The basic way to delete an app

On most tablets, you remove an app by pressing and holding its icon on the home screen until a menu appears, then selecting the delete or remove option. The exact wording and steps depend on whether you use an iPad (Apple) or an Android tablet (Samsung, Amazon, or another brand)—the process is slightly different for each, but the idea is the same.

Before you delete an app, understand that removing it also removes any data stored inside it. If you use an app to track something important—a to-do list, notes, or login information—make sure you have saved or backed up that information elsewhere first. Some apps let you export your data before you delete them; check the app's settings menu if you are unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPad, press and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then tap "Remove App" and confirm by tapping "Delete App."
  • On Android tablets, press and hold the app icon, then drag it to "Uninstall" or tap the uninstall button that appears.
  • Deleting an app also deletes any data stored inside it, so back up important information before you remove it.
  • You can also remove apps through your tablet's Settings menu under Apps or process Manager, which works the same way.
  • If an app came pre-installed on your tablet, you may only be able to disable it rather than fully remove it.

Removing apps on an iPad

On an iPad running iOS, press and hold the app icon on your home screen for about two seconds. A menu will pop up with several options. Look for "Remove App" and tap it. A second menu will ask you to confirm—tap "Delete App," then tap "Delete" one more time to finish.

If you do not see the "Remove App" option, your iPad may be in a different mode. Try swiping up from the bottom of the screen to close any open app, then return to the home screen and try again. If the menu still does not appear, restart your iPad by holding down the power button and the volume-down button together until the power-off slider shows, then slide to turn it off. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on.

You can also remove apps through the Settings app. Open Settings, tap General, then tap iPad Storage. Scroll down to find the app you want to remove, tap it, and select "Delete App." This method works the same way and removes the app completely.

Removing apps on an Android tablet

On an Android tablet, press and hold the app icon until it is highlighted and a menu or toolbar appears at the top or bottom of the screen. Look for an "Uninstall" button or icon (often a trash can or minus sign). Tap it, and the tablet will ask you to confirm the removal. Tap "OK" or "Uninstall" to finish.

Some Android tablets let you drag the app icon directly to an "Uninstall" target that appears on the screen. If you see this option, drag the icon to that target and release it. The app will be removed when ready.

You can also remove apps through the Settings menu. Open Settings, tap Apps or process Manager, scroll to find the app you want to remove, tap it, and select "Uninstall." Confirm the removal when prompted. This method works on all Android tablets and is often the most reliable way if the home screen method does not work.

What happens to your data when you delete an app

When you remove an app, the tablet deletes all the data that app stored on your device. This includes login information, saved files, notes, photos, or any other information the app created or stored. Once the app is gone, you cannot recover this data unless you backed it up somewhere else.

Before you delete an app, check whether it has a backup or export feature. Many apps let you save your data to your email, cloud storage (like Google Drive or iCloud), or a file you can read. Open the app's settings or menu and look for options like "Export," "Backup," "Save," or "read My Data." If you find one, use it before you delete the app.

Pre-installed apps you cannot fully remove

Some apps come built into your tablet by the manufacturer or your internet provider. These apps often cannot be fully deleted, but you can usually disable them so they no longer appear on your home screen or run in the background.

On an iPad, you can remove most pre-installed apps the same way you remove any other app. A few system apps (like Settings, Wallet, and Health) cannot be removed, but you can hide them by organizing your home screen differently.

On an Android tablet, open Settings, tap Apps or process Manager, find the pre-installed app you want to disable, and tap "Disable" instead of "Uninstall." The app will no longer appear on your home screen or send you notifications, but it will still take up a small amount of storage space. If you later want to use it again, you can re-enable it through the same Settings menu.

Freeing up storage space by removing apps

If your tablet is running low on storage space, removing unused apps is one of the fastest ways to free up room. Large apps—especially games, video editors, and streaming services—can take up several gigabytes of space.

To see how much space each app is using, open your tablet's Settings, then look for Storage or iPad Storage (on iPad) or Storage or Device Care (on Android). The tablet will show you a list of apps ranked by size. Start by removing the largest apps you no longer use. You can always reinstall them later from the App Store or Google Play if you change your mind.

Reinstalling an app you deleted

If you delete an app and later want it back, you can reinstall it for free from the App Store (on iPad) or Google Play (on Android). Open the store app, search for the app by name, and tap "Get" or "Install." The app will read and install automatically.

Keep in mind that reinstalling does not restore the data that was deleted when you removed the app. If you had backed up your data before deleting the app, you may be able to restore it after reinstalling. Check the app's settings or help section to see whether it supports data restoration from a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting an app free up storage space?

Yes. Removing an app deletes the app itself and all the data it stored on your tablet, which frees up that storage space when ready. You can see how much space you gain by checking your tablet's storage settings before and after deletion.

Can I delete an app and then get it back?

Yes. You can reinstall any app you deleted by opening the App Store (iPad) or Google Play (Android), searching for it by name, and tapping "Get" or "Install." Reinstalling is free, but it does not restore the data that was deleted when you removed the app.

What if I accidentally delete an app I need?

Reinstall it when ready from the App Store or Google Play. If the app stored important data and you did not back it up, that data is gone. In the future, check whether an app has a backup or export feature before you delete it.

Why can't I delete some apps on my Android tablet?

Some apps come pre-installed by the manufacturer or your internet provider and are locked to prevent removal. You can usually disable these apps instead, which hides them and stops them from running. Open Settings, tap Apps, find the app, and select "Disable."

Does removing an app stop it from sending notifications?

Yes. Once you delete an app, it cannot send you notifications because it no longer exists on your tablet. If you want to keep an app but stop its notifications, go to Settings instead and turn off notifications for that app without deleting it.