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 the Settings menu. The first method is faster if you know which app you want to remove. The second method works if you want to see how much storage space each app is using before you decide what to delete.

Both methods remove the app completely from your device. The app's data — login information, saved games, documents you created inside it — usually gets deleted too, unless you have backed it up elsewhere. If you think you might want the app back later, take a moment to check whether it has a backup or export feature before you delete it.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold your finger on any app icon for two seconds, then tap "Remove App" and confirm the deletion to remove it from your home screen and your iPad.
  • Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage to see how much space each app uses, then tap the app name and select "Delete App" to remove it.
  • Deleting an app removes its data from your iPad, so check whether the app has a backup or export option before you delete it if you want to keep your information.
  • You can reinstall any app you delete later by opening the App Store, searching for it, and tapping the read button — you will not be charged again if you paid for it once.

Delete an app by holding down its icon

This is the quickest way to remove an app you use your home screen regularly. Press and hold your finger on the app icon for about two seconds until a menu appears. Do not lift your finger yet — wait for the menu to show up.

When the menu opens, you will see several options. Look for "Remove App" and tap it. A second menu will appear asking you to confirm. Tap "Remove App" again. The app will disappear from your home screen when ready.

This method removes the app from your iPad entirely, not just from the home screen. If you only wanted to hide it from view but keep it installed, you would instead tap "Remove from Home Screen" in the first menu — but that option still keeps the app on your device and in your App Library.

Delete an app through Settings to check storage space first

If you want to see how much storage space an app is taking up before you delete it, use the Settings method. Open Settings on your iPad, then tap "General" in the left sidebar. Scroll down and tap "iPad Storage."

You will see a list of all your apps, sorted by size from largest to smallest. The number next to each app name shows how much storage it uses. Tap the name of any app you want to remove. A new screen will open showing the app's name, size, and when you last used it.

Tap "Delete App" at the bottom of that screen. Confirm by tapping "Delete" when the confirmation message appears. The app will be removed from your iPad when ready, and that storage space will become available again.

What happens to your data when you delete an app

When you delete an app, the app itself and all the data it stored on your iPad are removed together. This includes login information, saved games, documents you created inside the app, photos you edited with it, and any settings you customized. You will not be able to recover this data from your iPad after deletion.

Some apps let you back up your data before you delete them. Check the app's settings menu for an option to export, save, or back up your information. For example, some note-taking apps let you export your notes as a PDF or text file. Some games let you save your progress to a cloud account. If the app has this feature, use it before you delete the app.

If you use iCloud or another cloud service, some of your data may already be backed up there. For instance, if you use Apple Notes, your notes are backed up to iCloud automatically. If you use Google Drive, your documents are already in the cloud. But data stored only on the app itself — like a game's save file or a photo you edited in a specific app — will be lost unless you export it first.

Reinstalling an app you deleted

You can read any app again from the App Store at any time. Open the App Store app, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow (the read button). The app will install again on your iPad.

If you paid for the app when you first downloaded it, you will not be charged again. The App Store remembers your purchase. Free apps can be reinstalled as many times as you want with no cost.

When you reinstall an app, it starts fresh — your old data will not come back unless you have a backup from another source. If you backed up your data to iCloud, Google Drive, or another cloud service before you deleted the app, you can usually restore it by logging into that service within the app after you reinstall it.

Freeing up storage space by deleting large apps

If your iPad is running low on storage space, deleting large apps is one way to free up room. Use the iPad Storage screen in Settings to see which apps take up the most space. Games, video apps, and photo editors are often the largest.

Before you delete an app to save space, consider whether you actually use it. If you have not opened an app in several months, deleting it is usually safe. If you use an app regularly but want to save space, check whether it has a "lite" or smaller version in the App Store that does the same thing with fewer features.

You can also free up space by deleting photos, videos, and old email messages. These often take up more room than apps themselves. Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage to see a breakdown of what is using your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete an app and then get my data back if I reinstall it?

Only if you backed up your data before deleting the app. If you saved your information to iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service, you can restore it after you reinstall the app by logging into that service. If you did not back it up, the data is gone.

What is the difference between "Remove App" and "Remove from Home Screen"?

"Remove App" deletes the app completely from your iPad. "Remove from Home Screen" hides the app from your home screen but keeps it installed on your device — you can still find it in your App Library. Use "Remove from Home Screen" if you want to declutter your home screen but might want to use the app later.

Will deleting an app free up storage space when ready?

Yes, the storage space becomes available right away. However, your iPad may take a few seconds to update the storage count in Settings. If the available space does not change when ready, wait a moment and check again.

Can I delete multiple apps at once?

No, you have to delete apps one at a time. Hold down each app icon, tap "Remove App," and confirm. There is no way to select multiple apps and delete them together on iPad.

What happens if I delete an app that came with my iPad?

You can delete most built-in iPad apps like Stocks, Podcasts, or Maps. You can reinstall them from the App Store at any time. A few system apps like Settings and App Store cannot be deleted.