Offloading removes the app itself while retaining its documents and settings, but it is not a substitute for backing up important app data.
When offloading is useful
- A large app is rarely used.
- You expect to reinstall it later.
- Its data is documented as local and should remain.
- The app is still available from the App Store.
How to do it
Open Settings, General and iPhone Storage, choose the app, then select Offload App. The icon remains with a download symbol. Reinstall by tapping it while connected to the internet.
Check before relying on it
- Confirm the app still exists in the App Store.
- Check whether the account can be signed into again.
- Export irreplaceable projects or recordings.
- Do not offload an app you may urgently need without internet access.
Offload versus delete
Delete App removes both the app and its local data. Read the confirmation carefully, especially for authenticator, recorder, creative and specialist work apps.
Confirm what offloading preserves
Offloading removes the app binary while normally retaining its documents and data, but it does not guarantee that the app will remain available to download later.
- Check that the app still exists in the App Store and supports the current iOS version.
- Confirm important data is also stored in the service account or a separate backup.
- Reinstall one non-critical app first if you are relying on offloading before a trip or device change.
Official sources
Facts checked: 26 July 2026. Menu paths, service rules and device behaviour can change. Recheck the exact phone, software version, account and provider before acting.
