Having trouble uninstalling an app on your device? Apps that get stuck and won’t uninstall properly are annoying, but thankfully there are some steps you can try to force the app to be removed. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over all the potential solutions for uninstalling a stubborn app on both Android and iOS devices.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before diving into more involved solutions, here are some quick and easy things to try when an app won’t uninstall:
- Restart your device – A simple restart can clear out any glitches that are preventing the app from uninstalling properly.
- Check for updates – Make sure your device’s OS is updated to the latest version. Updates sometimes include bug fixes for app uninstall issues.
- Clear app cache/data – Open your device’s Settings, go to Apps, select the problem app, and choose to clear its cache and data. This deletes temporary files and resets the app.
- Use a third-party uninstaller – Apps like App Cleaner for iOS let you uninstall apps and remove all associated files/data.
Troubleshooting Steps for Android
If you’ve tried the quick fixes above and the app still won’t uninstall on your Android device, here are some additional troubleshooting steps to take:
- Check App Settings – Open the Settings menu and go to Apps. Look for the app and check its info screen for an Uninstall or Disable button. Tap it to try forcing the app to be uninstalled.
- Uninstall via the Play Store – If the app was downloaded from the Google Play Store, try uninstalling it through the store app. Open the Play Store, go to My Apps, select the app, and choose Uninstall.
- Use adb uninstall – For advanced users comfortable with the command line, you can uninstall apps via the Android Debug Bridge (adb) tool using a command like “adb uninstall com.example.app”.
- Factory reset – As a last resort, a full factory reset will wipe the app (and all your data/settings) from the device by restoring it to a clean state.
Removing Residual Files
Even if you get the app uninstalled, residual files may be left behind and continue using space on your Android device. To remove these leftovers:
- Use a file explorer app to check for any folders/files associated with the app and delete them.
- Clear cache and data for Google Play Services – This removes leftover data from uninstalled apps.
Troubleshooting Steps for iOS
For iPhones and iPads, try these steps if an application is stubbornly sticking around:
- Delete from the Home Screen – Long press the app icon until it starts wiggling, then tap the X icon to delete it.
- Offload the App – Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Find the app, tap it, and choose Offload App to uninstall it while preserving documents/data.
- Delete App in iTunes – Connect your iOS device to a computer and open iTunes. Select the device, click Apps, find the app and choose Delete App.
- Use App Cleaner software – As mentioned earlier, dedicated apps like AppCleaner can remove unwanted iOS apps and associated files.
- Factory reset – As a last report, you can factory reset the iPhone or iPad to completely wipe the app. Just make sure your data is backed up first.
Removing Leftover Files
After uninstalling the iOS app, check these locations for leftover files you can delete:
- iTunes Sync Folder – Check your computer’s iTunes sync folder for the Mobile Applications subfolder with the app’s data.
- iCloud Documents – Uninstalling an iOS app doesn’t delete associated iCloud documents. You’ll need to delete those separately.
Avoiding App Uninstall Issues
To help prevent apps from becoming stuck and refusing to uninstall in the future, here are some tips:
- Delete apps you no longer need right away – Don’t let them linger and build up cache/data files.
- Turn the device off periodically – A full reboot helps clear out app data issues.
- Install fewer apps overall – Only download apps you really need to minimize clutter and potential uninstall issues.
- Keep your device’s OS updated – Updates fix bugs that can cause apps to not uninstall cleanly.
- Pay attention to app permissions – Overly broad permissions could be a red flag for misbehaving apps.
When to Do a Factory Reset
If you’ve exhausted all standard troubleshooting steps and the app still won’t uninstall, a factory reset is the nuclear option to remove it. Before taking this drastic step, keep these things in mind:
- Back up your data – Photos, contacts, app data etc. will be wiped, so make sure anything important is backed up.
- Erase the device remotely – Enable Find My on iOS or Find My Device on Android so you can remotely wipe the device if needed after a factory reset.
- Make sure the issue is isolated – If multiple apps are affected or core functions are unstable, a wider issue may be at fault.
- Remove physical devices if applicable – For iOS devices, unpair Apple Watches and disable Find My iPhone temporarily.
- Charge the device fully – Running out of battery mid-reset could lead to corruption or further issues.
How to Factory Reset an Android Device
If you need to fully reset your Android phone or tablet, here are the steps:
- Back up your data from the device.
- Open Settings and tap System > Advanced > Reset options.
- Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
- Tap Reset phone. If prompted, enter your password or PIN.
- Once complete, go through the setup process to add your Google account and choose new device settings.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone or iPad
For iOS devices, use this process to wipe the device:
- Open the Settings app and tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Tap Erase [device] to confirm and erase the device.
- When done, the device will boot to the Hello screen. Follow the on-screen steps to set up the device from scratch.
Conclusion
Apps that get stuck trying to uninstall are a common headache for Android and iOS users. With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you should be able to force the app to be removed in most cases. Just be sure to try less disruptive solutions before resorting to a full factory reset which erases your device. Backing up your data ahead of time will save you from headaches down the road. With a little patience, you can reclaim your storage space and get rid of stubborn unwanted apps.