How to Delete an App on iPhone 7: The Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to prune the app garden on your trusty iPhone 7? Excellent! Digital decluttering is a noble pursuit. The process is simpler than you might think, but let’s walk through the steps with clarity.

To delete an app on your iPhone 7, you essentially have two primary methods:

1. The Classic Wiggle Method (Home Screen Delete): Touch and hold the app icon you want to delete directly on your Home Screen. After a moment, all the app icons will begin to wiggle. A small “x” will appear in the upper-left corner of each app icon (except for essential Apple apps, which we’ll discuss later). Tap the “x” on the app you wish to remove. A confirmation prompt will appear; tap “Delete” to confirm.
2. The Settings App Approach: Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Scroll through the list of apps until you find the one you want to delete. Tap on the app’s name. On the app’s information screen, you’ll see two options: “Offload App” and “Delete App.” Select “Delete App”. A confirmation prompt will appear; tap “Delete App” to confirm.

That’s it! You’ve successfully liberated valuable storage space. But before you go, let’s delve deeper with some frequently asked questions and insider tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Deleting Apps on iPhone 7

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of FAQs to address potential questions and nuances of app deletion on your iPhone 7.

1. Why Can’t I Delete Some Apps?

Ah, the age-old question! Some apps, especially those pre-installed by Apple, are considered system apps. These apps (like Clock, Safari, Camera) are integral to the iPhone’s operating system and cannot be deleted in the traditional way. Apple considers these core to the device’s functionality.

2. Is “Offloading” an App the Same as Deleting?

No, offloading and deleting are distinct actions. Offloading an app removes the app binary (the actual program code) from your iPhone 7, but it retains the app’s data, documents, and settings. When you reinstall the offloaded app, all your data will be restored. It’s a great way to free up storage without losing your progress or configurations. Deleting an app, on the other hand, removes everything: the app, its data, and its settings (unless the data is stored in iCloud or another cloud service).

3. How Do I Reinstall a Deleted App?

Reinstalling a deleted app is a breeze. Simply open the App Store, search for the app’s name, and tap the “Get” button (which will transform into an “Install” button). Once the installation is complete, the app icon will reappear on your Home Screen.

4. Will Deleting an App Cancel My Subscription?

Not necessarily. Deleting an app does not automatically cancel any subscriptions you have associated with it. You need to manage your subscriptions separately through the App Store. To do so, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions. Here, you can view, modify, or cancel your active subscriptions. If you delete an app without canceling its subscription, you may continue to be charged until the subscription’s renewal date.

5. Does Deleting an App Remove My Account?

This depends on the app. Generally, deleting an app does not automatically delete your account with the service the app provides. For example, deleting the Facebook app doesn’t delete your Facebook account. To delete your account entirely, you’ll usually need to log in to the service through a web browser or within the app’s settings and follow the account deletion process. Be sure to check the app’s privacy policy for information on how they handle your data when you delete the app.

6. How Do I Know How Much Storage an App Is Using?

As mentioned earlier, you can find this information in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. This screen provides a detailed breakdown of how much space each app is consuming, including both the app’s size and the size of its associated documents and data. This is invaluable for identifying apps that are unnecessarily hogging storage space.

7. What’s the Fastest Way to Delete Multiple Apps?

While the “Wiggle Method” is effective, it can be tedious when deleting multiple apps. Unfortunately, iOS on the iPhone 7 doesn’t offer a direct way to delete apps in bulk. You’ll have to delete them one at a time using either the Home Screen or the Settings method. Consider organizing your apps into folders to make the deletion process slightly more streamlined.

8. Can I Hide an App Instead of Deleting It?

Yes, you can “hide” apps by moving them into folders on subsequent home screen pages, or completely hiding the apps from search and Siri suggestions. This is useful for apps you rarely use but don’t want to completely remove. Go to Settings > Siri & Search, select the app, and toggle off “Show App in Search” and “Suggest App”.

9. Will Deleting an App Erase My Game Progress?

Potentially, yes. If your game progress is stored locally on your iPhone 7, deleting the app will likely erase your progress. However, if the game uses cloud storage (e.g., Game Center, iCloud, or its own server), your progress should be safe and will be restored when you reinstall the app and log in with the same account. Always check the game’s settings or documentation to understand how your progress is saved.

10. Is There a Limit to How Many Apps I Can Delete?

Technically, no. There’s no limit imposed by Apple on the number of apps you can delete from your iPhone 7. You can delete as many apps as you want, provided you have the necessary administrative rights (which, as the owner of your iPhone, you typically do).

11. Does Deleting and Reinstalling an App Fix Bugs?

Sometimes, yes! Deleting and reinstalling an app can be a useful troubleshooting step for resolving various app-related issues, such as crashes, glitches, or performance problems. This process essentially gives the app a fresh start, clearing any corrupted data or settings that might be causing the issue. It’s worth trying before contacting the app developer for support.

12. What Happens to My In-App Purchases When I Delete an App?

Your in-app purchases are generally tied to your Apple ID, not the app itself. When you reinstall the app, you should be able to restore your purchases. Look for a “Restore Purchases” option within the app’s settings or store. This will usually prompt you to enter your Apple ID password to verify your ownership of the purchases. However, it’s always a good idea to keep records of your in-app purchases, such as screenshots of your purchase history, in case you encounter any issues during the restoration process.

By understanding these nuances and potential scenarios, you can confidently manage the apps on your iPhone 7, ensuring a smooth and clutter-free digital experience. Happy deleting!