Are you tired of cluttered app drawers and unnecessary storage consumption on your device? Do you want to get rid of an app that’s no longer serving its purpose or is simply annoying you? If so, you’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of permanently deleting an app from your device, ensuring it never comes back to haunt you again.
Why Delete An App Permanently?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of app deletion, let’s discuss why you might want to consider permanent removal. Here are a few reasons:
- Data privacy: Some apps may collect and store sensitive information about you, even after you’ve stopped using them. By permanently deleting an app, you can ensure that your data is erased and not stored on the app’s servers.
- Storage space: Unused apps can consume valuable storage space on your device, slowing it down and making it prone to Performance issues. Deleting an app frees up space, allowing your device to breathe a sigh of relief.
- Clutter reduction: A cluttered app drawer can be overwhelming, making it difficult to find the apps you need. By deleting unused apps, you can tidy up your digital space and improve your overall user experience.
- Security: Malicious apps can pose a threat to your device’s security, even if you’re not actively using them. Permanently deleting an app can help prevent potential security breaches.
The Difference Between Uninstalling And Deleting An App
Before we proceed, it’s essential to understand the difference between uninstalling and deleting an app.
- Uninstalling: When you uninstall an app, you’re simply removing the app from your device, but its data and settings may still be stored on your device or the app’s servers.
- Deleting: Deleting an app, on the other hand, involves removing the app and all its associated data, settings, and files from your device and the app’s servers.
In this article, we’ll focus on the latter – permanent deletion of an app.
How To Permanently Delete An App On Android Devices
Method 1: Delete From The App Drawer
To permanently delete an app on an Android device, follow these steps:
- Go to the app drawer and find the app you want to delete.
- Long-press on the app’s icon until it starts to jiggle or a small ‘X’ or ‘-‘ symbol appears on the top-right corner of the icon.
- Tap the ‘X’ or ‘-‘ symbol to delete the app.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the app by tapping “OK” or “Uninstall” in the pop-up window.
- Wait for the app to be uninstalled.
Method 2: Delete From The Google Play Store
If you can’t find the app in the app drawer or want to delete it from the Google Play Store, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Search for the app you want to delete and select it from the search results.
- Tap the “Uninstall” button.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the app by tapping “OK” or “Uninstall” in the pop-up window.
- Wait for the app to be uninstalled.
Method 3: Delete From The Settings App
You can also delete an app from the Settings app:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
- Find the app you want to delete and select it.
- Tap the “Uninstall” button.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the app by tapping “OK” or “Uninstall” in the pop-up window.
- Wait for the app to be uninstalled.
How To Permanently Delete An App On IOS Devices
Method 1: Delete From The Home Screen
To permanently delete an app on an iOS device, follow these steps:
- Find the app you want to delete on the home screen.
- Tap and hold the app’s icon until it starts to jiggle.
- Tap the ‘X’ symbol that appears on the top-left corner of the icon.
- Confirm that you want to delete the app by tapping “Delete” in the pop-up window.
Method 2: Delete From The Settings App
You can also delete an app from the Settings app:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select “General” or “Storage & iCloud Usage.”
- Tap “Manage Storage” or “Storage.”
- Find the app you want to delete and swipe left on it.
- Tap “Delete” to confirm.
Additional Steps For Complete Removal
Clear App Data And Cache
To ensure that all app data and cache are removed, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app.
- Scroll down and select “Apps” or “Application Manager” (on Android) or “General” or “Storage & iCloud Usage” (on iOS).
- Find the app you just deleted and select it.
- Tap “Clear data” and “Clear cache” (on Android) or “Offload App” (on iOS).
Delete App-Specific Files And Folders
Some apps may store files and folders on your device, even after deletion. To remove these files and folders, follow these steps:
- Go to the app’s installation directory (e.g., /sdcard/Android/data/[app_name] on Android or /private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/[app_name] on iOS).
- Delete any files and folders associated with the app.
Why Some Apps Refuse To Be Deleted
In some cases, an app may refuse to be deleted, citing various reasons such as:
- System apps: Some apps come pre-installed on your device and can’t be deleted. These apps are essential for your device’s functioning and can’t be removed.
