Short answer: Offload App removes the app itself but keeps its documents and data, so reinstalling brings you back where you left off. Delete App removes the app *and* its data. Offload apps you'll use again; delete apps you're done with or whose data you don't need. You'll find both in Settings › General › iPhone Storage › [app].
Steps
- Open Settings › General › iPhone Storage and wait for the list. Apps are sorted by size.
- Tap an app. The screen shows App Size (what offloading frees) and Documents & Data (what only deleting frees).
- Tap Offload App to keep the data, or Delete App to remove everything. Confirm.
- An offloaded app keeps its Home Screen icon with a small cloud. Tap it to reinstall (you need internet).
- To offload automatically, turn on Settings › Apps › App Store › Offload Unused Apps (on iOS 17 and earlier, Settings › App Store). iOS then offloads apps you haven't used for a while when storage runs low.
Offload vs delete compared
| Feature | Offload App | Delete App |
|---|---|---|
| App removed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Documents and data kept | ✓ | — |
| Space freed | App Size only | App Size + Documents & Data |
| Home Screen icon | Stays, with a cloud | Removed |
| Coming back | Tap the icon; data is still there | Reinstall; data only if it's synced to an account or iCloud |
| Subscriptions | Keep billing | Keep billing |
When to offload and when to delete
- Offload games with save files, travel and seasonal apps, banking apps you open twice a year: the data is small and you want it back.
- Delete apps you'll never use again, and apps whose Documents & Data is huge but disposable (old downloads, caches).
- Neither helps much when an app's App Size is small and its Documents & Data is big: offloading frees almost nothing. Clear the app's downloads or cache instead (clear cache).
Two catches with offloading
- The app must still be in the App Store. If the developer removes it, an offloaded app may not reinstall, and its data is stuck. Don't offload apps you depend on that are no longer updated.
- Offload Unused Apps decides for you. It offloads quietly, which can surprise you when you're offline and need an app. If you prefer control, offload by hand.
Apps aren't usually the biggest problem
On most iPhones, Photos takes more space than all apps together. If that's you, offloading a few apps buys time, but cleaning the library frees more. Spaceclear finds duplicates, similar shots (best kept), bursts, screenshots and big videos, and can compress videos and turn Live Photos into stills. It can't offload or delete other apps; iOS reserves that for you. See free up storage without deleting anything.
FAQ
What happens when you offload an app?
iOS removes the app's program files but keeps its documents, settings and data on the iPhone. The icon stays on your Home Screen with a cloud symbol. Tap it and the app downloads again with your data intact.
Does offloading an app cancel the subscription?
No. Offloading or deleting an app never cancels a subscription. Cancel it in Settings › [your name] › Subscriptions (how).
Should I turn on Offload Unused Apps?
It's a good safety net if you install many apps and forget them. Turn it off if you often need apps offline, or if you'd rather choose yourself what gets removed.
Updated 2026-11-13