How to Delete Apps on an iPad

This wikiHow teaches you how to delete apps from an iPad.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Using iPad

  1. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 1
    1
    Tap and hold an app until all the apps on the screen begin to jiggle.[1]
  2. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 2
    2
    Tap ⓧ in the upper-left corner of the app you want to delete.[2]
    • Some default Apple apps, like App Store, Settings, Contacts, and Safari, can't be removed and will not display an ⓧ.
  3. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 3
    3
    Tap Delete to confirm deletion of the app.[3]
    • Tap Cancel if you change your mind or made a mistake.
  4. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 4
    4
    Tap the Home button to return the Home screen to normal. The app has been deleted from your iPad.

Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Using iTunes

  1. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 5
    1
    Connect your iPad to a computer. Use the cable that came with your device, connecting the USB end to the computer and the other end to your iPad's charging port.
  2. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 6
    2
    Open iTunes on the computer. It's a round app icon with a colorful musical note.
  3. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 7
    3
    Click on your iPad's icon. It's in the upper-left part of the iTunes window.
  4. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 8
    4
    Click on Apps. It's in the left pane of the iTunes window under "Settings."
  5. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 9
    5
    Find an app that you want to delete. The apps are listed in the center pane of the window, under "Apps."
    • You may need to scroll down to find the app you're looking for.
  6. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 10
    6
    Click on Remove. It appears to the right of each app that's installed on your iPad.
    • The button label will change to Will Remove.
    • Repeat this step for all apps you want to delete from your iPad.
  7. Image titled Delete Apps on an iPad Step 11
    7
    Click on Apply. It's in the lower-right corner of the iTunes window. Once the sync is complete, the app(s) will be deleted from your iPad.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Will deleting apps help my iPad run faster?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Deleting apps will free up storage and help your iPad run faster. Be careful not to delete too many apps, however, as some work together. If you delete one, it might affect another one, and prevent it from working properly.
  • Question
    When I hold the apps, they can be moved, but there is no way to delete them. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The setting for not deleting apps may be on. Just go into restrictions in the general tab of settings and select the option that allows you to delete apps.
  • Question
    How do I change my search engine?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Tap "Settings," then "Safari," then tap "Search Engine." There are four options to choose from.
  • Question
    Why can't I delete certain apps on the first page of my iPad?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    These are the factory installed apps. In iOS 10, it is now possible to delete some of them. Follow the instructions in this article. You still cannot delete apps like "Settings," "App Store," "Camera," etc. as those are integral to the iPad's function. If you need help updating your iPad, read this article: Update iOS Software on an iPad.
  • Question
    How do I delete all the games on my iPad?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Hold the app for a while; when all of the apps begin to shake, you will see the little X's in the corner. Just press the X to delete and a warning will come up asking if you want to delete it. Press yes if you do; if not hit cancel. It isn't possible to delete the whole lot at once unless you wipe everything with a factory reset; it wouldn't make sense to delete every app at once because you might wish to keep some data intact.
  • Question
    How can I tell if an app has really been deleted?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Go to the App Store and then go to Purchased Apps. Over there, it should give you a list of all your apps. There is also a section that provides all the apps that have been deleted. That way, you can tell which apps are on your device and which are not.
  • Question
    I unintentionally deleted an app on my iPad. How can I get it back?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Go in the App Store, click on Purchased, and then you can look through the purchased apps to find the app you deleted and redownload it.
  • Question
    How can I delete apps on the iPad that have no "x"?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If your apps wiggle, but have no "x", it means that they are required by the ios software and cannot be deleted.
  • Question
    How do I delete Apple-installed apps, such as Newsstand or Find Friend?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Hold the app down on your home screen until it starts to move, then click on the "X" at the top right corner.
  • Question
    I tried to delete apps by holding the icon and pressing X, But no X appeared on any icons. I went to 'settings>restrictions' but deleting apps was not restricted. How can I delete them?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    iI these are the initially pre-downloaded apps, many of them cannot be deleted.

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References

  1. ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
  2. ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
  3. ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.

About This Article

Josef Storzi
Co-authored by:
Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
This article was co-authored by Josef Storzi. Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates. This article has been viewed 1,019,623 times.
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Co-authors: 15
Updated: June 3, 2021
Views: 1,019,623
Categories: Ipad
Article SummaryX

1. Tap and hold an app.
2. Tap ⓧ.
3. Tap Delete
4. Press the Home button.

Did this summary help you?