Prevent iOS Apps from Reinstalling in iTunes - Guide
Preventing Apps from Reinstalling on Your iOS Device
Upon deleting an application from your iPhone or iPad, you might find it reappears following synchronization with iTunes on your computer. Fortunately, a method exists to disable the automatic reinstallation of apps after deletion.
Applications removed from your iOS device remain present within iTunes and are subject to reinstallation during synchronization. To circumvent this, three specific settings require deactivation – one directly on your device and two within iTunes. The following instructions detail how to modify these settings.
Deleting an App from Your Device
To initiate the removal of an app from your iPhone or iPad, a prolonged press on the app’s icon is necessary. This action causes all icons and folders to enter a wiggling state, accompanied by the appearance of a delete badge (an “X” within a circle) in the icon’s upper-left corner. Tapping this “X” button will delete the app from your device.
Disabling Automatic Downloads on Your iOS Device
To prevent a previously deleted app from being automatically reinstalled, a setting on your device must first be adjusted. Begin by tapping the “Settings” icon on your home screen.
Within the “Settings” menu, select “App and iTunes Stores”.
Under the “Automatic Downloads” section, toggle the green slider button next to “Apps” to the off position. Consider disabling “Music”, “Books”, and “Updates” as well, if you wish to prevent automatic installations from the App Store.
When a setting is disabled, the slider button will turn white, and the change will take effect immediately. Return to the Home screen by pressing the Home button.
Adjusting iTunes Settings
Two additional settings within iTunes must be modified to fully prevent app reinstallation. First, disable the “Automatic Downloads” feature within iTunes itself. Open iTunes and navigate to “Preferences” via the “Edit” menu.
In the “General Preferences” dialog box, click “Store” on the toolbar located at the top.
To stop apps from reinstalling after deletion, deselect the “Apps” check box within the “Automatic Downloads” section. Ensure the check mark is removed.
Click “OK” to save your changes and close the preferences window.
Final iTunes Adjustment
Connect your iOS device to your computer. Once connected, select your device’s icon from the iTunes toolbar.
In the left pane, click “Apps” under the “Settings” section.
The “Apps” screen allows for app management via iTunes.
Scroll down and deselect the “Automatically install new apps” check box, ensuring it is unchecked.
Important Note: If any of these three options remain enabled, apps will be reinstalled after deletion. Complete deactivation of all three settings is essential to prevent this behavior.