It’s usually pretty straightforward to uninstall apps on your iPhone or iPad. However, sometimes, you might run into some unexpected issues, and it can be incredibly frustrating. To help you out, we’ve got some verified solutions for you to try. So, if you cannot delete apps on iPhone and iPad in iOS 17 or iOS 16, here’s how to fix it.
Why can’t I delete apps on my iPhone and iPad?
- Non-removable apps – You can delete almost all third-party apps and several inbuilt Apple apps. However, you can’t remove core system apps like Phone, Messages, Settings, Photos, Camera, Safari, App Store, Clock, Find My, Health, and Wallet.
If you really want to get rid of one of these, you can hide them from view. - Screen time restrictions – Have your parents put a Screen Time lock to apps, or have you done it to yourself mistakenly?
- Mobile Device Management (MDM)restrictions– If the iPhone is given by your employer, school, or other such organization, it might have a particular profile that may be preventing the uninstallation of certain apps. Contact the relevant admin for assistance.
If this is the scenario, you can’t delete the apps unless you have administrator rights. So, hide and make peace with it. - Incomplete download – The app download is frozen due to some error, and now it’s neither on nor off your iPhone.
Can’t uninstall apps on iPhone? Try these fixes!
- Disable Restrictions on iPhone
- Delete waiting apps from iPhone
- Restart your iPhone
- Reset All Settings
1. Disable Restrictions on iPhone
- Open the Settings app and tap on Screen Time.
- Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Note: Here, if you see, Turn On Screen Time, that means this feature isn’t active. Skip the steps below and move to the next solution.
- Tap on iTunes & App Store Purchases. Enter the Screen Time passcode when asked.
- Tap on Deleting Apps and choose Allow.
Now, go back to the iPhone Home screen and try to delete the app. There should be no problem now.
2. Delete waiting apps from iPhone
Waiting apps, a.k.a. app’s stuck with the text ‘Waiting…‘ below the grayed application icon. To fix this, i.e., let the app download, ensure your iPhone has enough free space and is connected to strong Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Once the installation is complete, you can remove the app normally. To terminate this pending app installation and delete the app, long-press the app icon and choose Cancel Download from the popup.
If you do not see this option, keep pressing the app icon until jiggle mode is active.
- In iOS 17, tap on the waiting app’s minus icon (if you see it) and then Delete App → Delete.
- In iOS 13, tap the cross icon on the app, and then Delete.
3. Restart your iPhone
This is an almost sure-shot solution to address this issue successfully. When you can not remove apps, go ahead, and restart the iPhone.
You can use the buttons (like you usually do) or open the Settings app → General → Shut Down to power off the device.
After a minute, switch on the iPhone and try to delete the app. You should have no trouble performing this action.
4. Reset All Settings
Well, we are on the last resort; if nothing helps, reset all settings from the Settings app → General → Reset → Reset All Settings. Once the process completes, try to uninstall the app.
However, this trick will also wipe all your saved Wi-Fi networks, preferences, and password. So, keep a note of that before proceeding.
Good riddance, my friend, good riddance. I hope these hacks can help you remove apps from your iPhone. If not, please free to connect with us in the comment section below.
Want more assistance? Check out these articles
- How to lock apps on iPhone with a password
- Can’t Update Apps on iPhone or iPad? Here’s the fix
- How to delete your Spotify account from iPhone and iPad
- How to crop photos on iPhone or iPad: There are two ways
Jibin Joseph is an editor at iGeeksBlog and has excellent attention to detail. He is a voracious reader, with interests ranging from philosophy and history to geopolitics and tech. When not reading or correcting grammar, you’d find him engaging in discussions about football. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @4ibin.
Thank you Ankur, somehow after 14.4.2 update Content & Privacy Restrictions’ Deleting Apps was set to Don’t Allowed. I’m glad you posted the solution to help us all.
I’ve tried to delete my Parler app icon and have tried everything you mentioned above and still can’t delete the app! When I make the apps wiggle all the app icons have a minus sign except the Parler app! When I open it, it’s busy all the time and won’t open. I’ve almost given up! Plus it doesn’t show up in my App Library!
1. Short press the Parler app icon (if you long-press, you will enter jiggle mode). Do you see an option to Remove App? If yes, tap it and choose Delete App.
2. If you have already tried the above solution and also tried everything in the article (including restarting) and still it does not help, then you may try resetting all settings. After that, it should be possible to remove the Parler app.
Note: Resetting all settings will not erase personal data like apps, photos, videos, music, app data, etc. But all settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Notifications, VPN, etc., will fall back to the default state. I would also recommend that you make a backup before proceeding.
Open Settings app → General → Reset → Reset All Settings.
Thanks so much i was pulling my hair out and you solved my problem)
Greatest thing I ever read.
Thank you.
Didn’t resolve even after the Last option of resetting all the settings. Any new options to try?!
If you have tried all of the solutions discussed above and are still unable to delete apps, you may need to contact Apple Support for help.