A common problem that occurs for users of the Apple iPhone or iPad is the inability to delete apps. When you tap and hold the screen, an ‘X’ doesn’t appear in the upper-left corner of the icon as expected.
Resolution 1
If you are using an iPhone that detects the pressure of your tap, be sure that you lightly touch and hold the app icon for about 2 to 3 seconds, then the “X” should appear. When you’re done, press the “Home” button to return to the normal Home screen. This seems to be the most common issue.
Resolution 2
I personally experienced this problem with the “Yelp” app. I had two icons on my home screen for Yelp. I deleted on of them, but the other remained. I could not get the “X” to appear on the second icon. A simple restart solved this for me.
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until an option to “slide to power off” appears.
- Slide the power icon to the right, then wait for your device to power down.
- After about 15 seconds, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button to turn the device back on.
I hope the icon is now gone as happened for me.
Resolution 3
Another common reason there is no “X” is a restriction setting. Perhaps this setting was accidentally set and forgotten about.
- Open “Settings“.
- Select “General“.
- Choose “Restrictions“.
- Enter the password set for restrictions.
- Set the “Deleting Apps” setting to “On” (green) so that it is allowed.
Once you ensure this setting is on, you should be able to remove apps without a problem.
Another reason the X may not appear is that it is an app that is built into Apple iOS. Apps such as Notes, Newsstand and Calendar cannot be removed. Other apps may be removed from “Settings” > “General” > “Storage and iCloud usage” under “Storage” select “Manage” > “Select App” > “Delete App“.
mollym says
Thanks for saving my sanity!!!!
NO other set of Instructions I found saw fit to mention that “Delete apps” might be turned off in “Restrictions.”
I’d forgotten I’d disallowed deleting apps in ‘Restrictions’ and was tearing my hair — problem solved. Thanks
Fiona says
I love this website #3 worked the best, before I could just delete one app the it would stop to work
Pam says
Resolution #3 did the trick! Thanks for all this great info!
Cam says
THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH
RV says
Finally got the delete symbol … thanks a bunch
Tashina says
I have tried every solution page for months and FINALLY found yours! I was able to delete apps with the restrictions hint. Thank you!
krashenbern says
Can’t open nor delete phone app. Can’t even make a call (no dial pad). No Siri, no dictation. Updated to 11.0.2 & iPhone 6 is junk, now. Searching for new update just spins wheel & locks Settings. Sooo…. many things wrong. Tried all 3 fixes many times. This is truly soul-sucking aggravation.
Sierra says
Thank you so much 😊 this is super helpful!
Evelyn says
Thanks a lot. I had my nephew using my i pad and apparently some turn off notifications.
LJ says
Brilliant – thank you. I never realised there was a Restrictions let alone blocked app deletion so a bit of a mystery but pleased to be rid of old apps.
Tom Barton says
Me too. I have the same issue. The app that is causing me problems was installed by a former employer. I’ve tried all the methods listed above and still can’t delete the app.
London harkins says
I’ve tried all 3 ways and I still can’t delete them from my phone. What do I do now??
Tiffany modglin says
Mine is not working at all I can deleate them in storage but they still are on my home page. I want to delegate them from my home page I tried all 3 :(
Carter says
Wow I really appreciate,I’ve been looking for a solution since last night thank you for your help
Deb says
Nothing worked! This is so frustrating!
Annalea says
Nothing worked for me and my storage is creeping up closer and closer to almost full please help me
Marilyn Van Der Meer says
Thank you for your help, your instructions are clear and easy to follow. Resolution 3 worked for me.