iPhone

How to Add an App to the Home Screen on iPhone

September 3, 2024

The Home Screen. It’s your iPhone’s real estate, the prime location where functionality meets individuality. But how do you transform it from a haphazard mess into a curated masterpiece?

Understanding how to add an app to the home screen on iPhone isn’t just about practicality; it’s about wielding control over every pixel.

This article dives into the depths of iPhone app management, providing you with all the essential techniques and nuanced tricks to not only populate but finely tune your home screen setup.

We’ll navigate through methods for adding apps from the App Library, organizing them into intuitive folders, and mastering optimal layouts for both usability and style.

By the end, you’ll be an expert in maneuvering and customizing your digital domain, ready to deploy apps and widgets like a maestro conducts an orchestra.

Time to turn your home screen into a symphony of organization and utility.

How to Add an App to the Home Screen on iPhone: Quick Workflow

To add an app back to the Home Screen on your iPhone, follow these steps:

Method 1: Using the App Library

Access the App Library: Swipe left on your Home Screen until you reach the App Library, which is the last page.
Find the App: You can either scroll through the categories or use the search bar at the top to locate the app you want to add back.
Add to Home Screen: Once you find the app, touch and hold its icon until it becomes selected. Then, drag it to your Home Screen. Alternatively, if you are using iOS 16 or later, after locating the app, you can tap and hold it in the search results and select “Add to Home Screen” from the menu that appears.

Method 2: Resetting Home Screen Layout (if needed)

If you cannot find the app in the App Library or if it seems to be missing entirely, you can reset your Home Screen layout:

Open Settings: Go to your iPhone’s Settings.
Navigate to General: Scroll down and tap on “General.”
Reset Home Screen Layout: Tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone,” then select “Reset” and choose “Reset Home Screen Layout.” This will restore the default layout and return any built-in apps to their original places.

Additional Tips

Automatic Downloads: If you want newly installed apps to automatically appear on your Home Screen, go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library and select “Add to Home Screen” under the “New Downloads” option.

Adding and Organizing Apps on the Home Screen

maxresdefault How to Add an App to the Home Screen on iPhone

Adding Apps to the Home Screen

Methods to add apps from App Library

Found a cool app but can’t see it on your home screen? No biggie. The App Library is your secret vault. Here’s the play-by-play:

Swipe to the App Library: It’s that final page on your iPhone. A hidden gem.
Find Your App: Look for your app in the automatic folders or use the search bar at the top.
Drag and Drop: Hold down on the app icon until a quick menu appears. Select “Add to Home Screen” or simply drag it onto any home screen for lightning-fast placement.

Moving apps from App Library to Home Screen

You’ve probably asked yourself how to add an app to the home screen on iPhone a million times. Once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes muscle memory.

Hold and Drag: Press and hold any app in the App Library until all the icons start to jiggle like they’re dancing to its own tune.
Drop It Like It’s Hot: Drag your app to your desired spot on the home screen and let go. It’s a mix of organization and artistic expression.

Organizing Apps into Folders

Creating folders on the Home Screen

Folders are the magic solution to an overcrowded screen. Keep things neat and tidy with a splash of creativity.

Drag and Drop: Hold down one app until it starts jiggling, then drag it over another app. Voilà, a new folder is born.
Name Your Folder: Give it a name that makes sense. Naming is believing, they say. Tap the folder, hit the text area above and type away.

Best practices for categorizing apps

Now that you have folders, let’s make them rock-solid.

By Usage: Daily essentials in one place. Entertainment in another. Logic rules.
By Type: Social media buddies stick together, as do productivity tools. Cohesion is key.
Color Coding: Aesthetic purposes. It turns chaos into visual symphony.

Rearranging Apps on the Home Screen

How to move apps around the screen

Moving apps isn’t just about order, it’s about convenience. Your thumb deserves better.

