I. Introduction
Do you have too many apps on your iPad and want to remove them? Deleting apps on your iPad is a simple process, but it can be confusing if you don’t know how to do it. In this article, we will show you the step-by-step process to delete apps on an iPad on both iOS 13 and 14 versions. Additionally, we will explore the benefits of deleting unused apps, how to assess pre-installed apps, alternative actions to take, and potential pitfalls and issues that may arise.
II. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Delete Apps on Your iPad
The traditional method of deleting apps on an iPad involves pressing and holding an app until it jiggles, clicking the “X” button in the top left corner of the app, and confirming the deletion. In iOS 14, Apple introduced a new way to delete apps through the App Library. To delete an app using this method, you need to long-press the app icon until you see a menu and then select “Remove App.”
Here’s a step-by-step guide on both methods:
Traditional Method:
- Press and hold the app until it jiggles.
- Click the small “X” button in the top left corner.
- Confirm the deletion.
iOS 14 Method:
- Long-press the app icon until you see a menu.
- Select “Remove App” from the menu.
- Select “Delete App” to confirm the deletion.
Both methods are straightforward, but you should choose the one that you feel more comfortable with.
III. Benefits of Deleting Unused Apps
Deleting unused apps increases the performance of your iPad. Unused apps occupy storage space, consume resources and battery life, and slow down the device. According to a report from Sensor Tower, the average number of mobile apps used by smartphone users is 30, but they have over 80 apps installed on their phone. Therefore, deleting unused apps can free up storage space, increase speed, and extend battery life.
IV. Pre-Installed Apps Assessment
Before deleting pre-installed apps, you should assess which ones are necessary and which ones are not. Popular pre-installed apps on an iPad include the App Store, Music, Podcasts, Game Center, Tips, and Stocks, among others. To assess whether you need these apps or not, consider the functionalities they offer, and ask yourself whether you use them.
You should also know which apps you cannot delete, such as Safari, Photos, Camera, Contacts, Messages, and Settings. Apple allows you to disable these apps instead of deleting them in case you want to use them later.
To make the assessment process easier, create categories of apps, such as Productivity, Entertainment, or Utility, and evaluate how frequently you use apps in each category. You can then delete apps in categories that you barely use.
V. Video Tutorial on How to Delete Apps on an iPad
If you find it hard to follow written instructions, you can use video tutorials as a visual aid. Below is a tutorial video on how to delete apps on an iPad, which you can follow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmcv0EENHTg
The video shows various methods of deleting apps, including the traditional method of deleting apps and using the iPad Storage function to delete them. The video tutorial is useful to help you visualise what you need to do when you delete an app from your iPad.
However, users may have some questions after watching the video, so we will address them later in this article.
VI. Pitfalls and Potential Issues when Deleting Apps
When you delete apps, you may encounter some issues or pitfalls, such as accidentally deleting an app that you use frequently. Therefore, before deleting an app, create a backup of your data, such as contacts, photos, music, or files, to avoid losing them. You can choose to back up your data through iCloud or iTunes.
You can also face trouble deleting apps that are running in the background or partially installed. If you experience this issue, shut your iPad down and restart it before trying to delete the app again.
VII. Alternative Actions to Take
If you don’t want to delete an app entirely, there are several alternatives you can consider. You can offload the app, which removes the app’s data, but keeps the app icon on your home screen. This function is useful if you plan to use the app later because it saves its data and settings.
Another alternative is to update the app regularly. Apps that are not updated regularly can become outdated and consume storage space or memory. Updating apps ensures that they stay optimized and function correctly.
Finally, you can organise your home screen by creating folders, hiding apps, or rearranging them by frequency of use. These actions can help you to declutter your iPad without necessarily deleting any apps.
VIII. Q&A-Style Article on Deleting Apps on an iPad
Here are some common questions users have when deleting apps on an iPad:
1. Will deleting apps speed up my iPad?
Yes, deleting unused apps will free up storage space, clear up resources, and speed up your iPad.
2. Can I reinstall apps I have deleted?
Yes, you can reinstall apps you have deleted from the App Store or iCloud if they are still available.
3. How do I know which apps I should delete?
You can review your app usage information to identify which apps you use less often. Additionally, consider the storage size each app takes up and its frequency of use.
4. Can I recover deleted apps from the App Library?
No, once you delete an app, it moves to the Recently Deleted folder, where it remains for 30 days. After that time, the app gets permanently deleted.
5. Will deleting an app erase all its data?
Yes, deleting an app erases its data and settings. If you want to keep its data, use the offload app function instead.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, deleting apps on your iPad is an easy process, and it has many benefits. By deleting unused apps, you can free up storage space, improve your iPad’s performance, and extend battery life. Remember to assess which pre-installed apps you need and which ones you don’t need before deleting them.
If you encounter any issues or pitfalls when deleting apps, remember to create a backup of your data, and consider alternative actions, such as offloading the app.
Finally, if you need any extra help following the steps, feel free to watch the tutorial video we provided or refer to the Q&A section in this article.