How to Delete Apps on iPhone and Android
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Independent guide, not affiliated with Apple or Google
Deleting an app frees storage and removes the app’s local data from your phone, but it does not cancel subscriptions or delete the account you created inside the app. This guide covers every built-in way to uninstall apps on iPhone and Android.
If you want the account gone too, delete it from inside the app first (most apps now have a Delete account option in Settings), then uninstall.
At a glance
- Time required: Under 2 minutes
- What is removed: The app and the data stored on your device
- What stays: Your online account, cloud data and any subscription
- Reversible?: Yes — reinstall from the App Store or Google Play
Apple iPhone Support (official site) ↗
Before you delete
- Delete your in-app account first if you want your data removed from the company’s servers.
- Cancel subscriptions in the App Store (Settings > your name > Subscriptions) or Google Play (Payments & subscriptions).
- Back up anything stored only on the device, such as offline notes or game saves.
- Consider offloading on iPhone if you want to keep the app’s documents.
How to delete apps
- iPhone, Home Screen: touch and hold the app icon, tap Remove App, then Delete App and confirm with Delete.
- iPhone, App Library: swipe left past your last Home Screen page, touch and hold the app, tap Delete App and confirm.
- iPhone, Settings: open Settings > General > iPhone Storage, choose the app and tap Delete App (or Offload App to keep its data).
- Android, Home screen or app drawer: touch and hold the app and tap Uninstall (or drag it to Uninstall), then confirm.
- Android, Play Store: tap your profile picture > Manage apps & device > Manage, select one or more apps and tap the trash icon.
- Android, Settings: open Settings > Apps, choose the app and tap Uninstall. Preinstalled apps may only offer Disable.
Menus change often. If a button has moved, use the search box in the app's settings or the official help link above.
Why can’t I delete some apps?
Some system apps cannot be removed. On iPhone, a few built-in apps (such as Settings, Phone and Messages) cannot be deleted. On Android, manufacturer and carrier apps can often only be disabled. If the delete option is missing on iPhone, check Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Deleting Apps.
Delete the account, not just the app
App Store and Google Play rules require apps that let you create an account to also let you delete it. Look under Settings, Account or Privacy inside the app. Our guides for Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat walk through popular ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting an app cancel my subscription?
No. Subscriptions continue until you cancel them in the App Store or Google Play, or with the company directly if you paid on its website.
Will deleting an app delete my account?
No. Your account and its data stay on the company’s servers. Use the app’s Delete account option before uninstalling.
What is the difference between Offload and Delete on iPhone?
Offload removes the app but keeps its documents and data, so reinstalling restores everything. Delete removes both.
Can I reinstall a deleted app?
Yes. Paid apps can be downloaded again for free from your purchase history in the App Store or Google Play library.