Prevent users from deleting built-in Apple apps

Learn how to restore built-in Apple apps like Mail and Calendar on a managed iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and prevent users from deleting them.

This article is intended for system administrators. If you deleted a built-in Apple app on your personal iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, learn how to restore it.

Prevent users from deleting built-in Apple apps

In iOS 11 or later, you can use mobile device management (MDM) to prevent users from deleting built-in apps on supervised devices.

To use this restriction, turn off "Allow removing system apps", then restart the device for the setting to take effect.

Contact your MDM vendor for additional instructions.

Restore a built-in Apple app that a user has deleted

If you allow users access to the App Store, they can restore built-in apps.

In iOS 11.3 or later, you can use MDM to restore built-in apps.