I can't delete apps from my app library anymore

I can't delete apps from my app library anymore. The option to do so is just gone? I've updated my phone and switched off screen-time but still nothing...



Posted on Dec 16, 2025 5:51 AM

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12 replies

Dec 16, 2025 7:41 AM in response to ilena-clara

iOS built-in apps cannot be deleted, but they can be removed from the home screen in recent versions of iOS. Removing the app from the home screen doesn’t delete it from the device; it simply hides it.


Photos, Camera, Clock, App Store, Wallet, Safari, Phone, Message & Find My apps.


First disable the Screen Time Restrictions, if any.


Settings > Screen Time > Contenet And Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Deleting Apps > [Allow]




There are six possibilities

  1. Delete an offloaded App
  2. Delete an App from the Home Screen
  3. Remove an App from the Home Screen - Will be placed in the App Library
  4. Delete an App from the App Library
  5. Delete an inbuilt App - Not feasible
  6. Delete an inbuilt App with one feature - You do not get any options either (e.g. Magnifier)



Watch the GIF

Dec 16, 2025 7:54 AM in response to SravanKrA

Thanks for the info but this is not really relevant to my case.


I’m trying to delete Goodreads which is not a Apple app from my App Library as you can tell from the attached screenshots. I usually don’t keep any apps on my Home Screen but I moved it there to see if the Delete App button is visible there. It’s not.


On fact the delete app button isn’t visible anywhere - even in my storage section in Settings.

I can't delete apps from my app library anymore

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