iPhone

How to Add App to Favorites on iPhone

December 16, 2024

Adding an app to your favorites on an iPhone streamlines your access to essential tools, ensuring swift navigation and increased productivity.

Whether you’re organizing your home screen or making apps more accessible, this straightforward guide will help you master the art of app placement on your iPhone.

You’ll learn how to add apps to your home screen, customize widgets, and manage app icons efficiently. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge to enhance your user experience, making your iPhone’s home screen reflect your personal preferences and needs.

Get ready to optimize your device’s interface, utilize the docking feature, and configure app folders to suit your lifestyle. This guide covers all crucial aspects, from adding apps to the favorites bar to managing them within the app library.

Dive in to discover practical tips and gain complete control over your iPhone’s home screen layout, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.

How To Add An App To Favorites On iPhone: Quick Workflow

To add an app to your favorites on an iPhone, particularly in the context of the Share menu, follow these steps:

Adding Apps to Favorites in the Share Menu

Open an App: Launch any app that allows sharing, such as Photos, Safari, or Files.
Tap the Share Icon: Look for the Share icon (a box with an upward arrow) and tap it.
Access More Options: Swipe left on the app icons displayed in the share sheet until you reach the end, then tap on the More option.
Edit Favorites: In the More menu, tap the Edit button located at the top right corner.
Select Favorite Apps: You can add apps to your favorites by tapping the green plus icon next to them or remove them by tapping the red minus icon. You can also rearrange the order of your favorite apps by dragging them with the three horizontal lines icon.
Save Changes: Once you have made your selections, tap Done to save your changes.

maxresdefault How to Add App to Favorites on iPhone

Identifying Apps with Share Functionality

To start customization, you’ll find that many apps on your iPhone or iPad have built-in share functionality. This feature allows you to send data—a photo, a link, or a document—to other apps or contacts. Look for the square icon with an arrow pointing upward—this is your gateway.

Steps to Open the Share Menu

Opening the Share Menu is straightforward. Tap on the share icon when you have selected the content you want to share. This icon is prominently displayed in most apps, ensuring easy access.

Adding and Removing Apps

Navigating to the “More” Section

Scroll to the far right of the app icons in the Share Menu. Tap on the “More” button, which revels in the expanding realm of available apps.

Toggling Apps On and Off

Once inside the “More” section, a switch next to each app allows for toggling. Enable or disable based on personal preference. This quick toggle saves time in finding your favorite tools.

Adding and Removing Apps in Favorites

Inside the same section, tap “Edit.” Here, you can add apps to your favorites by hitting the plus sign next to each app name. Removal is equally simple—click the minus sign.

Rearranging Favorites

Using Drag-and-Drop for Reordering

Favorites out of order? Hold and drag the three horizontal lines next to each app to reorder them. This drag-and-drop interface offers simplicity and control.

Saving Changes Effectively

After rearranging, tap “Done” to save your changes. Ensure no steps are skipped to lock in your ideal configuration.

Adding or Removing Actions

Below the app row, you’ll notice actions like copy, print, or add to notes. To customize, scroll down and tap “Edit Actions.” Add or delete by tapping the green plus or red minus buttons.

Reordering Actions for Easy Access

Just like with apps, drag the actions using the lines next to each action. Place the ones you use most often at the top for quick access.

Managing Suggested Contacts

Overview of Suggested Contacts Feature

Suggested contacts appear based on your communication habits. While convenient for some, it might clutter the Share Menu for others.

Steps to Disable Suggested Contacts (Optional)

Want to remove these suggestions? It’s straightforward: Go to Settings > Siri & Search > turn off “Suggestions when Sharing.” This disables the feature and clears the menu of unwanted suggestions.

Using Control-Click to Access Share Options

Control-click on any file or application that supports the Share Menu. This action brings up a contextual menu with various sharing options. It’s the simplest way to dive into customization.

Navigating to “Edit Extensions”

Inside the Share Menu, you’ll see an option to “More” or expand the sharing choices. Select “Edit Extensions” at the bottom. This section is your control center for customizing what appears in your Share Menu.