Jiggle Mode: Hold down any app icon until they start wiggling like they’re alive.
Dragging: Guide your app to its new home. Consider the day-to-day usability for optimum placement.

Tips for optimal arrangement for usability

Here’s where the art meets the algorithm.

Thumb-Zone Comfort: Frequent apps should be within thumb reach. Efficiency at its best.
Cluster Logic: Keep similar apps together. Navigation becomes second nature.
Visual Balance: Spread out the visual weight, mix text with icon-heavy apps. Balance can be both form and function.
Using and Managing Widgets on the Home Screen

Widgets. They’re not just eye candy; they’re the ultimate game-changer.

Adding Widgets to the Home Screen

A tap, a hold, a drag—it’s almost poetic.

Enter Jiggle Mode: Hold any empty space until the apps start dancing.
Tap the Plus Sign: Top left corner, like a hidden treasure chest. Click it.
Welcome to the Widget Gallery: Scroll through. Pick your flavor. Mail? Calendar? Weather?

Choosing the right widgets for your needs

Determining which widgets deserve screen space? A touch of practicality mixed with a hint of whimsy.

Function Over Form: Sure, the weather widget looks cool, but do you really need it? Prioritize.
Daily Drivers: Email and calendar widgets for the workaholic. Fitness tracker for the health nut.
Aesthetic Flair: Have a little fun! Maps for the traveler, music for the soul.

Organizing Widgets

Widgets and apps together? It’s like putting peanut butter with jelly.

Arranging widgets alongside apps

Placement isn’t just strategy; it’s an art form.

Top of the Screen: Widgets like weather—glanceable, informative.
Mid-Level: Daily tasks, notes—easy to find, hard to ignore.
Bottom Shelf: Rarely used widgets—just a swipe away from indispensable apps.

Stacking widgets for a streamlined Home Screen

Stacking? Think efficiency. Think elegance.

Create Your Stack: Drag one widget over another until they fuse into a stack.
Swipe Through: Quickly scroll through various widgets in one space. Less clutter, more info.
Mix and Match: Combine widgets you frequently switch between—maximize utility.

One size does not fit all. Customize.

Resize Your Widgets: Some like it big; some like it small. Long press till the options appear. Choose your scale.
Widget Positioning: Drag around to fit your ergonomic flow—a symphony on a touchscreen.

Widgets are as dynamic as you are. Customize their insides.

Content Preferences: Long press the widget, tap “Edit Widget.” Select what you see—is it daily tasks, specific emails, or a fitness goal? Your call.
Display Adjustments: Choose between dark mode, light mode—whatever suits your iPhone’s wallpaper best.
Utilizing the App Library for Efficient App Management

App Library. The iPhone’s answer to organized chaos. It’s not just a feature—it’s a sanctuary for your apps.

Accessing the App Library

How to open the App Library

Picture this: you swipe left. Further. To that unreachable, secret corner. Boom, App Library.

Swipe Left: Go past your last screen until you hit the golden gates of app organization.
One More Swipe: Voila! You’ve entered Apple’s meticulously categorized heaven.

Overview of App Library categories and structure

App Library isn’t a jungle—it’s nature. Ordered, flowing, intuitive.

Folders Galore: Automatically sorted into Intelligent Categories. Think “Social,” “Entertainment,” “Shopping.” No effort from you.
Search Bar on Top: Staring down at you, daring you to type. Instant access. Instant joy.
Alphabetical View Available: One tap and you’re looking at an A-Z index. More method than madness.

Searching for Apps in the App Library

Using the search bar for quick access

Search. It’s like playing hide and seek—but without the seeking.

Tap the Search Bar: Enter anything. Part of the name, even. No app can hide.
Suggestions Kick In: As you type, the Library anticipates, showing you potential hits. Fast. Convenient.

Browsing apps alphabetically or by category

An organized mind loves a structured list. Or a categorized display. Your call.