- Protected apps: Some apps are protected by the device manufacturer or operating system, making it impossible to delete them.
- App dependencies: Some apps rely on other apps or services to function, making it difficult to delete them without affecting other apps.
In such cases, you can try to disable the app instead of deleting it. Disabling an app will prevent it from running in the background and consuming system resources.
Conclusion
Permanently deleting an app from your device is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to understand the differences between uninstalling and deleting an app. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that an app is completely removed from your device, freeing up storage space and improving your overall user experience.
Remember to always be cautious when deleting apps, as some may contain important data or settings that you might need in the future. If you’re unsure about deleting an app, consider backing up your data or seeking guidance from the app’s support team.
By taking control of your app collection, you can maintain a clutter-free digital space, protect your data, and ensure your device runs smoothly. Happy deleting!
What Is The Difference Between Deleting And Uninstalling An App?
Deleting an app and uninstalling an app are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Uninstalling an app typically refers to the process of removing an app from your device, but it may still leave behind some residual files or data. On the other hand, deleting an app typically means completely removing the app and all its associated data from your device.
In this guide, we will focus on deleting apps for good, which means permanently removing the app and all its associated data from your device. This will free up space on your device and ensure that the app is completely removed.
Why Do I Need To Delete Apps Permanently?
You may want to delete apps permanently for several reasons. Firstly, deleting apps can free up space on your device, which can improve its performance. Secondly, deleting apps can also help to remove any associated data or files that may be taking up space on your device. Additionally, deleting apps can also help to remove any malware or viruses that may be hidden within the app.
Finally, deleting apps can also help to declutter your device and remove any unnecessary apps that you no longer use. This can help to simplify your digital life and make it easier to find the apps that you need.
Will Deleting An App Delete My Data?
When you delete an app, the data associated with that app may also be deleted. This can include login credentials, game progress, or any other data that is stored within the app. However, the type of data that is deleted will depend on the app itself and how it stores data.
If you want to keep your data, it’s a good idea to back up your data before deleting the app. You can do this by exporting your data to a cloud storage service or by saving it to an external hard drive. This will ensure that your data is safe even after you delete the app.
How Do I Delete An App On An Android Device?
To delete an app on an Android device, you can follow these steps: Go to the Settings app on your device, then select “Apps” or “Application Manager”. Find the app that you want to delete and select it. Then, tap the “Uninstall” or “Delete” button to remove the app. You may be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the app.
Once you have deleted the app, you can also delete any residual files or data that may be left behind. To do this, go to the “Storage” or “Files” section of your device’s settings, find the app’s folder, and delete it.
How Do I Delete An App On An IOS Device?
To delete an app on an iOS device, you can follow these steps: Find the app that you want to delete on your home screen. Tap and hold the app’s icon until it starts to jiggle. Then, tap the “X” icon in the corner of the app’s icon to delete it. You may be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the app.
Once you have deleted the app, you can also delete any residual files or data that may be left behind. To do this, go to the “Settings” app on your device, then select “General” and “Storage & iCloud Usage”. Find the app’s files and delete them.
What If I Want To Delete An App From My Computer?
If you want to delete an app from your computer, you can follow these steps: Find the app that you want to delete in your computer’s “Control Panel” or “Settings” app. Select the app and click the “Uninstall” or “Remove” button to delete it. You may be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the app.
Once you have deleted the app, you can also delete any residual files or data that may be left behind. To do this, go to the “File Explorer” or “Finder” app on your computer, find the app’s folder, and delete it. You may also want to search for any other files or folders associated with the app and delete them as well.
Is It Safe To Delete Apps?
In most cases, it is safe to delete apps from your device. However, you should be careful when deleting apps to ensure that you are not deleting any important data or files. Additionally, you should only delete apps from trusted sources to avoid accidentally deleting malware or viruses.
It’s also a good idea to back up your data before deleting an app, just in case. This will ensure that your data is safe even if something goes wrong during the deletion process. By following these precautions, you can safely delete apps from your device and free up space.