How to delete apps on iPad that cannot be deleted

delete apps on iPad that cannot be deleted

Why I Can’t Delete Apps on My iPad?

If you are like me you have probably faced the frustration of trying to delete an app on your I Pad only to find that it won't budge. You press and hold the app icon waiting for the familiar jiggle and X to appear but nothing happens. 

I have been there and it can be incredibly frustrating. In this article, I will share what might be causing this issue and more importantly how to fix it. Whether you are dealing with parental controls restrictions or just a quirky iOS I have got you covered.

Why Is My iPad Not Allowing Me to Delete Apps?

First off if your iPad is not allowing you to delete apps it could be due to several reasons. The most common one is a setting issue or restriction. 

You are not alone in facing this problem especially if you have recently updated to iOS 17. Many users have reported similar issues post update. Lets break down some possible reasons:

• Parental Controls or Restrictions: If your iPad has parental controls enabled it might prevent app deletion. This can happen if a parent or guardian has set restrictions to limit what can be done on the device.

• Settings Misconfiguration: Sometimes the option to delete apps is turned off in your iPads settings without you realizing it.

• System Bugs or Glitches: After updating to iOS 17 some users have noticed glitches like apps that won’t be deleted. This could be due to a bug in the new system.

• App Type: Some apps that come pre installed on your iPad like Safari or the App Store cannot be deleted. They are core system apps that Apple deems essential for the device.

Why Is There No Delete Option on My iPad Apps?

Ever noticed how, when you press and hold on an app, the delete option that little X does not appear. I have had this happen and it is annoying. This issue is usually linked to a setting. To fix it:

• Check Settings: Head over to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Then, click on iTunes & App Store Purchases and make sure Deleting Apps is set to allow.

• Device Type: On some models like the iPad Pro people have faced this issue more often. If your device is running the latest iOS and you are still unable to delete apps it could be a specific bug affecting certain models.

How Do I Completely Remove an App from My iPad?

If you want to completely remove an app from your iPad its pretty straightforward usually. Heres the easiest way to do it:

• Tap and Hold: Press and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle.

• Delete Option: If the X appears tap it and confirm the deletion.

• Go to Settings: Alternatively you can go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. From here scroll down to find the app you want to delete and tap Delete App.

But what if this does not work?

How to Delete Apps on iPad That Cannot Be Deleted

Some apps seem almost impossible to delete and I have had my fair share of those. These include pre installed apps like Safari, Messages or App Store. Unfortunately there is no way to completely remove system apps but you can hide them.

• Hiding Apps: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. From here you can disable specific apps under allowed apps. They wont be visible on your home screen but they are still there in the background.

How to Delete Apps on iPad with Parental Controls

If you have set up or are dealing with parental controls your iPad might be blocking app deletion. Heres how to fix that:

• Disable Parental Controls: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.

• App Deletion Permissions: Under iTunes & App Store Purchases check that deleting apps is allowed.

• Temporary Disable: You can also temporarily disable parental controls if you need to delete multiple apps and then enable them again once you are done.

If you are dealing with a childs iPad or one managed by a school these restrictions can be tougher to change unless you have access to the password.

Why Can’t I Delete Apps on My iPad iOS 17?

With the release of iOS 17 many users including myself, have noticed small quirks. One of them is the inability to delete apps. This could be a temporary bug and usually a software update fixes it. Heres what you can try:

• Restart Your iPad: Sometimes a simple restart can solve the issue.

• Update to the Latest Version: Check for any new iOS updates under Settings > General > Software Update. If theres a bug affecting app deletion it might be resolved in the latest patch.

How to Delete Apps on iPad Permanently

When you delete an app it is usually gone for good. But sometimes even after deletion traces of the app data remain. Here is how to permanently delete an app and its data:

• Go to Settings: Head over to Settings > General > iPad Storage.

• Find the App: Scroll through the list and tap the app you want to delete.

• Delete All Data: After deleting the app you will have the option to clear any remaining data related to it. This ensures the app is removed completely.

Why Can’t I Delete Apps on My iPhone?

If you are also wondering why cant I delete apps on my iPhone? the answer might be the same as the iPad. The issue could be restrictions iOS settings or even app types. The solutions above for the iPad should work similarly for the iPhone.

How to Delete Apps with Parental Controls

If parental controls are the problem you can follow these steps to remove apps:

• Disable Parental Controls: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn off the restrictions temporarily.

• Check App Deletion Permissions: Make sure that app deletion is allowed under iTunes and App Store Purchases.

• Once the controls are off you should be able to delete apps as usual.

By following the steps above you should be able to manage and delete apps easily. And remember technology may be finicky at times but a bit of patience and sometimes a quick update goes a long way in resolving these issues.

FAQs:

1. Why is my iPad not allowing me to delete apps?

Your iPad might not allow app deletion due to restrictions like parental controls or settings misconfigurations. If you have recently updated to iOS 17 a system bug may also be causing this issue. Make sure app deletion is allowed under Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.

2. How do I completely remove an app from my iPad?

To completely remove an app from your iPad press and hold the app icon until it jiggles. Tap the X or Remove App option, then confirm. Alternatively go to Settings > General > iPad Storage find the app and tap Delete App.

3. Why is there no delete option on my iPad apps?

If you do not see the delete option when you press and hold an app, it could be because of parental controls or restrictions set in the Screen Time settings. Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Deleting Apps and make sure it is set to Allow.

4. How do I delete apps on iPad with parental controls?

To delete apps with parental controls enabled, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Under iTunes & App Store Purchases make sure Deleting Apps is set to Allow. You may need to temporarily disable parental controls if the option remains restricted.