Alphabetical: Swipe down slightly for the A-Z list. It’s delightful alphabet soup.
Category Browsing: Tap into any intelligent folder. There’s a method to this visual madness.

Moving Apps from the App Library to the Home Screen

Methods for restoring apps to the Home Screen

You’ve found it. Now, bring it back to the spotlight.

Long Press and Drag: Hold down the app. Feel the power. Drag it out to that home screen canvas.
Quick Menu Magic: Or, hold down until a menu pops. Select “Add to Home Screen”. And snap, it’s there.

Understanding the limitations of app organization within the library

App Library isn’t without its quirks. Call them character traits.

Limited Customization: Categories are set. You can’t rename or reorder. It’s Apple’s way or the highway.
No Folder Deep-Dives: Unlike your home screens, there’s no going inside folders within folders. One level deep.
Advanced Customization Options

Your iPhone isn’t just a phone; it’s a blank canvas. Let’s make it your masterpiece.

Setting Custom Wallpapers

How to change wallpaper settings

The backdrop sets the mood. It’s the first thing you see and the last thing you touch.

Dive into Settings: Tap Settings app, scroll down to Wallpaper. Open it up.
Choose a New Wallpaper: Tap Choose a New Wallpaper—it’s like stepping into an art gallery.
Static or Dynamic?: Select from Dynamic (animated), Stills (Apple’s default beauties), or Live (livelier than static, doesn’t jump like dynamic).

Tips for selecting wallpapers that complement your Home Screen layout

A wallpaper isn’t just about looks; it’s about harmony.

Function Meets Art: Pick colors that don’t clash with app icons—contrast is king.
Mood Ambiance: Dark mode lover? Choose darker tones to save battery and eyestrain.
Personal Touch: Family photo, a snippet of your favorite movie, or an inspiring quote. Make it yours.

Creating and Managing Custom App Icons

Tools and methods for creating custom icons

Icons are the jewels on your iPhone crown. Standard is boring.

Shortcuts App: A powerhouse. Open it up, tap the + to create a new shortcut. Hit Add Action, choose Scripting, then Open App.
Icon Themer Apps: Dive into apps like Widgetsmith, Canva, or PicsArt. Choose your designs, align them with your aesthetic.

Steps to replace standard icons with custom ones

Replacing icons is like a ritual. A digital rebirth.

Select Your App: From the Shortcuts app, pick the app you want to transform.
Customize It: Tap Choose Photo in the Shortcut’s settings. Select your new icon image. Save it.
Add to Home Screen: Tap the Share button, select Add to Home Screen, and your custom icon replaces the standard one.

Using Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Customization

Overview of popular customization apps

Sometimes you need outside help for inside beauty. Enter third-party apps.

Widgetsmith: The godfather of custom widgets. From weather to calendars, all personalized.
Color Widgets: Simplify your screen with a wide array of aesthetic widgets.
Themify: Pre-made themes that turn your iPhone into an art gallery.

Integration of third-party features with iOS settings

Third-party apps are like spices. Use them right, and your iPhone dish is delicious.

Permissions First: Enable necessary permissions for these apps inside Settings. Let them work their magic.
Sync and Customize: After setting up your widgets or icons in the app, add them to your Home Screen. Long press, select Edit Home Screen, and place your new elements.
Managing App Notifications and Badges

The art and science of keeping your iPhone screamless.

Controlling Notification Badges on the Home Screen

How to enable or disable notification badges

Badges. Those red circles that love to remind, nag, sometimes even stress. Tame them.

Settings App: Dive into the heart—Settings. Like a digital nerve center.
Notifications Menu: Scroll down, tap Notifications. Welcome to the command center.
App Specific Preferences: Scroll, find the app that buzzes too much. Tap it.
Badges: Flip that switch. Red dot of doom, be gone! Or activated, if you’re into that.

Setting notification preferences for individual apps

Personalization doesn’t stop at wallpapers or widgets. You rule your notifications too.

