Why can’t I uninstall apps even after turning Strict Mode off?
Strict Mode is off, but you still can’t uninstall apps from your iPhone? Here’s what’s going on and how to fix it.
Why this happens
When Strict Mode is active with Disable app uninstalling turned on, AppBlock uses iOS Screen Time to restrict app uninstalls. Occasionally, when you turn Strict Mode off, iOS doesn’t immediately remove that restriction — so the “Delete App” option stays hidden or greyed out for a little longer than it should.
How to fix it
Try these in order:
- Refresh your blocking — Open AppBlock → Blocking tab → tap the refresh icon.
- Restart your iPhone — this usually clears any leftover system restrictions.
- Check Screen Time settings — go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure Deleting Apps is allowed.
- Wait a few minutes and try uninstalling again — iOS sometimes needs a moment to update its restrictions.
If apps still can’t be uninstalled
Reach out to support and let us know your AppBlock version, your iOS version, and whether the Settings → Screen Time restrictions look correct.
Good to know
Once everything is back to normal, the Delete App option will reappear when you long-press an app icon and uninstalling will work the way it normally does on iOS.
