Is your iPad running out of storage? Or maybe it feels cluttered with apps you don’t even use anymore? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’ve all downloaded apps we thought we needed, only to realize they just sit there, eating up precious space. Luckily, deleting apps on an iPad is super easy once you know how.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to delete apps off an iPad—whether you want to remove them quickly, free up storage without losing data, or even get rid of those stubborn pre-installed apps. Let’s dive in!
Why You Should Delete Apps on Your iPad
Before we jump into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”
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Free up storage – Apps, especially games, can eat gigabytes of space.
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Boost performance – Too many apps can make your iPad sluggish.
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Stay organized – A clean home screen makes it easier to find what you actually use.
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Security reasons – Old apps you don’t update could pose risks.
Think of your iPad like a closet—if you don’t clear out the old stuff, there’s no room for new things.
Different Ways to Delete Apps on iPad
Apple gives you multiple options to remove apps. You can:
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Delete directly from the home screen.
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Use Settings to uninstall apps.
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Offload unused apps (keep data, remove the app).
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Remove apps from App Library.
Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Delete Apps from the Home Screen
This is the simplest and fastest way.
Step 1: Locate the App You Want to Delete
Swipe through your home screen pages or use the search bar to find the app.
Step 2: Tap and Hold the App Icon
Press and hold the app until a quick action menu or the icons start to jiggle.
Step 3: Select “Remove App”
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Tap Remove App.
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Then choose Delete App to remove it completely from your device.
That’s it—app gone in seconds!
Method 2: Delete Apps Through Settings
If you want a more detailed view of storage usage, this method is your best bet.
Step 1: Open Settings
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
Step 2: Check Storage Usage
Here, you’ll see a breakdown of apps and how much space each one takes.
Step 3: Tap the App
Select the app you want to delete.
Step 4: Delete the App
Tap Delete App, then confirm.
This method is great for identifying space-hogging apps you may not even realize are installed.
Method 3: Offload Unused Apps
Sometimes you want to save space but don’t want to lose your app data. That’s where offloading comes in.
Step 1: Go to Settings
Navigate to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
Step 2: Select an App
Choose the app you rarely use.
Step 3: Tap Offload App
This removes the app but keeps your documents and data. When you reinstall, everything comes back as it was.
👉 Pro Tip: You can even enable Offload Unused Apps automatically in iPad settings!
Method 4: Delete Apps from the App Library
If you’ve hidden apps from your home screen, they still live in the App Library.
Step 1: Swipe to the App Library
Keep swiping left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.
Step 2: Find the App
Search or browse categories.
Step 3: Long-Press and Delete
Press and hold the app, then choose Delete App.
What About Pre-Installed Apps?
You might notice that some Apple apps come preloaded on your iPad. The good news? Most of them can be deleted now, including:
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Apple TV
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Music
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Maps
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Notes
But some apps like Settings, Safari, and App Store cannot be removed.
How to Delete Apps Permanently from iCloud
Deleting from your iPad doesn’t always delete from iCloud. To fully remove:
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Open Settings.
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Tap your Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage.
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Find the app’s backup and delete it.
This ensures the app and its data won’t come back after reinstalling.
Tips Before Deleting Apps
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Check if you need the data – Once deleted, some app data may be lost forever.
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Offload instead of deleting – If unsure, offload so you don’t lose progress or files.
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Back up important info – Especially for work apps, save files to iCloud or Google Drive first.
How to Restore Deleted Apps
Changed your mind? No worries.
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Open the App Store.
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Search for the app.
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Tap the cloud icon to re-download it.
If you offloaded instead of deleting, your data will still be there!
Troubleshooting: Can’t Delete an App?
Sometimes apps just won’t budge. Here’s why:
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Restrictions enabled – Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
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System apps – Some Apple apps are locked in place.
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Profile-installed apps – Apps from work or school may be managed and require admin removal.
Best Practices to Keep iPad Storage Healthy
Think of it like digital spring cleaning. Here’s what to do:
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Regularly review iPad Storage in Settings.
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Use iCloud or external drives for photos and files.
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Enable automatic offloading for unused apps.
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Delete cache-heavy apps like social media every few months.
Conclusion
Cleaning up your iPad doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few taps, you can delete apps you no longer need, free up valuable storage, and make your device run smoother. Whether you’re removing apps directly from the home screen, using settings for deeper cleanup, or offloading unused apps, the process is straightforward and quick.
Remember, an organized iPad is a happy iPad—so don’t let unnecessary apps clutter your digital space.
FAQs
1. What happens when I delete an app from my iPad?
When you delete an app, both the app and its data are removed unless you reinstall it later.
2. Can I recover an app after deleting it?
Yes! You can re-download it from the App Store. If you offloaded it, your data will still be there.
3. Why can’t I delete some apps on my iPad?
Core system apps like Safari and App Store cannot be deleted. Managed apps from work/school may also be locked.
4. Does deleting an app also cancel subscriptions?
No. Subscriptions continue even if you delete the app. Cancel them via Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions.
5. Is offloading better than deleting apps?
Offloading is ideal if you want to save storage but keep your app data intact. Deleting is better if you want a full clean-up.