Customize Alerts: Inside the Notifications settings for each app, decide where and how you get alerts. Banners? Lock Screen? Notification Center? Destiny is yours.
Sound Choices: A subtle ding or a raucous ring? Some apps let you pick. The sound is your branding.

Adjusting Notification Settings in the App Library

Managing notification badges in the App Library

Notifications in the App Library—hidden but essential. Keeping tabs without the clutter.

App Library Access: Swipe till you can’t swipe no more—App Library, here we come.
Settings Sync: Thanks to Apple’s structure, your adjustments in the Notifications menu carry over. The App Library stays zen.

Customizing alerts and notifications for a clutter-free Home Screen

Alerts that inform, not overwhelm. Have your cake and eat it too.

Focus Mode: Utilize Focus settings. Customize alerts for different times, places, or moods. Because binge-watching needs silence.
Summary Scheduling: Set notification summaries to deliver non-urgent alerts at chosen times. Morning digests, evening reviews. Organized chaos, controlled.
Minimal Indicators: Opt for subtle indications rather than invasive badges. Turn off those you don’t absolutely need. Clarity, thy name is customization.
Removing and Hiding Apps from the Home Screen

Home screens can get cluttered. Removing and hiding apps can offer a serene digital landscape.

Removing Apps from the Home Screen

Steps to remove apps without deleting them

Say you need a clean slate, but don’t leap too far. Removing isn’t nuking.

Jiggle Mode: Press and hold any app icon until all icons jiggle. They’re ready to be arranged.
Minus Button: Tap the small minus sign in the top-left corner of the app. A confirmation screen will emerge.
Remove From Home Screen: Choose “Remove from Home Screen”. You’ve cleared the space, without banishing the app.

Understanding the difference between removing and deleting apps

There’s a fine line between making an app vanish and erasing it from existence.

Removing: The app is simply relocated. It’s still available in the App Library, not on your home screen.
Deleting: Removes it entirely. The app is gone, sent back to the App Store abyss. Removing is a trim; deleting is an exodus.

Hiding Apps in the App Library

Methods for hiding apps from the Home Screen

Polishing the home screen is more cloak and dagger than heavy lifting.

App Attaché: Long hold on the app until it jiggles. Drag it to the right. Slide through all screens until you reach paradise—the App Library.
Edit Options: Or, tap the minus. When prompted, choose “Move to App Library” for a tidy expulsion.

Advantages of keeping apps in the App Library only

Sometimes, less is more. Letting the App Library handle the load has its perks.

Decluttered Home: Aesthetic simplicity. Reduced visual noise. Zen mode engaged.
On-Demand Access: App Library keeps them one swipe away. Easy access without daily distractions.
Organization by Design: The App Library’s categories—like Social, Entertainment, Productivity—are curated. Precision without effort.
Setting Preferences for New App Downloads

New apps are like new clothes. Where you keep them matters.

Choosing Where New Apps Are Downloaded

Setting preferences for Home Screen vs. App Library

New apps can paint your canvas or fill your toolbox. Choose wisely.

Settings Hunt: Open the Settings app. It’s your control room.
Home Screen & Dock: Scroll to Home Screen & Dock. This is where decisions are made.
Destination Decision: Select Add to Home Screen or App Library Only. Want it front and center? Pick Home Screen. Prefer a quieter entry? App Library’s your choice.

Customizing download settings for ease of access

Organizing isn’t just about placement. It’s about flow.

Instant Accessibility: Choosing Add to Home Screen puts the app right where you see it. No swiping, no searching.
Library First: Opt for App Library Only if you prefer to find and sort later. Keeps the home screen clean, the clutter minimal.

Managing Download Notifications and Alerts

Adjusting notifications for new downloads

Apps are like mail. You need to know when they arrive.

Notification Center: Head back to Settings, dive into Notifications.
App Store Settings: Find App Store within. Tap it.
Alert Customization: Here, choose to Allow Notifications or stay silent. Badges, banners, and sounds—you call the shots.

