There could be several reasons why your iPhone won’t permanently delete apps. Let’s go through some possible causes and solutions:
1. Content & Privacy Restrictions: One possible reason is that the “Deleting Apps” option is disabled in your Content & Privacy Restrictions settings. To check this, open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on Screen Time. Then, go to Content & Privacy Restrictions and select iTunes & App Store Purchases. Make sure that the option for Deleting Apps is set to “Allow.” If it’s set to “Don’t Allow,” you won’t be able to uninstall apps on your iPhone.
2. App Offloading: Another reason could be that your iPhone is set to offload unused apps automatically. This feature is designed to free up storage space by removing apps you don’t frequently use, but it keeps the app data intact. To check if app offloading is enabled, go to Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage. If you see a list of apps with an “Offload App” option next to them, it means that offloading is enabled. You can disable it by tapping on the app and selecting “Reinstall App.”
3. App Store Account: If you’re unable to permanently delete apps, it’s worth checking the App Store account you’re signed in with. Sometimes, apps might be tied to a different Apple ID or account, and you won’t be able to delete them unless you’re logged in with that specific account. To verify your account, go to the App Store app, tap on your profile picture in the top right corner, and check the account details.
4. Restrictions on App Deletion: If you’re using a device managed by an organization or a family sharing plan, there might be restrictions in place that prevent app deletion. In such cases, you’ll need to contact the device administrator or the family organizer to adjust the settings and allow app deletion.
5. Software Issues: Occasionally, software glitches or bugs can also cause issues with deleting apps. To troubleshoot this, try restarting your iPhone by pressing and holding the power button until the slider appears, then slide to power off. After a few seconds, turn it back on and try deleting the app again. If the problem persists, you can also try updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements.
Remember, these suggestions are not exhaustive, and there may be other factors contributing to the issue. If none of these solutions work, it’s recommended to consult Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.