Got a bunch of iMessage apps on your iPhone that you don’t use anymore? Want to declutter your app drawer and make it easier to find the ones you do use? You’re in luck because with iOS 17, it’s super simple to remove iMessage apps from your iPhone. Let’s get started!
Related Video: How to Remove iMessage Apps on iPhone in iOS 17
How to Remove iMessage Apps on iPhone Step by Step Tutorial
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what we’re going to do. Removing iMessage apps is all about making your messaging experience smoother and more streamlined. After following these steps, you’ll have a cleaner iMessage app drawer, with only the apps you really want and use.
Step 1: Open the iMessage App Drawer
Open up the Messages app and go to any conversation. Then, tap on the App Store icon next to the text input field to open the app drawer.
The iMessage app drawer is where all your iMessage apps and stickers live. It’s that horizontal row of icons that appears when you’re typing a message.
Step 2: Swipe Left and Tap “More”
Swipe left on the app drawer until you see the “More” button, which looks like three dots in a circle. Tap on it to see all your iMessage apps.
This is like the command center for your iMessage apps. From here, you can manage which apps appear in the app drawer and which ones are hidden.
Step 3: Edit the Apps
On the top right corner of the screen, tap “Edit.” This will allow you to add or remove apps from your favorites or the app drawer.
Think of this as the editing mode, similar to when you rearrange the apps on your home screen.
Step 4: Remove Unwanted Apps
To remove an app from the app drawer, tap the red minus sign next to the app’s name, then tap “Remove from Favorites.” To delete an app entirely, swipe left on the app and tap “Delete.”
When you remove an app from favorites, it won’t show up in the main app drawer but will still be available in the “More Apps” section. Deleting it removes it completely.
Step 5: Exit Editing Mode
Once you’re done removing apps, tap “Done” on the top right corner, then tap the “More” button again to go back to the app drawer.
It’s important to exit editing mode properly to ensure that your changes are saved.
After you’ve removed the iMessage apps you no longer need, you’ll notice that your app drawer is much tidier. The apps you use frequently will be easier to access, and you won’t have to scroll through a bunch of unused apps to find them.
Tips for Removing iMessage Apps on iPhone
- Take a moment to review all your iMessage apps before you start deleting. You might find some hidden gems you forgot about.
- If you’re not sure whether to delete an app, you can always remove it from favorites first to see if you miss it.
- Remember that deleting an iMessage app doesn’t delete the corresponding iOS app from your iPhone.
- You can always re-download any iMessage apps you delete if you change your mind later.
- Keep your most used iMessage apps in the favorites section for quick and easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between removing an app from favorites and deleting it?
When you remove an app from favorites, it won’t appear in the main app drawer but will still be in the “More Apps” section. Deleting it removes the iMessage app entirely.
Can I undo a deletion if I remove an app by mistake?
Unfortunately, once you delete an iMessage app, you’ll need to re-download it from the App Store if you want it back.
Does removing an iMessage app also delete the corresponding iOS app?
No, deleting an iMessage app only removes it from your iMessage app drawer. The iOS app will still be on your home screen.
Will removing iMessage apps free up storage on my iPhone?
Yes, deleting iMessage apps can help free up a small amount of storage, especially if they have a lot of content like stickers or games.
How often should I clean up my iMessage apps?
It’s a good idea to review your iMessage apps every few months, or whenever you notice your app drawer getting cluttered.
Summary
- Open the iMessage App Drawer.
- Swipe Left and Tap “More.”
- Edit the Apps.
- Remove Unwanted Apps.
- Exit Editing Mode.
Conclusion
Cleaning up your iMessage apps on iPhone is not just about freeing up space or making your app drawer look neat. It’s about creating a messaging experience that works for you, where you can quickly access the tools and fun additions that make iMessages unique. With iOS 17, Apple has made it incredibly easy to manage these apps, giving you control over your digital space.
Whether you’re someone who loves to send stickers or play iMessage games with friends, it’s important to have an organized space that reflects your usage. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your iMessage app drawer is filled only with the apps that bring you joy and utility.
Don’t forget to revisit the app drawer every now and then to keep it tidy. Apps come and go, and your interests may change, so it’s a good habit to curate your app selection regularly. Who knows, maybe by the time iOS 18 rolls around, you’ll have a whole new set of favorite iMessage apps to play with!
Remember, your iPhone is a personal device, and how you use it should reflect your personality and needs. Take charge of your iMessage apps and craft the perfect messaging experience for yourself with iOS 17.
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.