Deleting apps on an iPad that cannot be deleted might seem challenging, but it’s entirely doable with a few clever workarounds. Generally, these apps are pre-installed by Apple and are considered “essential,” but there are ways to hide or remove them from view to keep your iPad clutter-free.
How to Delete Apps on iPad That Cannot Be Deleted
In the following steps, you’ll learn how to manage and hide apps on your iPad that Apple won’t allow you to delete outright. This method doesn’t remove the apps entirely but hides them from your home screen, keeping things neat and organized.
Step 1: Open Settings
Navigate to the “Settings” app on your iPad.
The Settings app is your central hub for managing your iPad. You’ll find a lot of useful options in there, including the ability to hide apps.
Step 2: Access Screen Time
Tap on “Screen Time.”
Screen Time is a feature designed to help you manage your app usage. It also has options to restrict or limit access to apps.
Step 3: Content & Privacy Restrictions
Enable “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and tap on it.
Turning on these restrictions allows you to customize what apps and features are accessible on your iPad. This is where the magic happens.
Step 4: Allow Apps
Select “Allowed Apps.”
Here, you’ll see a list of apps you can disable. While you may not delete them, disabling them will prevent them from showing up on your home screen.
Step 5: Toggle Off Apps
Toggle off the apps you want to hide.
Switching off these apps will hide them from your home screen, giving the illusion that they are deleted.
After completing these steps, the apps you toggled off will no longer appear on your home screen. They aren’t gone for good, but they’re out of sight and out of mind.
Tips for Deleting Apps on iPad That Cannot Be Deleted
- Utilize Folders: Group apps you can’t delete into a single folder to reduce clutter.
- Offload Unused Apps: In Settings, you can offload apps, freeing up storage without deleting app data.
- Software Updates: Keep your iPad updated; Apple occasionally allows more pre-installed apps to be deleted with updates.
- Third-Party Storage Solutions: Use cloud storage options to manage app data without needing to keep the app installed.
- Parental Controls: Leveraging Screen Time’s parental controls can help manage and restrict app access further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I delete some apps on my iPad?
Some apps are built into the iOS system and are considered essential by Apple, so they cannot be deleted.
What happens if I hide an app using these steps?
The app will no longer appear on your home screen but can be re-enabled through the Settings menu.
Can I still use hidden apps?
Yes, you can re-enable them anytime through the “Allowed Apps” section in Screen Time.
Does hiding apps free up storage space?
No, hiding apps does not free up space. To save space, you should consider offloading unused apps.
Are there any risks to hiding apps?
There are no significant risks; hidden apps can be easily restored, and hiding does not affect the app’s functionality.
Summary
- Step 1: Open Settings.
- Step 2: Access Screen Time.
- Step 3: Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Step 4: Allow Apps.
- Step 5: Toggle Off Apps.
Conclusion
Managing apps on your iPad, especially those that cannot be deleted, doesn’t have to be a headache. By using the Screen Time feature, you can easily hide these apps and keep your device looking tidy. Whether it’s to reduce clutter or manage multiple users on one device, these steps give you the flexibility to maintain a cleaner and more organized iPad experience.
Remember, while you can’t outright delete some apps, hiding them can be just as effective. Now that you know these tricks, go ahead and make your iPad work for you. For more tips and tricks, keep exploring our collection of how-to guides and make the most out of your tech devices.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.