Unable to delete apps on iPhone 16 Pro with iOS 26

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Level 1

4 points

Unable to delete apps on iPhone 16 Pro with iOS 26

I have an iPhone 16 pro with iOS 26.

I have just tried to uninstall 2 apps from my phone, but I can’t find the uninstall button.

I’ve checked it in the app overview, in spotlight, also in settings > storage. Nowhere can I delete the apps.

I have also restarted my phone 2 times now, and I have also checked if uninstalling apps is allowed. Just for the heck of it I disabled uninstalling apps in screen time, then enabled it again, and still no result.

Chatgpt doesn’t offer any help either, so yeah… I don’t know what to do right now 😅

Hope anyone can help, thanks!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Cannot delete apps on ios 26

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Oct 4, 2025 11:25 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jeff Donald

Community+ 2026

Level 8

48,566 points

Oct 5, 2025 4:57 AM in response to mlettema

Are they Apple apps and if not what apps are they? The delete button appears when you press and hold your finger on the app to be deleted. A contextual menu will appear but continue to hold your finger on the app until apps enter Jiggle mode. When Jiggle mode starts, remove your finger and press the X and follow onscreen prompts.

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Answer 2

mlettema Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 11, 2025 5:19 AM in response to elisafromitaly

I’ve found the solution, for me at least!

I have an app called “Scrolly”, it’s an app to block access to apps, I use it to block YouTube and Instagram, so I get less distracted and less addicted.

When I have scanned the Scrolly (an NFC tag basically, just like Brick) the apps get blocked, but apparently also deleting apps!

I didn’t know this, and every time I have activated Scrolly I cannot use my selected apps, but I also cannot uninstall apps.

That’s what ‘fixed’ it for me, now I know the cause. Hope this helps you

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Answer 3

Oct 4, 2025 11:27 PM in response to mlettema

Remove or delete apps from iPhone - Apple Support

Delete apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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Answer 4

LD150

Level 10

103,728 points

Nov 11, 2025 4:35 AM in response to mlettema

Turn off all restrictions in Settings, Screen time, Content & Privacy restrictions

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Answer 5

Oct 5, 2025 5:49 AM in response to mlettema

Did you delete it? Is your device a managed device issued by an employer or school? Is your device managed by a parent or guardian?

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Answer 6

mlettema Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 5, 2025 6:47 AM in response to Jeff Donald

No, I still haven’t been able to delete the apps. It’s just my phone, with 100% access, it’s not managed.

A few days ago I deleted an other app, and since then I haven’t changed even 1 setting, and now I am unable.

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Answer 7

Portdog_

Level 1

8 points

Oct 5, 2025 6:58 AM in response to mlettema

I updated to iOS 26 last week on my iPhone 13 and only tried to delete an app today and had the same problem. I’ve held down jiggle mode, pressed remove app and the option to delete the app is not there. Tried again in the App Library and the option to remove or delete app is not there either. Also checked screen time and it is allowed. It’s like the option to delete an app has been entirely removed

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Answer 8

Nov 11, 2025 3:01 AM in response to mlettema

Same problem on iphone SE. Not an apple app, just a management app from app store. The button for uninstall it had disappear. I can't uninstall any other app either. Can't do it for app store, settings, home or app library. Did everything in the thread too. What can I do now ?

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