How to Delete Apps on an iPad

Co-authored by Josef Storzi

Last Updated: June 3, 2021 Tested

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

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using iPad

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-5.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-1-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Tap ⓧ in the upper-left corner of the app you want to delete. ^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.}
- Some default Apple apps, like App Store, Settings, Contacts, and Safari, can't be removed and will not display an ⓧ.
Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Tap Delete to confirm deletion of the app. ^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.}
- Tap Cancel if you change your mind or made a mistake.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The app has been deleted from your iPad.

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using iTunes

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It's a round app icon with a colorful musical note.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It's in the upper-left part of the iTunes window.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It's in the left pane of the iTunes window under "Settings."
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid2125245-v4-728px-Delete-Apps-on-an-iPad-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Will deleting apps help my iPad run faster?

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 21
Question

When I hold the apps, they can be moved, but there is no way to delete them. What can I do?

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 40 Helpful 55
Question

How do I change my search engine?

Community Answer

Tap "Settings," then "Safari," then tap "Search Engine." There are four options to choose from.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 13

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

You Might Also Like

[1]

Expert Source

Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist

[2]

[3]

How to Delete Apps on an iPad

Steps

Using iPad

Using iTunes

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Reader Success Stories

Is this article up to date?

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories