5 Fixes if You Can’t Delete Apps on iPhone

Try Basic Fixes

• Wait for the app download to complete: If the app you’re trying to delete is installing, you might see a grayed-out app icon that says “Waiting.” To uninstall it, terminate the download process by long-pressing the app icon and selecting Cancel Download.
• Install iOS updates: Apple regularly releases software updates for your iPhone to add new features and fix known bugs. If the issue is caused by a bug within iOS, installing newer updates should help.

Fix 1: Check Restrictions for Deleting Apps

Your iPhone lets you set up various content restrictions so that your notorious child (or anyone else for that matter) cannot make changes against your will. If you’ve modified content restrictions on your iPhone in the past, you might have accidentally disallowed your iPhone from deleting apps. Here’s how to change that.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone > navigate to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Step 2: Go to iTunes & App Store Purchases > Deleting Apps > select Allow from the following menu.

Fix 2: Delete Apps From Settings

If you still have trouble deleting apps from the Home Screen, use the Settings app on your iPhone to do so.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > go to General > iPhone Storage.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on the app you wish to remove > tap Delete App to remove the app.

Fix 3: Uninstall the App via the App Store

Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPhone > tap the profile icon at the top right corner.

Step 2: Scroll down to locate the app you wish to remove. Swipe left on the app and tap on Delete > select Delete to confirm.

Fix 4: Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In

Authentication issues with your Apple ID can also prevent you from removing apps from your iPhone. A quick way to fix this is to sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Here are the steps for the same.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your name at the top.

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and tap on Sign Out. Then, tap Sign Out at the top right.

Once you’re logged out, sign back in with your Apple ID credentials and check if you can delete apps from your iPhone.

Fix 5: Reset All Settings

If you’re here, it’s safe to assume that the above fixes haven’t worked. So, your best option is to reset all settings on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings menu > navigate to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on Reset at the bottom and select Reset All Settings.