Adding, Removing, and Rearranging Apps

Checking or Unchecking Apps

In the “Extensions” section, check or uncheck the apps you want available. Every app listed here has a toggle switch. Flip these switches according to your preferences.

Drag-and-Drop for Custom Ordering

Customize the order of your Share Menu. Use drag-and-drop to place your most-used apps at the top. Mac’s interface is fluid, making this easy and intuitive.

Customizing Actions on Mac

Selecting Actions Relevant to User Needs

Scroll through available actions in the same “Extensions” menu. Select actions that improve your workflow, like “Add to Notes” or “Save to Photos.”

Saving Customized Preferences

After making all desired changes, nothing’s more crucial than hitting “Done.” This ensures your preferences are locked in. No one likes redoing their work due to a forgotten save.

Importance of Favorite Apps

Favorite apps in the Share Menu streamline your workflow. Quick access to frequently used apps? Absolutely necessary.

Integration with Do Not Disturb and Focus Modes is a game-changer. Prioritize essential tools without distractions. Pure productivity.

Adding Apps to Favorites

Navigating to App Settings

Navigate through app settings. Typically found within the app itself or via the device’s settings menu.

Manual Selection of Favorite Apps

Manually select the apps you prefer. Toggle options are usually straightforward. This applies to adding any app, whether it’s for sharing photos, documents, or notes.

Removing Apps from Favorites

Using Edit Functionality in the Share Menu

Want to remove an app? Use the Edit functionality directly in the Share Menu interface. Flexibility at your fingertips.

Reverting to Suggested Apps

If you need to revert, it’s simple. Return to suggested apps with a few clicks, putting control back in your hands.

Rearranging Favorite Apps

Drag-and-Drop Customization

Rearrange through drag-and-drop. Grab an app icon, move it to the desired position. Simple.

Confirming and Saving Changes

Confirm and save changes without hassle. Ensure your setup remains exactly how you like it by hitting that “Done” button.

Managing and Rearranging Favorite Contacts

Adding Contacts to Favorites

Using the Contacts App to Add Favorites

Open the Contacts app. It’s the hub for all contact management. Locate the contact you want to add to favorites; tap their name.

Selecting Contact Information for Specific Actions (Call, Message, FaceTime)

In the contact’s details, you’ll see options for calls, messages, and FaceTime. Tap the star icon next to the specific action you want to add. This targets specific contact methods for quick access.

Removing Contacts from Favorites

Accessing the Favorites Tab in the Phone App

Navigate to the Phone app. Tap on the Favorites tab. Here lies the list of contacts you’ve favorited.

Editing and Deleting Unnecessary Contacts

Tap “Edit” at the top of the screen. Red minus symbols appear next to each favorite contact. Tap these symbols to remove them. This keeps your favorites list uncluttered.

Rearranging Favorite Contacts

Drag-and-Drop for Custom Ordering

Still in Edit mode, use the three horizontal lines next to each contact for dragging and dropping. Customize the order to reflect priority contacts.

Saving Preferences for Quick Access

After rearranging, tap “Done.” This saves your preferences and ensures your most important contacts are always within reach.

Best Practices for Efficient Customization

Identifying Frequently Used Apps and Actions

Reviewing Usage Patterns

First step: know your habits. Get into your iPhone or iPad’s settings and dive into Screen Time. It’s not just a parental control tool—it’s your data goldmine. Identify which apps and actions consistently top the charts.

Prioritizing Based on Functionality

Focus on functionality. Not all high-usage apps are equal. For instance, if you frequently share photos but rarely edit documents, adjust accordingly. Pin your Photos app on top, demote lesser-used apps.

Leveraging Shortcuts for Enhanced Efficiency

Creating New Actions Using the Shortcuts App

Why stick to standard when you can innovate? Open the Shortcuts app. Create custom actions combining tasks you frequently perform.

Example: Creating a photo collage from recent snaps and instantly sharing it.
Another: Automating a morning report with the weather, calendar events, and news.

