Deleting an app removes it completely from your iPhone
When you delete an app, the app itself and all the data it stored on your phone are removed. The app no longer appears on your home screen, in your app library, or anywhere else on the device. If you reinstall the app later, it will start fresh — your saved settings, login information, and any files the app created will be gone.
There are two main ways to delete an app on iPhone: through the home screen or through the Settings app. Both methods permanently remove the app, though Apple keeps a record of your purchase in your account, so you can reinstall it later without paying again if it was a paid app.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting an app removes the app and all its stored data from your iPhone permanently.
- You can delete an app by long-pressing it on your home screen and selecting "Remove App," or by going to Settings and using the Storage menu.
- Deleted apps can be reinstalled later from the App Store without repaying for paid apps.
- Some built-in Apple apps cannot be deleted, though you can hide them or remove them from your home screen.
- Deleting an app does not affect other apps or your iPhone's overall performance.
Delete an app from your home screen
The fastest way to delete an app is directly from your home screen. Long-press (hold your finger) on the app icon until a menu appears. The menu will show several options, including "Remove App" near the bottom. Tap "Remove App."
A second menu will appear asking you to confirm. You will see three choices: "Remove from Home Screen Only," "Remove from Home Screen and App Library," or "Cancel." If you choose "Remove from Home Screen Only," the app stays on your iPhone but disappears from your home screen — you can still find it in the App Library. If you choose "Remove from Home Screen and App Library," the app is completely deleted from your iPhone.
Tap "Remove App" in the confirmation menu, then tap "Delete" when prompted. The app is now gone from your phone.
Delete an app through Settings
If you prefer not to use the home screen method, you can delete apps through the Settings app. Open Settings, then tap "General." Scroll down and tap "iPhone Storage." You will see a list of all your apps, sorted by how much space each one uses.
Find the app you want to delete and tap it. A detail screen will open showing how much space the app uses and when you last opened it. Tap "Delete App" at the bottom of the screen. A confirmation menu will appear — tap "Delete" to confirm. The app is now permanently removed.
This method is useful if you want to see how much storage space each app is using before you decide what to delete. It also works the same way whether the app is on your home screen or only in your app library.
What happens to your data when you delete an app
When you delete an app, all the data stored by that app on your iPhone is also deleted. This includes login information, saved settings, photos or files the app created, game progress, and any other information the app stored locally. If the app backed up data to the cloud (like photos to iCloud), that data remains in the cloud and will be available if you reinstall the app.
Before you delete an app, consider whether you need to save anything it contains. Some apps let you export data or back it up before deletion. If the app has important information, check its settings menu for an export or backup option first.
Apps you cannot delete
Apple's built-in apps — like Phone, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Camera, and Photos — cannot be deleted. These apps are part of iOS and are required for your iPhone to function properly. However, you can remove them from your home screen so they do not clutter your view. Long-press the app and select "Remove App," then choose "Remove from Home Screen Only." The app stays on your iPhone but moves to the App Library.
If you want to hide a built-in app completely from view, you can also use Screen Time restrictions to prevent it from appearing, though this requires setting up a Screen Time passcode.
Reinstalling an app you deleted
If you delete an app and later change your mind, you can reinstall it from the App Store. 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 is a free app). The app will read and install again.
If the app was paid, you will not be charged again — your purchase is tied to your Apple ID account. The app will reinstall as a fresh copy with no previous data, settings, or login information. If the app backed up data to the cloud, you may be prompted to restore that data when you open the app for the first time.
Deleting apps to free up storage space
If your iPhone is running low on storage, deleting unused apps is one way to free up space. The Settings method (General > iPhone Storage) shows you exactly how much space each app uses, making it straightforward to identify large apps you no longer need. Games and photo editing apps often use the most space.
Keep in mind that deleting an app only frees up the space the app itself uses. If the app created large files or caches, those are also deleted. However, if you have a lot of photos or videos on your phone, deleting apps will have less impact than removing old photos or videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting an app slow down my iPhone?
No. Deleting an app does not affect your iPhone's speed or performance. Removing unused apps may actually free up a small amount of RAM, but the difference is not noticeable in daily use. If your iPhone feels slow, the issue is usually too many background processes, low storage space, or an older device — not the number of apps installed.
Can I delete an app and keep its data?
Not on the iPhone itself. When you delete an app, all its local data is removed. However, if the app backed up data to the cloud (iCloud, Google Drive, or another service), that data remains in the cloud. When you reinstall the app, it may prompt you to restore the backed-up data. Check the app's settings before deleting to see if it offers cloud backup.
What is the difference between removing an app from the home screen and deleting it?
"Remove from Home Screen Only" hides the app from view but keeps it on your iPhone — you can still find it in the App Library. "Remove from Home Screen and App Library" completely deletes the app. If you are unsure whether you will need the app again, use the first option to keep it without cluttering your home screen.
Will deleting an app delete my account with that service?
No. Deleting the app only removes the app from your phone. Your account with the service (like a social media account or email account) remains active. When you reinstall the app, you can log back in with your existing account. To actually delete your account with a service, you must do that through the service's website or settings, not by deleting the app.
Can I delete multiple apps at once?
You can delete apps one at a time using either method described above. iOS does not have a built-in feature to select and delete multiple apps simultaneously. However, using the Settings > General > iPhone Storage method is faster if you need to delete several apps, since you can move through the list quickly without returning to the home screen.