As a parent, you should know how to delete an app to manage your kids’ devices. It’s an important skill for you if you want to keep your children safe digitally. And we are writing this blog to help you in this. This guide will explain some simple ways to remove apps on devices. Whether you want to delete an app from an iPhone, iPad, or Android, this blog is useful for you.
Not just this, you are also going to read what deleting an app really means and what happens to app data after removal. Also, you will get to know what to do if you are facing an error while deleting the app. Moreover, this article shares some tips on managing kids’ screen time and using effective parental control tools. So, let’s read without wasting a single second!
What does deleting an App mean?
If you delete an app, it simply means the app will be removed from your phone. You can no longer use it on the device. The benefit of deleting it is that you get more space. Also, you can stop kids from using unsafe apps.
What happens when you delete an app?
Once you delete the app, access to it will be removed. The app icon disappears, and it cannot be opened anymore. Also, your stored files in the app get removed. After deleting any app from your device, you can notice there are no notifications. Also, the app will not be running in the background. Hence, these are the things that happen when you delete an app. In case your child wants to use the app again, you need to download it again from the App Store.
Difference between deleting, disabling, and offloading apps
There are mainly three terms. The first is deleting. The second is disabling, and the third is offloading. Let’s know what it is!
- Deleting an app: If you delete an app, it means the app will not be visible on your device.
- Disabling an app: It usually happens on Android. While disabled, the app stops working, but remains on the phone.
- Offloading an app: This happens on iPhone. Offloading the app means the app will be removed, but the data is saved. This saves space while keeping important information.
Just know that each option works differently. This means parents should choose what fits their kids’ needs.
Will app data, accounts, or subscriptions be removed?
Mostly, when you learn how to delete an app and delete it, the only effect you get is the removal of data on the device. This means your online accounts that are linked to the app stay active. Also, your subscriptions are not always cancelled. Here’s some advice for the parents. You need to check the account or subscription settings separately before deleting any app. This may help you avoid unwanted charges.
Keep your kids safe: easily monitor and remove risky apps using FlashGet Kids.
How to delete an app on iPhone and iPad (iOS)
Deleting from the home screen
- Step 1. Press and hold the app icon: Keep holding until a menu appears.
- Step 2. Tap “Remove App”. This tells your device that you want to delete it.
- Step 3. Select “Delete App” and confirm. The app is removed from the device.
Deleting from the app library
First, swipe left to open the App Library. This shows all installed apps.
Then, press and hold the app icon. A small menu will appear.
Finally, tap “Delete App” and confirm. The app has been deleted completely.
Deleting from settings
- Step 1. Open Settings and tap “General”. This is where app storage is managed.
- Step 2. Tap “iPhone Storage” or “iPad Storage”. You will see a list of apps.
- Step 3. Select the app and tap “Delete App.” Confirm to remove the app.
How to delete an app on Android?
Delete apps from the Home Screen
Press and hold the app icon. Keep holding until options appear on the screen.
Tap “Uninstall”. This shows you want to remove the app.
Tap “OK” to confirm. The app is deleted from the device.
Delete apps through Android Settings
- Step 1. Open Settings and tap “Apps” or “Apps & notifications”. This shows all installed apps.
- Step 2. Select the app you want to remove. The app details page will open.
- Step 3. Tap “Uninstall” and confirm. The app has been removed completely.
Delete apps using the Google Play Store
Open the Google Play Store app. Make sure you are signed in.
Tap your profile icon and choose “Manage apps & device”. This shows installed apps.
Select the app and tap “Uninstall”. Confirm to delete the app.
What to do when an app won’t delete?
Restart your device
Restarting your phone can fix small system problems. Sometimes apps get stuck running in the background. A restart closes all apps and refreshes the system. After restarting, try deleting the app again. This simple step often solves the problem quickly.
Check app permissions and device admin access
Some apps have special control over the device, especially security or parental apps. Open Settings and check if the app has device admin permission. If it does, turn off this access first. Once permission is removed, the app can usually be deleted.
Update your device software
An old system version can cause app errors. Go to your phone’s software update section and check for updates. Installing the latest update can fix bugs that stop apps from deleting. After updating, try uninstalling the app again.
Clear the app cache and data
Sometimes stored data causes issues. Go to Settings, open the app details, and clear its cache and data. This removes temporary files that may block deletion. Once cleared, go back and try uninstalling the app from the device.
Check parental controls or restrictions
If parental controls are active, app deletion may be blocked. Review screen time or family settings on the device. Turn off restrictions for the app you want to remove. After changing these settings, try deleting the app again.
How to manage apps on kids’ devices without deleting them?
Risks of chat apps and games for kids
Talking to strangers without knowing the danger
One of the main risks of using chat apps and games for kids is that they are exposed to strangers. They start talking to the people they don’t even know in real life. As your kids are still developing, they can’t decide who to talk to and who to avoid. They think everyone online is friendly. And we know this is not true! Hence, this is the risk that increases when chats are private, and parents are not watching. That’s why they should learn how to delete an app.
Games with chat can increase screen addiction
The second risk is about addiction. It is very common that when games with chat are installed on your kids’ devices, they get addicted. Let’s know how this addiction starts. Kids continue playing just to keep talking with friends or other players. When they don’t control themselves, this increases their screen time and makes them addicted. Actually, some games are mainly designed to keep kids hooked. This makes it harder to stop on their own.
Sharing images online can be risky for kids
A survey was conducted. In the US, a survey found that about 16% of teens reported some form of online sexual abuse. And, 11% said this involved the sharing of sexual images of them. Therefore, this clearly tells you that if kids share these photos on social media, it can lead to major harm. So, you need to be careful about what they are using and what they are sending on their devices.
Online pressure can affect kids’ mental health
There’s one more risk on the list. It is about the mental health of your kids. Just know that some chat apps and games create pressure to reply fast and stay online. And while playing the game, your kids may worry about being left out. This creates a mental tension in their mind. Some kids feel so sad about this or anxious. But they still choose to stay quiet. And, this gives them extra stress.
Solution: Use a parental control app like FlashGet Kids
After reading all the risks, you may feel worried. But here’s a solution for you! You can use a parental control app like FlashGet Kids. This app is very useful if you want digital safety for your kids. Let’s read the features of this tool:
App blocking and control:
While using FlashGet Kids, you can block and control the apps with just one tap. This can help you stop your kids from opening apps that are age-appropriate. Also, you can allow their access to some selected apps. It makes the device safer, and you don’t even need to delete anything.
The next is that you can set screen time limits. This is the best solution if your kids are addicted to their devices. Setting time limits can help kids avoid spending too much time on addictive apps. With time, their sleeping schedule will get better, and study time will increase.
App usage monitoring:
The third feature is FlashGet Kids shows which apps kids use the most. Also, you can see how long they have been using the app. This can help parents understand their child’s app habits. When they know their habits, they can guide kids in a better direction.
Conclusion
When you are learning how to delete an app, it simply means you are removing it from your device. But while deleting, you need to make sure you are aware of what happens to the data and accounts. Parents should keep in mind that they need to delete apps just to ensure their children are safe and away from harmful apps.
If an educational app is too distracting, it’s better to restrict access than delete it. The impact of doing this is that your kids can learn self-control and healthy screen habits. And if you decide to use a parental control app like FlashGet Kids, this can make it easier for families to keep their kids safe online.
