Can’t delete Google Maps app on iPhone — only worked after offloading

I tried deleting the Google Maps app on my iPhone like I normally do with other apps. I held the icon, tapped “Remove App,” confirmed, but nothing happened. Then I went into Settings > General > iPhone Storage, selected Google Maps — and it just showed “Deleting…” forever.




What finally worked: I first chose “Offload App,” then after that finished, I tapped “Delete App” — and that actually removed it.




Not sure if this is a Google issue or an iOS glitch, but I’ve never had this problem with any other app.

iPhone 13, iOS 18

Posted on May 23, 2025 11:55 AM

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Posted on Jun 16, 2025 7:19 PM

I too have the same issue.


I am in Lockdown Mode, on a private device, using a private account, tried before and after re-disabling the location services, rebooted my phone several times (immediate reset and a 5-minute wait time), and I still can not delete Google Maps!

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Jun 16, 2025 7:19 PM in response to diskria

I too have the same issue.


I am in Lockdown Mode, on a private device, using a private account, tried before and after re-disabling the location services, rebooted my phone several times (immediate reset and a 5-minute wait time), and I still can not delete Google Maps!

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Jun 11, 2025 6:23 PM in response to SravanKrA

Do you work for Apple? I am also unable to delete the app. I think it is an Apple problem. I think Apple is managing my phone. I think it is Apple Identity services. I just set up this phone and now feel I will have to wipe it. I am pretty ****** about that. Apple shouldn’t make it so some apps can’t be deleted. It is kind of outrageous. It is a security and privacy issue. I am trying to delete it to delete google maps data from my phone.

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Jun 18, 2025 1:46 PM in response to TheLittles

Hi, I wasn’t able to delete it that way either but thanks for your contribution. I don’t have any restrictions. I’m not sharing across devices. It is unsettling that I cannot delete Google Maps. My phone is not a work phone. It is not supposed to be a ‘managed’ phone.

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Jun 18, 2025 8:42 PM in response to Agetes

"Hi, I wasn’t able to delete it that way either but thanks for your contribution. I don’t have any restrictions. I’m not sharing across devices. It is unsettling that I cannot delete Google Maps. My phone is not a work phone. It is not supposed to be a ‘managed’ phone."

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You are welcome.


Kinda seems like arrogance on Google's part.


So, where did you download this from? The App Store? Or directly from Google? If it is an in-app purchase, then it may not be verified by Apple.


If the App Store, then contact Apple, requesting assistance with the removal.


If Google, then contact Google for assistance.

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Jun 26, 2025 12:05 PM in response to diskria

I figured out how to delete Google Maps after not being able to delete it.


I did not do the offload first way because I wanted to delete it and delete all its data.

I was only using Google Maps.

(I didn’t have another maps app)

I had previously deleted Apple Maps.


I put Apple Maps back in and after that I was able to delete Google Maps and then I deleted Apple Maps. I am putting Google Maps back in but it is good do know you are able to delete it.


Try that!



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May 24, 2025 2:21 AM in response to diskria

  1. Is this your corporate/organisation/enterprise/School Management iPhone? Then please contact the system administrator of your corporate//organisation/enterprise/School Management
  2. If it is your device, in that case, do you have any profile installed by your corporate/organisation/enterprise/School Management?
    1. Erase the profile added by you If you have installed a profile on your own --> Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone - Apple ...
    2. Or please contact the system administrator of the organisation who provided the profile to you



A corporate profile installed on your iPhone could potentially be contributing to the inaccessibility of certain features. 

Here's why:

  • Restrictions: Corporate profiles can have restrictions placed on apps and functionalities. These restrictions might be limiting some activity, causing it to be unresponsive or quit.
  • Managed Apps: IT departments might deploy specific navigation apps through the profile, potentially blocking certain functions or features.
  • Security Settings: Corporate profiles often have stricter security settings that could affect app or function behavior. This might be causing unexpected behavior of an App or functions.


Here's what you can do:

  • Check with IT: The best course of action is to contact your IT department. They can explain the restrictions set by the corporate profile and see what is affected. They might be able to adjust settings or suggest alternative apps or features approved for corporate use.
  • Look for App Conflicts: See if your IT department uses a different app through the corporate profile. Conflicting apps might cause crashes.


Additional points to consider:

  • Even if the profile isn't directly affecting the function, it's still a good idea to check with IT. They might be aware of similar issues and have workarounds.
  • While troubleshooting, make sure you prioritize safety. Don't fiddle with your phone. 


By working with IT and considering these possibilities, you can hopefully identify if the corporate profile is the culprit and find a solution that allows you to use the iPhone to your liking.



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May 29, 2025 12:23 PM in response to SravanKrA

Hmm, sounds like BS SravanKrA.

I just downloaded the app and then tried to remove it and it refuses to be removed. There’s nothing associated with it.


I went to settings and turned off all its ability to see do anything and yet it can still not be removed.


Perhaps it would be a good idea if you actually installed the app and tried to remove it before making your commentary.


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Jun 16, 2025 7:27 PM in response to Justin Perth

"I too have the same issue. I am in Lockdown Mode, on a private device, using a private account, tried before and after re-disabling the location services, rebooted my phone several times (immediate reset and a 5-minute wait time), and I still can not delete Google Maps!"

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Delete in App Library:

Swipe in to the farther right screen until your reach the App Library. Once there, type the name Chrome in the search bar. From there, hold down your finger on the icon, and then select Delete App.

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Jun 20, 2025 9:49 PM in response to diskria

The only way to remove Google Maps from your phone currently (based on my own experiences) is users need to do a complete wipe and restore.


If you have phone data which you don’t want to be lost, you will need to do a Backup first making sure that Google Maps is not included in the Backup before you undertake the Restore from Backup option.


I now wonder how intrusive and insidious the Google Maps App is for it to be so deeply rooted into iPhone’s OS Kernel that it cannot be deleted exactly like Apple’s Core Apps and Settings!

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Jun 20, 2025 10:04 PM in response to Justin Perth

The only way to remove Google Maps from your phone currently (based on my own experiences) is users need to do a complete wipe and restore.

———-


Hide this App:

Well, if you don’t want to go through the whole restore process, then, just hide the app: Go Here: Hide Purchases from the App Store - Apple Support. The only way it would be able to be deleted forever without the restore is if it were discontinued by the Developer.


Learn from this:

Take this as a learning experience, knowing to always backup your iPhone to your computer (not iCloud) prior to any software install. That way, you can remove it, if it no longer is deletable.

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Can’t delete Google Maps app on iPhone — only worked after offloading

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