Adding apps to your iPhone home screen is a fundamental task, but the exact steps depend on whether you're adding an app you've already downloaded, or a new app from the App Store. This guide will cover both scenarios, along with troubleshooting common issues.
Adding an App Already Downloaded
If you've already downloaded an app but it's not on your home screen, it's likely hiding in your App Library. Here's how to find and add it:
-
Locate the App Library: Swipe right on your home screen until you reach the App Library. This is a centralized location for all your apps, organized alphabetically and by category.
-
Find Your App: Search for the app using the search bar at the top of the App Library or scroll through the alphabetically organized lists.
-
Add to Home Screen: Once located, press and hold the app icon. After a short moment, the icons will start to jiggle, indicating edit mode.
-
Drag and Drop: Drag the app icon to your desired location on one of your home screens.
-
Save Changes: Once you've placed the app, the icons will stop jiggling. You can now release the app icon.
Adding a New App from the App Store
Adding a new app is a straightforward process:
-
Open the App Store: Locate the App Store icon on your home screen and tap it to open.
-
Search for the App: Use the search bar at the top of the screen to find the app you want to add.
-
Download the App: Once you've found the app, tap the "Get" button. You may be prompted to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
-
Automatic Home Screen Addition: After downloading and installing, the app will typically be automatically added to your home screen. If it isn't, you may need to check your App Library, as described in the previous section.
What if the App Isn't Showing Up After Downloading?
If an app isn't appearing on your home screen or in your App Library after downloading, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Check for updates: Ensure your iPhone's software is up-to-date by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Check your storage: A full storage capacity can prevent app installations. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to manage your storage.
- Check your network connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Reinstall the app: Delete the app and then redownload it from the App Store.
How to Organize Apps on Your Home Screen
Once you've added your apps, you might want to organize them. You can:
- Create Folders: Group similar apps together in folders by dragging one app on top of another.
- Rearrange Apps: Drag and drop apps to rearrange their order on your home screen.
- Remove Apps from Home Screen (Without Deleting): Press and hold an app until it jiggles, then tap the small "x" in the corner to remove it from your home screen while keeping it in the App Library.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and organize your iPhone's home screen to suit your personal preferences and workflow. Remember that the App Library is a powerful tool for managing a large number of apps and keeping your home screens clean and uncluttered.