Integrating Quick Notes and Other iOS Features

Quick Notes. An iOS gem. Enable it and pin it for jotting down ideas on the fly. Pair it with Focus Modes for distraction-free brainstorming. Utilize Widgets for seamless feature access without app hopping.

Regular Maintenance of Favorites

Periodic Review to Adapt to Changing Needs

Set a monthly or quarterly reminder. Review your favorites. Interests and workflows shift—your apps should too. Adaptation is key.

Removing Redundant Apps or Contacts

Redundant apps? They’re clutter. Navigate to your favorites list. Remove apps or contacts that have slipped in relevance. Keep it lean, keep it efficient.

FAQ on How To Add An App To Favorites On iPhone

How do I add an app to my iPhone’s favorites?

Adding an app to your iPhone’s favorites is simple. Long-press the app icon until it jiggles. Drag it to your desired location on the home screen.

Release your finger to place it. Utilize folders and the dock for frequently used apps like Safari or the Settings app.

Can I add widgets to my favorites?

Yes, adding widgets enhances your home screen experience. Long-press the home screen, tap the plus sign, select the app widget, and choose the size.

Widgets can display information like weather or calendar events, adding convenience to your Apple device setup.

How do I create a favorites folder on my home screen?

To create a favorites folder, drag one app icon over another until a folder appears. Name the folder, and add more apps by dragging them into it.

This method helps organize essential apps like Messages, Apple Maps, and Photos app within your iOS device.

Is it possible to add apps to the dock?

Absolutely. Place your most-used apps in the dock for easy access. Drag the app icons to the bottom of the screen.

The dock can hold up to four apps, making it perfect for tools like the Calendar app, iTunes, or the Music app.

How do I rearrange apps on my iPhone?

Rearranging apps is straightforward. Long-press an app icon until it starts to jiggle. Now, drag it to your desired location or folder.

Release the icon to set its new position. Organize essential apps and widgets for a personalized home screen.

Can I add Siri suggestions to my favorites?

Siri often suggests useful shortcuts based on your habits. To add these to your favorites, go to Settings > Siri & Search, find Suggestions in Search, and toggle the switch. It enhances your user experience by integrating frequently used apps and commands.

What is the app library, and how do I use it?

The app library, introduced in iOS 14, organizes your apps into categories. Swipe left from the last home screen page to access it.

Here, you can find frequently used apps without cluttering your main screens, enhancing iPhone navigation for a smoother experience.

How do I customize home screen widgets on my iPhone?

Customizing home screen widgets is easy. Long-press a widget, tap Edit Widget, and modify its settings. Widgets can show information like weather updates or fitness goals. Using widgets effectively enhances your interaction with apps like Health and News app.

Can I add folders within folders on my iPhone?

Unfortunately, creating folders within folders isn’t supported natively by iOS. However, strategically placing apps into well-labeled folders can achieve similar organization.

Manage your home screen efficiently by categorizing apps like Contacts app, Camera app, and Apple Support folder-wise.

How do I revert changes if I accidentally rearrange my apps?

If you mistakenly rearrange apps, simply long-press until they jiggle and drag them back to their original spots.

You can also go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout to restore the default layout. This aids in maintaining your preferred home screen organization easily.

Conclusion

Understanding how to add an app to favorites on iPhone equips you with the ability to customize your home screen effectively. From dragging apps to the desired location, creating folders, and utilizing the dock, the process is straightforward.

Key steps include:

Long-pressing app icons until they jiggle.
Dragging and dropping to preferred spots.
Organizing apps into folders.
Adding widgets for enhanced functionality.

By learning these methods, you enhance iPhone usability and tailor it to your daily needs. Whether it’s adding frequently used apps to the dock or customizing the home screen with widgets, these actions simplify navigation and improve your overall experience.

Implementing these practices ensures that apps like Photos, Calendar, and Music are readily accessible. This offers convenient access to essential tools, directly impacting your productivity.

Keep refining your setup by experimenting with different layouts and configurations. Stay updated with the latest iOS features, as it can bring new ways to optimize your device.

Author
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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.