The basic way to uninstall apps

To remove an app from your tablet, press and hold the app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer until a menu appears. On most tablets, you'll see an option that says "Uninstall" or "Remove." Tap that option, and the tablet will ask you to confirm. Tap "OK" or "Confirm," and the app is deleted from your device.

The exact wording and appearance of this menu varies slightly depending on whether you have an iPad or an Android tablet, but the process is nearly identical. The app disappears within a few seconds, and the space it took up becomes available again on your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold any app icon until a menu appears, then tap "Uninstall" or "Remove" to delete it.
  • Some apps that came with your tablet cannot be uninstalled, though you can often hide them from view.
  • Uninstalling an app removes it completely, but you can reinstall it later from your app store without paying again if it was free.
  • If you cannot find an uninstall option, the app may be a system app that your tablet requires to function.

Uninstalling apps from the app store

Another way to remove apps is through your tablet's app store. On an iPad, open the App Store app, tap your profile icon in the upper right corner, find the app you want to remove, and swipe left on it. An "Uninstall" button will appear. On an Android tablet, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, go to "Manage apps and device," find the app, and tap "Uninstall."

This method works well if you have many apps to remove or if you want to see a list of everything you've installed. It also shows you which apps take up the most storage space, which helps you decide what to delete if your tablet is running slowly.

What happens when you uninstall an app

When you uninstall an app, the app itself and all its files are removed from your tablet. Any data the app stored—like game progress, login information, or saved documents—is also deleted unless the app backed it up to the cloud. If the app backed up your data, you can reinstall it later and your information will return.

Uninstalling does not affect other apps or the core functions of your tablet. Your photos, messages, email, and other built-in features remain untouched. The storage space the app used becomes available for new apps or files.

Built-in apps you cannot remove

Some apps come with your tablet and cannot be uninstalled because the tablet needs them to work. These are called system apps, and they include things like Settings, Camera, and the app store itself. If you press and hold one of these apps and no "Uninstall" option appears, it means your tablet requires it.

On many tablets, you can hide system apps from your home screen even if you cannot delete them. Press and hold the app, look for an option like "Hide," "Remove from home screen," or "Disable," and tap it. The app will no longer appear on your home screen, but it remains on your device in case you need it later.

Freeing up storage space by removing apps

If your tablet is running slowly or you are running out of storage, uninstalling unused apps is one of the fastest ways to free up space. Large apps like games, video editors, or streaming services can take up several gigabytes. Removing even three or four of these can noticeably improve your tablet's speed.

Before you uninstall an app, check how much space it uses. On iPad, go to Settings, tap General, then iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage). On Android, go to Settings, tap Apps, and look at the storage size listed for each app. Start by removing the largest apps you no longer use regularly.

Reinstalling an app after you remove it

If you uninstall an app and later change your mind, you can reinstall it from your app store. On iPad, open the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon with a down arrow. On Android, open Google Play, search for the app, and tap "Install." If the app was free, you will not be charged again. If you paid for it, you will not be charged a second time either.

Reinstalling usually takes a few minutes depending on the app's size and your internet speed. Once it finishes, the app will appear on your home screen or in your app drawer, ready to use.

Troubleshooting when you cannot uninstall an app

If you press and hold an app and nothing happens, try a longer press—hold your finger on the icon for two to three seconds. If a menu still does not appear, the app may be a system app your tablet requires. Try hiding it instead, as described above.

On some tablets, parental controls or device management settings can prevent you from uninstalling certain apps. If you set up a parental control PIN or if your tablet is managed by a school or workplace, you may need to enter a password or contact the person who manages the device. Check your Settings app under Parental Controls or Device Management to see if restrictions are active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling an app delete my photos or files?

No. Uninstalling an app removes only that app and the data it stored internally. Your photos, documents, email, and files in other apps remain on your tablet. Only data that the app itself created—like game saves or notes within that app—will be deleted.

Can I uninstall apps that came with my tablet?

It depends on the app. Many pre-installed apps can be uninstalled, but some system apps cannot because your tablet needs them to function. If you see no uninstall option, try hiding the app instead so it does not appear on your home screen.

Do I have to pay again if I reinstall an app I deleted?

No. Whether the app was free or paid, you will not be charged again when you reinstall it. Your app store remembers your purchase history and treats reinstalls as free.

Why is my tablet slow, and will removing apps help?

A slow tablet is often caused by too many apps running at once or too little free storage space. Uninstalling large apps you do not use regularly can free up gigabytes of space and noticeably improve speed. Removing apps that run in the background also helps.

What if I accidentally uninstall an app I need?

You can reinstall it when ready from your app store. Search for the app by name, tap the install button, and it will read again. If the app backed up your data to the cloud, your information will return once you log in.