SelectApp Store>Offload Unused Apps.

Toggle theOffload Unused Appsswitch to on.

It can also be an excellent way to remove addictive social apps from the screen while keeping their data.

iPhone with Settings, App Store, and “Offload Unused Apps” highlighted

SelectGeneral>iPhone Storage.

Go toOffload Unused Appsand selectEnable.

Go through the list of apps and choose an app to offload manually.

iPhone settings with General, iPhone Storage, and “Offload Unused Apps” highlighted

In this example, we’ll use the Google Assistant app.

Remember, manual offloading is optional as iOS automatically offloads unused apps when its low on storage.

TapOffload App, then tapOffload Appagain to confirm.

iPhone settings with Assistant app highlighted, then Offload App highlighted

What Does It Mean to Offload an App on an iPhone?

The iPhone optimizes storage space with a three-pronged strategy.

Users can trash documents and files, remove an app with all its data, or offload an app.

If anyone asks, Does offloading an app free up space?

the answer is yes.

Offloading an app is different fromdeleting an app on an iPhone.

It helps you avoid the monotony of configuring an app from scratch.

The app’s icon and user data will remain on the iPhone.

The icon will display a cloud with a downward arrow.

When you want to use it again, tap the icon and download it again.

Storage space is necessary to keep iOS updated.

So, this feature working under the hood gives you the flexibility to uninstall apps without losing data.

As it only removes unused apps, you shouldnt miss them too much.

You also might have to sign in again with your username and password if required.

An offloaded app displays the usual icon but not the cloud icon inSpotlight.

TapOKto download the app.

Theres no download progress indicator, so you have to go to the last known location of the app.

ChooseApp info>Uninstall.

On iOS, tap and hold on the app, then selectRemove app>Delete app>Delete.

You then have the option of removing the app from the Home screen or deleting it completely.

On Android, bring up the Google Play app, select yourprofile icon, then selectManage apps & unit.

SelectUpdate Allto download patches for everything, or selectUpdatenext to individual apps to patch them.

On iOS, launch the App Store, select yourprofile icon, then selectUpdatenext to apps or selectUpdate All.

Tomove apps to a SD card on Android, first check that the SD card is properly formatted.

Then, go toSettings>Apps & notifications>App infoand choose the app you want to move.

SelectStorage>Changeand choose the SD card from the list of options.