Removing apps clears up storage and helps you keep your devices organized. While the app-managing processes are pretty straightforward for both iOS and Android devices, we’ll walk you through the steps and provide some tips and tricks for making sure your data is really cleared. Plus, we’ll clear up the confusing jargon of “delete” versus “install.” We cover iPhones first, so Android users, scroll down to find your guide!

Question 2 of 8:

How do you delete apps on iPhone?

  1. 1
    Delete apps straight from the home screen. Press and hold the app icon. Then, hit “Remove.” Next, choose between “Delete App” and “Remove from Home Screen.” Deleting an app will erase all its data.[2]
    • Removing an app from the home screen (rather than deleting it) will send it to your app library. Access your app library by swiping left past all your home screens until you’re shown several folders of apps.
  2. 2
    Offload iPhone apps to remove the app without removing its data. Try this temporary method if you want to free up storage but still save your data associated with an app. Offloading apps means you won’t be able to open or use them, but your data will be preserved. Go to “Settings,” then hit “iPhone Storage.” Scroll through the apps until you find one to offload. Hit “Offload App”.[3]
    • If you redownload an offloaded app, all your app data and progress will still be there.
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Question 5 of 8:

Does uninstalling an app on Android delete it?

  1. Yes, on Android devices “uninstall” is the same thing as “delete". When you remove an app you purchased, you can still reinstall it without having to pay again.[6] However, deleting apps on Android won’t always delete all of the app’s files and associated data. Take these steps before you delete an Android app in order to fully uninstall it:[7]
    • Go to your device’s “Settings” and select “Apps & notifications.”
    • Find the app you want to uninstall, and hit “Storage.”
    • Select “Clear data” and “Clear cache.”
    • If your app has a “Manage data” option (for bookmarks, stored passwords, etc.), clear that data, too.
Question 6 of 8:

How do you delete apps on Android?

  1. 1
    The first option is to delete apps through your settings. This method works on all Android phones. Click “Apps & notifications” (or it might just say “Apps”). Locate the app you want to delete. Select the app, tap on “Uninstall,” and hit “OK.”[8]
  2. 2
    The second option is to remove apps through the Google Play Store. This option is great for removing multiple apps at one time. Open the Play Store, tap your account profile, and hit “Manage apps & device.” Then select the “Manage” tab. Click the check box next to the apps you want to uninstall. Tap the trash can icon, and select "Uninstall" to delete the apps.[9]
  3. 3
    The third option is to uninstall apps through the app drawer. This is a quick and easy option that works for apps both on the home screen and in the drawer. Tap and hold the apps you want to get rid of and drag them to the “Uninstall” area that will pop up on the screen. Click “OK.”[10]
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Question 8 of 8:

Can you remove apps from Google Play's purchase history?

  1. No, you can't remove purchases from your transaction history. The only way to delete your Google Play purchase history is to delete your Google account.[12] Deleting your Google Account will delete all your data and content, too (like emails, photos, and files). You’ll no longer be able to use other Google services associated with that account, like Gmail. Here's how to delete your account:[13]
    • Go to http://myaccount.google.com/
    • Hit “Data and personalization.”
    • Scroll until you see “Download, delete, or make a plan for your data.”
    • Hit "Delete service or your account."
    • Click "Delete your account."
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About This Article

Josef Storzi
Co-authored by:
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
This article was co-authored by Josef Storzi and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. 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 23,834 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: August 19, 2021
Views: 23,834
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