How to Uninstall Apps on iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows

Nowadays, if you can think of a problem, there’s probably an app for it. Sometimes you’ll realize that you’ve installed a few too many, though, and need to clear some space. Downloading them is easy enough, but do you know how to uninstall apps on your device?

Thankfully, once you know how, uninstalling apps is just as straightforward as installing them. Here’s a quick guide about how to do so for whatever device you may have. For each entry, we’re assuming that you use the latest operating system, so keep that in mind.

Uninstall Apps on iOS

Removing apps on iOS 13 is mostly the same as with all older versions of iOS. First, tap and hold the app you want to delete until a small menu opens. Tap “Delete App,” the only option in red, and you’ll uninstall it from your device.

Deleting an app doesn’t stop any subscriptions, so make sure you remember to cancel those too. Otherwise, your subscription will keep renewing even if you’re not using the app. This process works for all iOS devices, like iPads and iPod Touches, not just iPhones.

Uninstall Apps on Android

For all Android versions from 8.1 on, the process to uninstall apps is the same. Unlike iOS, you can’t delete apps from your home screen, so you’ll first have to open the Google Play Store. From there, open the menu and tap “My apps & games,” where you’ll see all of your installed apps.

Find the app you want to uninstall in this list and tap it. Tap “uninstall,” and it will remove the app from your phone or tablet. If you delete a paid app and later decide to redownload it, you won’t have to pay for it again.

Some Android devices come with pre-installed apps that you can’t delete this way. You’ll have to contact your device manufacturer to learn how to remove or hide these.

Uninstalling on Mac

If you use a Mac, you have two different options for how to delete apps. The first method is with Launchpad, which you can open by pinching your thumb and three fingers on your trackpad. Once in Launchpad, press and hold the Option key, then click the “x” next to an app and click “Delete.”

Another option is to use Finder to search for and find the app you want to delete. Once you’ve found it, drag it to the Trash, then click “Empty Trash” in Finder. You may have to enter an administrator password, which is most likely what you use to log in to your Mac.

Uninstalling on Windows 10

Like with Mac, you have several options for removing apps on Windows 10. The most straightforward way is to find the app in the Start menu. Right-click or hold the app, then click “Uninstall.”

You can also delete apps from your Settings, which you can access from the Start menu. Click “Apps,” then “Apps & features” and find the app you want to delete. Select the program in question and click “Uninstall.”

A third method is to uninstall apps from Control Panel. Open Control Panel, click “Programs,” then “Programs and Features” and look for the app. Once you find it, right-click it and then click “Uninstall.”

If you have trouble removing something, you can use the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter to help. Keep in mind that some apps come built-in to Windows, and you can’t uninstall these.

Declutter Your Device

Different devices and operating systems have various ways of deleting apps, but it’s rarely complicated. Remember that deleting something doesn’t remove any account or subscription you have with it. If all you want to do is clear it from your device, then follow this guide.

Uninstalling apps can help you save storage space and remove distractions. Learning how can help you take control over your device, instead of the other way around.