Managing apps on your iPad is an important part of keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. If you get into the habit of deleting or offloading apps you no longer use, you can free up valuable storage space and keep your Home Screen organized.
Plus, removing unused apps also helps your iPad’s speed, functionality and battery life. So, let us walk you through various methods to delete apps on your iPad and keep it in top shape.
Quick deletion methods
There are several quick and easy ways to delete apps on your iPad. These methods vary slightly in their approach, but they all serve the same purpose - to help you quickly and efficiently manage your apps. Let’s check them out.
Deleting apps using long-press
One of the simplest and most intuitive ways to delete an app on your iPad is through the long-press method. This method is particularly useful for quickly getting rid of an app without navigating through multiple menus. Here’s how to do it:
Locate the app. Find the app you want to delete on your Home Screen.
Long-press the app icon. Tap and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
Select ‘Remove app’. In the menu that pops up, tap on ‘Remove app’.
Confirm the deletion. You’ll be given the option of either deleting the app or moving it to the App Library. Select ‘Delete app’ and then confirm your choice by tapping ‘Delete’.
Removing apps from the App Library
The App Library is a feature that helps organise all your apps into categories, making it easier to find and manage them. This method is especially useful for dealing with apps that don’t appear on your Home Screen. Here’s how to delete an app directly from the App Library:
Access the App Library. Swipe left on your Home Screen until you reach the App Library.
Find the app. Use the search bar at the top or scroll through the categories to locate the app you want to delete.
Long-press the app icon. Tap and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
Select ‘Delete app’. Tap ‘Delete App’ from the menu.
Confirm the deletion. Tap ‘Delete’ again to confirm.
Getting jiggy with… Jiggle mode for app deletion
Jiggle mode, also known as Edit mode, lets you remove multiple apps in one go and quickly clean up your Home Screen. Here’s how to use it:
Enter Jiggle mode. Tap and hold any app icon on your Home Screen until the icons start to jiggle about.
Delete apps. Tap the small ‘x’ or ‘-’ button that appears on the top left corner of each app icon you wish to delete.
Confirm the deletion. Tap ‘Delete’ to confirm each app’s deletion.
Exit Jiggle mode. Press the Home button or tap ‘Done’ in the top-right corner of the screen.
Offloading apps to save space without deleting
Offloading is a feature that allows you to free up storage space without deleting the app’s data – so you can then easily reinstall them without losing any information. This is useful for apps you don’t use frequently but don’t want to lose entirely. Here’s how to offload:
Open settings. Go to the Settings app on your iPad.
Navigate to ‘General’. Tap on ‘General’ and then ‘iPad Storage’.
Select the app. Scroll through the list of apps and select the one you want to offload.
Offload the app. Tap ‘Offload App’ and then confirm by tapping ‘Offload App’ again.
Dealing with built-in Apple apps
Apple provides a suite of built-in apps on the iPad. Some of these can be deleted, some can’t. Here’s a quick rundown.
Deletable built-in apps. Apps such as Stocks, Tips, and Calendar can be deleted if you don’t use them. To delete these, simply use the long-press method, just like with third-party apps.
Non-deletable built-in apps. Some essential apps like Safari, Messages, and the App Store can’t be deleted. These apps are integral to the iPad’s operating system and core functionality.
Why some apps can’t be deleted
Apple restricts the deletion of certain built-in apps to keep the iPad functioning as it should. For example, ‘Settings’ is crucial for managing how the device works, while the ‘App Store’ is essential for downloading and updating app. These apps are deeply integrated into the iPad’s operating system and play vital roles in its operation.
Need more help?
Looking for more advice for your iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air or iPad Pro?. iPad not charging? Here’s how to fix it. Also, here’s how to clear the cache and cookies on an iPad and how to rotate your iPad screen.
If you’d like to get the most out of your tablet, check out our range of accessories including tablet cases and keyboards. Or if you’re looking for a brand new iPad, find out which iPad is right for you.
