Unable to Delete Apps

I am unable to delete apps. I have checked Settings/Screen Time/Content & Privacy Restrictions/iTunes & App Store Purchases/Deleting Apps/ Allow, but the trash can does not appear when I try to delete an app I have installed. I get options to share the app, or to go to settings.

Help?

iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 14

Posted on Apr 3, 2021 7:52 AM

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Apr 4, 2021 11:35 AM in response to MDavis0818

Hi MDavis0818,


It sounds like you can't delete apps. We're glad you've joined us in Apple Support Communities. Let's see if this helps.


If you haven't already, let's make sure you're following the steps to delete in Delete apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This is a short guide that will visually walk you through the process of deleting apps.


You mentioned restrictions already, but if you'd like to double-check again just to make sure. You can see that if that feature is enabled in Settings > Screen Time < Content & Privacy Restrictions > If asked, enter your passcode > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Deleting Apps > Allow. This is outlined in the section, "Prevent iTunes & App Store purchases" in Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Is your iPhone supervised by an institution like your employer or school? If so, do let's see if you have a supervised iPhone. You can check by reviewing the information in Get started with a supervised iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If so, you'll want to reach out to your institution for more information about what permissions they allow their users to control.


Is it all apps or just one app that you can't delete? You can delete third-party apps and some Apple apps, but there are a few Apple apps that need to remain installed. Here's a list of "Built-in apps you can delete from your device" from Delete built-in Apple apps from the Home screen on your iOS 14 or iPadOS device or Apple Watch. Any Apple developed app not on that list is not able to be uninstalled.


If those situations aren't the case, then we would advise beginning troubleshooting the device by following the resources below. Both restarts and updates resolve issues both big and small. 


If the issue remains after following those steps, let us know the names of the apps and if you have a supervised device. 


We hope that helps with your question and take care!

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Apr 4, 2021 5:32 PM in response to i_rina

Hi thank you. I tried all those solutions prior to posting. I WAS able to finally delete the apps I wanted to get rid of: MileQ, & Words With Friends (just to delete & reinstall).

I had to go to Settings/General/iPhone Storage, then select each app whereupon I found the option to delete them.

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Unable to Delete Apps

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