The simplest way to remove an app

To delete an app from your iPad, press and hold the app icon on your home screen until a menu appears, then tap Remove App. A second menu will ask whether you want to remove the app only or remove it and delete its data. Choose what fits your situation, then tap Remove to confirm.

This method works whether you're on the home screen, in a folder, or in the App Library (the last screen when you swipe all the way right). The app disappears when ready after you confirm.

If you're not sure whether you want to keep the app's saved information — like game progress, login details, or documents you created inside the app — choose Remove App without deleting data. You can always reinstall the app later and your information will still be there.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold any app icon, tap Remove App, then choose whether to keep or delete the app's stored data.
  • Removing an app does not delete your data unless you specifically choose to delete it, so you can reinstall later without losing anything.
  • You can delete multiple apps at once by tapping Edit in the top left of your home screen, then tapping the minus sign on each app you want to remove.
  • Deleting an app frees up storage space on your iPad, which can help if you're running low on room for photos, videos, or other files.

Deleting multiple apps at once

If you want to remove several apps in one go, tap Edit in the top left corner of your home screen. Small red minus signs will appear on the top left of each app icon.

Tap the minus sign on each app you want to delete. After you tap each one, a confirmation message appears asking if you want to remove the app. Tap Remove to confirm. When you're finished removing apps, tap Done in the top right corner to exit edit mode.

This approach is faster than deleting apps one at a time if you're cleaning up your home screen or freeing up storage space.

Deleting apps from the App Library

Your iPad automatically organizes apps into categories in the App Library, which appears when you swipe to the rightmost screen. You can delete apps directly from there using the same press-and-hold method.

Find the app you want to remove, press and hold its icon, tap Remove App, then choose your preference for the app's data. The app will be removed from the App Library and from your home screen at the same time.

Understanding what happens to your data

When you delete an app, you have two choices about what happens to the information stored inside it. Remove App keeps the app's data on your iPad. Remove App and Delete Data removes both the app and everything it stored — saved games, login information, documents, photos you edited in that app, and any other files the app created.

If you choose to keep the data and later reinstall the app from the App Store, your saved information will be waiting for you. This is useful if you're temporarily removing an app to save space but think you might use it again.

If you choose to delete the data, that information is gone permanently. You cannot recover it after you confirm the deletion, so think carefully before choosing this option for apps that contain important information.

Freeing up storage space

Deleting apps is one way to make room on your iPad if you're running out of storage. When you remove an app, you free up the space it was using. If you also delete the app's data, you free up even more space.

To see how much space each app is using, go to Settings, tap General, then tap iPad Storage. The list shows every app and how much space it takes up, with the largest apps at the top. This can help you decide which apps to remove if you need to free up room quickly.

Keep in mind that some apps take up much more space than others. Video apps, games, and photo editors often use several gigabytes, while straightforward utility apps might use only a few megabytes.

What to do if you can't find an app to delete

Some apps that came with your iPad — like Mail, Calendar, and Maps — cannot be deleted using the standard removal method. If you press and hold one of these built-in apps, the menu will not show a Remove option.

You can hide these apps instead by pressing and hold, tapping Remove App, then choosing Remove from Home Screen. The app stays on your iPad but disappears from your home screen and the App Library. You can still find it by searching for it with Spotlight (swipe down from the top of the screen and type the app name).

If you want to use the app again later, search for it, press and hold its icon in the search results, tap Add to Home Screen, and it will reappear.

Reinstalling an app you deleted

If you delete an app and later change your mind, you can reinstall it from the App Store at no cost. Open the App Store app, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (or the Get button if it's a new install). The app will read and install automatically.

If you deleted the app without deleting its data, your saved information will be restored when you reinstall. If you deleted both the app and its data, you'll start fresh with no saved information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deleting an app free up storage space?

Yes. Deleting an app removes the app itself and frees up the space it was using. If you also choose to delete the app's data, you free up additional space. Check how much space each app uses in Settings > General > iPad Storage to see which apps take up the most room.

Can I get my data back if I delete an app and its data?

No. Once you choose to delete both the app and its data, that information is gone permanently and cannot be recovered. If you're unsure, remove the app without deleting its data, and you can reinstall it later with everything still there.

What's the difference between removing an app and deleting its data?

Removing an app takes it off your iPad but keeps the information it stored — saved games, login details, documents. Deleting the data removes both the app and everything it saved. You can choose which one you want when you delete.

Can I delete apps that came with my iPad?

Most built-in apps like Mail, Calendar, and Maps cannot be fully deleted, but you can hide them by removing them from your home screen. They stay on your iPad and you can find them by searching, but they won't clutter your home screen.

Will I have to pay again to reinstall an app I deleted?

No. If you paid for an app once, you can reinstall it from the App Store at no additional cost. Your purchase is tied to your Apple ID, not to a single installation.