How do I delete / remove an iPhone app that is stuck installing?
UPDATE (03/11/2015) The App Store and other Apple services are currently experiencing techinical issues. This is why some users are having trouble with apps not installing to their devices. Click here to learn more.
Sometimes iPhone applications get stuck waiting or loading when installing. These apps might be frozen with a blank icon and no way to remove them for days. Holding down on the home screen to delete the stuck app won't even show the black circle with an "x" that appears on other icons. Here are instructions on how to delete these waiting applications:
1. Reboot your iPhone normally. See this link for instructions on how to restart your iPhone.
2. If the apps are still stuck on the home screen, try logging out of the App Store temporarily. Navigate to Settings -> Store -> Apple ID -> Sign Out. Now open the App Store and Navigate to the Featured section. Scroll to the bottom of the page and touch the Sign In -> Use Existing Apple ID. Log in and the stuck apps should reset.
3. Still have strange icons on the screen or frozen downloading apps? Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes. Navigate to the app store. Install the apps you are having a problem with on the computer then sync your iPhone.
Comments
Anonymous replied on Permalink
This worked - thanks so much!
Diamond replied on Permalink
I have a really simple way.
1) settings
2)usage
3)click on app and press delete app
Anonymous replied on Permalink
This works, thank you so much!
MinnKid replied on Permalink
Tried everything but could not delete it. Your method works like a champ. Thanks
Dave Frease replied on Permalink
There is no "USAGE" under settings???? Can you explain please?
Zion replied on Permalink
Settings -> General -> Storage & iCloud Usage -> Manage Storage -> [App you want to delete] > Delete App
G replied on Permalink
It worked! Thanks, Zion!
Sachin replied on Permalink
Thanks. It worked.
Emily replied on Permalink
My problem is that it is an app that is downloading, that I never wanted but somehow it is downloading anyway. I try to go into the settings to get rid of it, but since it has not finished downloading, it doesnt register in the settings as being there.
SteveDadPops replied on Permalink
So simple - got rid of the stuck icon.
You'd think Apple would post that instead of the crap they do.
Thanks!
Ryan replied on Permalink
THANK YOU! Your method worked perfectly!
Koo replied on Permalink
Yeahy thanks so much :) finally managed to delete my much loved app as just wasn't updating and I no longer can use. Will now try reinstalling it, fingers cross lol
RWinchester replied on Permalink
Thank you so much! This was the only thing that worked. And i tried EVERYTHING!! from restarting my phone to resetting my settings and logging out of my itunes account!
You're amazing!
Kristie Cook replied on Permalink
Thanks this was super easy
jill replied on Permalink
google is not in that list in usage?
Demi replied on Permalink
I can't even find useage on my iPhone. It's a 5s... Where am I looking for it?:s
mdfrank replied on Permalink
the apps that are stuck on "waiting" aren't showing up under my usage. there are 4 total, and I've tried everything, and still cannot delete them.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
tried all three steps, darn app still there... pls help
JuSt*FoR*FuN replied on Permalink
Maybe u should turn off and on?
Anonymous replied on Permalink
I tried that with the twitter app, and now I can't download my twitter app again because AppStore says I already have it downloaded which I don't so :(
Tiffany replied on Permalink
Hey did you ever figure out how to fix that because I'm having the same problem right now but for kik messenger
Amanda replied on Permalink
Me too!!! I can't delete Kik it's been stuck downloading for 2 days!!!
Mark1269 replied on Permalink
I had same problem, held the home & power button to restart iPad, then signed out then back in iTunes account, and redownloaded that app, worked for me.
Mandy replied on Permalink
Tried everything to get rid of app, it'll jiggle show the X choose delete but it just sits there! Getting frustrated, done soft reset and signed in and out of iTunes, can't get rid of it? Any help mate
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Can't play Pokemon go because of it :(
Fraser Ramsay replied on Permalink
Same ;(
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Settings > General > Storage & iCloud > Manage Storage > Find app and delete > Reinstall. Worked for me!!
Niranjan replied on Permalink
Wow thank you! That was a great solution. It was nagging me for a long time.
Niranjan replied on Permalink
Wow thank you! That was a great solution. It was nagging me for a long time.
George replied on Permalink
I've struggled for answer to this for months and nothing has worked till now. This worked !!!
Brilliant.
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