Deleting icons on your iPhone is a simple process that involves lightly pressing and holding the icon until it starts wiggling, then tapping the ‘X’ that appears on its corner. After confirming the delete, the icon will disappear from your home screen.
After you complete the action of deleting an icon, the app will be uninstalled from your iPhone, and the icon will no longer be visible on your home screen. This will free up space and declutter your interface.
Introduction
Ever found yourself swiping through multiple screens on your iPhone, desperately trying to locate an app amongst the clutter of icons? We’ve all been there. Maybe it’s time to streamline your home screen and get rid of all those apps you no longer use or need. But how exactly do you delete icons on an iPhone? It’s a relevant question for any iPhone user looking to organize their digital space or make room for new apps.
After all, a clean and organized phone is a more efficient one, and who doesn’t want to be more efficient? Deleting icons not only tidy up your interface but also helps improve your device’s performance by freeing up valuable storage space. It’s a simple task, but knowing the right steps can save you time and frustration.
How to Delete Icons on the iPhone Tutorial
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re achieving here. Deleting icons from your iPhone will remove the applications associated with them from your device. This is different from just removing the icon from the home screen, which only hides the app but doesn’t delete it.
Step 1: Locate the icon you want to delete
Find the icon on your home screen that you want to delete.
Locating the icon might require some swiping around if you have multiple screens of apps. Remember, you can use the App Library to find apps if you’re struggling to locate them on your home screens.
Step 2: Lightly press and hold the icon
Gently press and hold the icon until it starts to wiggle.
Be careful not to press too hard, or you might activate the 3D touch features instead. The key is a light, long press until the icons enter ‘jiggle mode’.
Step 3: Tap the ‘X’ on the icon
Once the icon is wiggling, tap the ‘X’ that appears in the top left corner of the icon.
If you tap anywhere else on the screen, the icons will stop wiggling, and you’ll have to start over. Make sure to tap the ‘X’ directly.
Step 4: Confirm the delete
After tapping the ‘X’, you’ll see a confirmation pop-up. Confirm the delete to proceed.
This step is important because it prevents you from accidentally deleting an app that you might need. Always double-check before confirming the delete.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Frees up space | Deleting apps that are no longer needed can free up storage space on your iPhone, allowing for better performance and room for new apps. |
| Reduces clutter | A home screen with fewer icons is easier to navigate and can reduce the time spent searching for apps. |
| Improves organization | With fewer apps, you can organize the remaining ones more effectively, categorizing them into folders if desired. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loss of data | Deleting an app will remove all its associated data, which could be a problem if you haven’t backed up important information. |
| Accidental deletion | There’s always a risk of accidentally deleting an app that you didn’t mean to, especially if you’re not careful during the process. |
| Re-downloading hassle | If you change your mind, you’ll have to go through the App Store to re-download the app, which can be time-consuming. |
Additional Information
When it’s time to delete icons on your iPhone, keep in mind that some pre-installed Apple apps cannot be deleted. These include essential apps like Settings, Messages, and Camera, among others. For apps that can be deleted, if they’re part of a subscription service, remember that deleting the app doesn’t cancel your subscription. You’ll need to manage that separately, typically through your Apple ID settings.
If you’re worried about losing data, consider backing up your iPhone before you start deleting apps. Moreover, if you’re handing down your iPhone to someone else, deleting personal apps is a crucial step in protecting your privacy. Remember to log out from apps and services and remove any personal information before removing the apps.
Summary
- Locate the icon you want to delete on your home screen.
- Lightly press and hold the icon until it starts wiggling.
- Tap the ‘X’ that appears on the icon’s corner.
- Confirm the delete to remove the app and icon from your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all icons be deleted on an iPhone?
No, certain pre-installed Apple apps cannot be deleted from your iPhone.
Will deleting an app cancel any subscriptions I have?
No, you need to cancel subscriptions through your Apple ID settings separately.
What happens if I accidentally delete an app?
You can re-download any deleted apps from the App Store.
Will deleting an app also delete its data?
Yes, deleting an app will remove all its associated data from your device.
Can I delete an icon without deleting the app?
No, deleting the icon will uninstall the app from your iPhone.
Conclusion
Deleting icons on your iPhone is a great way to declutter your digital space, improve your device’s performance, and make your home screen more organized. It’s a simple process that just requires a few taps and a bit of caution to avoid any accidental deletions.
Always remember to back up important data before you start deleting apps, and be aware that some pre-installed apps cannot be removed. Once you’ve mastered how to delete icons, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a cleaner, more efficient iPhone experience. So, go ahead and give it a try – your iPhone will thank you!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.