You cannot delete applications on iPhone or iPad in iOS 26? Here’s how to fix it

🗓️ September 27, 2025By ✍️ Karly Wood

After updating iOS 26Many iPhone and iPad users have noticed that they Unable to delete applications. The long pressure of the application is sometimes only Modify the home screen instead of Delete the applicationOr the deletion option disappears completely.

This problem is not a permanent bug – it is often caused by Settings restrictions, screen time limits or minor problems. Here is a complete guide to repair it.

Why you cannot delete applications on iOS 26

1. Deletion of the application disabled in screen time

If you have activated Screen time (Often on children’s or family devices), deleting the application can be blocked.

Example: you buy an iPhone for your child, activate screen time and make later that you cannot delete unused games.

2. Home screen compared to deletion applications

Sometimes users only delete the application of the home screen instead of deleting it completely.

Tip: Deleting the home screen is not a free storage space – you must really delete it.

3. Preinstalled applications (system)

Some integrated applications (such as Safari, messages and phone) cannot be completely deleted.
You can hide them, but the deletion button does not appear.

4. MDM or work profiles

Devices managed by a company or a school (via MDM profiles) Often prevents the deletion of applications related to work accounts.

5. IOS 26 Bug or Glitch

In rare cases, a Software glitch after an update may temporarily mask the deletion button or the freezing of icons.

Step by step

1. Authorize the deletion of the application in screen time

1. Go to Settings → Screen time → Contents and confidentiality restrictions.
2. Faucet Installation and purchase of the application Or ITunes & App Store Purchases → Deletion of applications.
3. Set it up Allow.

Example: if it is defined on Do not allowPass it to Allow And try again to delete the application.

2. Delete applications from the application library

1. Swipe to the Last page of your home screen To open the application library.
2. Look for the application you want to delete.
3. Press in the long term → Delete the application → confirm delete.

Useful if you have deleted the icon from the application of the home screen but the application is always installed.

3. Delete iPhone / iPad storage applications

1. Open Settings → General → iphone / iPad storage.

2. Scroll to the application you want to delete.
3. Faucet Delete the application → Confirm.

Perfect for hidden applications or those that do not answer on the home screen.

4. Restart your device

• Press and hold it Side + volume Button → slide to turn off.
• Restart and try to delete the application again.

A simple restart often erases temporary seeds.

5. Check MDM or work profiles

1. Go to Settings → General → VPN and Group Management.
2. Look for any installed profile or MDM configuration.
3. If you are found, you may need the administration approval to delete work-related applications.

6. Update iOS to the last fix

Go to Settings → General → software update and install everything available iOS 26.x Patch that can correct the application deletion bugs.

7. Reset the disposition of the Home screen (optional)

1. Open Settings → General → Transfer or reset → Reset → Reset the home screen layout.
2. This resets the default layout and can restore the deletion option.

• Deletion of applications in relation to cancellation subscriptions: Deleting an application does not cancel its paying subscription. Go to Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions To cancel the active plans.
• All applications cannot be deleted: Basic applications like safari or messages can be hidden but not completely deleted.
• Free storage: Deleting unused applications also erases their data unless you are stored in iCloud.

Prevent future problems

• Keep iOS and all updated applications.
• Avoid accidentally delete the deletion of the application in Screen time.
• To use Settings → Storage To regularly manage applications.

Faq

Q: Why does the deletion button disappear after updating iOS?
A: This is generally due to the restrictions on screen time or a temporary problem.

Q: My deleted applications come back after a restart. For what?
A: This often happens if a MDM or family sharing The profile automatically reinstates the application.

Q: Is there a way to delete preinstalled applications?
A: Some, like mail or cards, can be deleted. Basic applications like safari cannot be completely deleted.

Conclusion

If you Unable to delete applications on your iPhone or iPad in iOS 26check Screen time settings firstThen try to delete the Application library Or Storage settings.

Quick restart or an update of the last fix often solves the problem. With these steps, you can easily manage your storage and keep your device without congestion.