useful if you want to see how much space each app takes up before deciding what to delete. It also works if an app icon is stuck or not responding to the press-and-hold method.
Back up app data before deleting
When you delete an app, all its data goes with it — saved games, login information, photos you took in that app, notes, and settings. If you want to keep any of this information, back it up before you delete.
The easiest way is to back up your entire iPhone using iCloud. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then tap Back Up Now. This creates a complete copy of your phone, including all app data. If you delete an app and later change your mind, you can restore from this backup.
Some apps let you export your data directly. Open the app, look for a Settings or Export option, and see if you can save your data as a file. This works for apps like note-taking and photo apps. Check the app's own help section to see if this option exists.
The difference between removing and deleting
Remove from Home Screen hides the app so you do not see it when you swipe through your home screens. The app still exists on your iPhone and still uses storage space. You can find it by swiping down to open search and typing its name, or by opening the App Library (swipe right past your last home screen). Tap the app to open it or press and hold it to delete it completely.
Delete App removes the app from your iPhone entirely. It no longer appears in search, the App Library, or anywhere else on your phone. The storage space it used is freed up. If you purchased the app, you can reinstall it later for free by opening the App Store, tapping your profile picture, scrolling to Purchased, finding the app, and tapping the download icon.
Use Remove from Home Screen if you might want the app later but do not use it often. Use Delete App if you want to free up storage space or do not plan to use the app again.
What happens to your data when you delete an app
Deleting an app removes all the data it stored on your iPhone. This includes login information, so you will need to sign in again if you reinstall the app. It also includes any files the app created — photos taken in a camera app, notes written in a notes app, or game saves.
The app's data does not go to iCloud automatically unless you turned on iCloud sync for that specific app. To check, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and look for the app in the list. If the toggle next to it is on, iCloud has a copy of some of its data. If the toggle is off or the app is not listed, iCloud does not have a backup of that app's data.
If you delete an app and realize you need its data, your only option is to restore your entire iPhone from an iCloud backup that was made before you deleted the app. This restores everything on your phone to that earlier point in time, so you lose any changes you made after the backup.
Troubleshooting apps that will not delete
Some apps cannot be deleted because they come built into iOS — apps like Settings, Phone, Messages, and Camera. If you press and hold one of these apps, you see options like Remove from Home Screen but not Delete App. You can hide them from your home screen, but you cannot remove them from your iPhone.
If an app you installed is not responding to the press-and-hold method, try the Settings route instead. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find the app, and tap Delete App. If that does not work, restart your iPhone by holding down the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on. Try deleting the app again.
If an app still will not delete, it may be restricted by parental controls. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and check whether app deletion is turned off. If it is, you need the Screen Time passcode to change this setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my data back after deleting an app?
Only if you restore your iPhone from an iCloud backup made before you deleted the app. This restores your entire phone to that earlier point, so you lose any changes made after the backup. If you did not back up your iPhone, the app data is permanently gone. This is why backing up before deleting is important if the app contains anything you want to keep.
Will deleting an app free up storage space?
Yes. Deleting an app removes the app itself and all its data from your iPhone, freeing up the storage space it used. You can see how much space each app uses by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Removing an app from your home screen does not free up space — it only hides the app.
Can I reinstall an app I deleted?
Yes, if you purchased it or downloaded it for free. Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, go to Purchased, find the app, and tap the download icon. The app reinstalls for free. You will need to sign in again and set it up, since deleting removed all its data.
What is the App Library and how do I use it?
The App Library is a collection of all your apps organized by category. Swipe right past your last home screen to see it. You can search for an app by swiping down and typing its name, or browse by category. Apps removed from your home screen still appear here. You can press and hold an app in the App Library to delete it completely.
Do I lose my login information when I delete an app?
Yes. Deleting an app removes all its data, including saved passwords and login information. When you reinstall the app, you will need to sign in again. If you use the same password for multiple apps, write it down before deleting, or use your password manager to store it.