Why and when to delete an app
Delete an app when you no longer use it, when it takes up storage space you need, or when you want to stop it from collecting data about you. Removing an app stops it from running in the background, sending notifications, or accessing your location, contacts, and photos — even if you never open it again.
Deleting an app is different from just hiding it or turning off notifications. The app and all its stored data leave your device entirely. If you change your mind later, you can reinstall it, though you may lose saved settings or game progress that were stored only on your phone.
Some apps come pre-installed on your device and cannot be deleted — you can only disable them, which stops them from running but leaves them on your phone. Others you installed yourself can be removed completely.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting an app removes it and its data from your device, while disabling only stops it from running and leaves it taking up storage space.
- On Android, you can delete most apps through Settings or by long-pressing the app icon, but pre-installed apps can only be disabled.
- On iPhone, you delete apps by long-pressing the icon and selecting Remove App, or through Settings under iPhone Storage.
- Deleting an app stops it from accessing your location, contacts, photos, and other permissions you granted it.
- You can reinstall a deleted app later from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, but saved data within that app will be gone.
How to delete apps on Android
The fastest way is to long-press the app icon on your home screen or app drawer. A menu will appear with options including "Remove app" or "Uninstall". Tap that option and confirm when asked.
If that menu does not appear, or if you want to delete an app you cannot see on your home screen, go to Settings, then Apps (or process Manager on older phones). Find the app in the list, tap it, and look for an "Uninstall" button. Tap it and confirm.
Some apps that came with your phone — like the default calendar, messaging app, or Samsung apps — cannot be uninstalled. Instead, you will see a "Disable" button. Tapping it removes the app from your home screen and stops it from running, but it stays on your phone taking up a small amount of storage. You can re-enable it later from the same Settings menu if you change your mind.
How to delete apps on iPhone
Long-press the app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Tap "Remove App", then choose "Remove from Home Screen" (which hides it but keeps it installed) or "Remove App" (which deletes it entirely). Confirm by tapping "Delete".
Alternatively, go to Settings, tap iPhone Storage, find the app in the list, tap it, and select "Delete App". Confirm when asked. This method shows you how much space each app is using, which is helpful if you are trying to free up storage.
Unlike Android, iPhone does not distinguish between apps you installed and apps that came with the phone. You can delete almost any app, including built-in ones like Mail, Maps, or Stocks. If you delete a built-in app and want it back, you can reinstall it from the App Store.
What happens to your data when you delete an app
When you delete an app, all data stored only on your phone — like saved game levels, downloaded files, or login information — is erased. If the app backed up your data to the internet (like Gmail or Google Drive), that data stays in your account and you can access it if you reinstall the app.
Check the app's settings before you delete it if you want to save anything. Some apps let you export data or read your information. For example, a photo editing app might let you save your edited images before you uninstall it.
The app will no longer have permission to access your location, contacts, photos, microphone, or camera once it is deleted. If you reinstall it later, you will be asked again whether to grant those permissions.
Freeing up storage space by deleting apps
Apps take up different amounts of space. A straightforward app might use 5 to 10 megabytes, while a game or photo editor can use 100 megabytes to over 1 gigabyte. If your phone is running low on storage, deleting large apps is one of the fastest ways to free up space.
On Android, go to Settings, Apps, and look for an app size listed next to each app name. On iPhone, go to Settings, iPhone Storage, and the list is already sorted by size, largest first. Delete the ones you do not use regularly.
Deleting an app frees up space when ready. Disabling an app (on Android) frees up almost no space, so if storage is your goal, uninstall rather than disable.
Stopping an app from running without deleting it
If you want to keep an app but stop it from running in the background or sending notifications, you have other options besides deletion. On both Android and iPhone, you can turn off notifications by going to Settings, finding the app, and toggling notifications off.
On Android, you can also restrict an app's background activity. Go to Settings, Apps, select the app, tap Battery, and choose "Restricted" or "Don't allow background activity". The app will only run when you open it directly.
On iPhone, go to Settings, find the app, and turn off "Background App Refresh". This stops the app from checking for updates or new messages when you are not using it, which saves battery and data.
You can also remove an app from your home screen without deleting it. On Android, long-press the icon and select "Remove from home screen". On iPhone, long-press and choose "Remove from Home Screen". The app stays installed and you can still open it from your app drawer or by searching, but it is out of sight.
Reinstalling an app you deleted
If you delete an app and want it back, you can reinstall it from the app store. On Android, open Google Play Store, search for the app by name, and tap "Install". On iPhone, open the App Store, search for the app, and tap the cloud icon with a down arrow.
Reinstalling is free if the app was free the first time. If you paid for an app, you do not have to pay again — the store remembers your purchase. However, any data that was stored only on your phone (like game progress or custom settings) will be gone. Data backed up to the internet will return once you log in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting an app stop it from tracking me?
Yes. Once an app is deleted, it cannot access your location, contacts, photos, or any other data on your phone. It also cannot send you notifications or run in the background. If you reinstall it later, you will be asked again whether to grant permissions.
Can I delete apps that came with my phone?
On iPhone, yes — you can delete almost any built-in app. On Android, it depends on the manufacturer. Samsung and Google apps usually cannot be uninstalled, only disabled. Other pre-installed apps vary by phone model and carrier.
What is the difference between disabling and deleting on Android?
Deleting removes the app entirely. Disabling stops it from running and hides it, but it stays on your phone taking up a small amount of storage. You can only disable apps that came pre-installed; apps you installed yourself can be deleted.
If I delete an app, will I lose my account or login information?
Your account stays active with the service (like your Gmail or Instagram account). If you reinstall the app, you can log back in with your username and password. However, any data stored only on your phone — like draft messages or offline files — will be gone.
Does deleting apps make my phone faster?
Deleting unused apps frees up storage space and stops them from running in the background, which can help if your phone is very full or slow. The effect is usually small unless you delete many large apps or your phone was critically low on storage.