Ensuring newly downloaded apps are easy to find

Download, but don’t lose.

Notification Badge: Enable it. A small red dot appears—like a new mail alert. Can’t miss it.
Handy Widget: Use the App Suggestions Widget. Shows recent downloads without cluttering your mind or your screen.
Spotlight Search Mastery: Swipe down on the Home Screen, type the app name. Fast and frictionless.

FAQ On How To Add An App To The Home Screen On iPhone

How do I add an app to the Home Screen on my iPhone?

Drag and drop. That’s the essence. Open the App Library, press until it jiggles, drag it to where you want. Done. From App Store? Tap “Open,” see the icon flutter onto your screen. Like magic, only better.

What if the app doesn’t appear on the Home Screen?

Settings play hide and seek. Go to Settings > Home Screen & Dock and choose “Add to Home Screen” instead of “App Library Only.” Ensure no app limit: Settings > Screen Time > Apps Under Limits. Simple sleuth work.

Can I add apps from the App Library to the Home Screen?

Yes. Find it in the App Library. Hold till jiggles. Drag it to your desired spot. Or, press and choose “Add to Home Screen.” Takes a moment, lifetime benefits. Your Home Screen, your rules.

Why can’t I move my app to the Home Screen?

Jiggle trouble? Check restrictions in Settings > Screen Time. Ensure no layout lock: Settings > Home Screen & Dock. The app might need an update or a restart. A little tech yoga.

Are there multiple ways to add apps to the Home Screen?

Yes, two keys: Drag from App Library or tap “Open” post-download. Possibilities endless, methods straightforward—either way, it’s there. Figure out your go-to move and nail it.

What’s the difference between removing and deleting an app?

Removing = App Library resident. Deleting = App Store abyss. Remove keeps data, icon hides. Delete purges it, including settings and data. Choose wisely, one is reversible, the other is exile.

How do I organize apps into folders on the Home Screen?

Folders, the minimalists’ dream. Hold an app till jiggles, drag over another. New folder born, gods of order rejoice. Name it. Keep all your apps in line like little digital soldiers.

Can I customize the appearance of app icons on my Home Screen?

Yes. Dive into Shortcuts > Create New Shortcut > Add Action > Scripting > Open App. Customize icon image. Widgetsmith or Canva helps too. New icons, life’s good. A bit extra but worth the visual pleasure.

How do I adjust notifications for newly downloaded apps?

Settings app. Notifications menu. App Store settings. Enable notifications, choose style—Banners, Lock Screen, Notification Center. Badge or no badge? Red dot or peace? Your call. New arrivals announced.

How do I ensure newly downloaded apps are easy to find?

Enable Notification Badge. Or, use App Suggestions Widget. Spotlight Search: Swipe, type the app name. Stay on top of downloads without clutter. Nothing lost, nothing overlooked. Smart navigation.

Conclusion

Mastering your iPhone’s home screen is more than just functional—it’s transformative. Understanding how to add an app to the home screen on iPhone is pivotal.

You’ve navigated the labyrinth of settings, danced through the App Library, and organized with finesse. From the meticulous placement of app icons to leveraging widgets for an optimized display, every move reflects your personalized touch.

Key takeaways: The drag and drop simplicity, the strategic removal, versus permanent deletion, and, of course, customizing notifications to avoid chaos. The distinction between removing and deleting an app is crucial—maintain a clutter-free screen without losing essentials.

Remember, organizing into folders and using third-party apps for enhanced customization can elevate your interface to new heights. Your iPhone home screen is now a symphony of functionality and aesthetics.

Now, wield that knowledge. Transform your digital space with precision and flair. Your iPhone is more than a device; it’s an extension of you, curated and crafted to perfection.

If you liked this article about how to add an app to the home screen on iPhone, you should check out this article about how to hide apps on iPhone.

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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.