Top 9 Solutions to Bring Back the App Store on Your iPhone or iPad

ByJim Miller

The App Store is the go-to platform for installing apps on iPhones and iPads. However, it can be frustrating when the App Store suddenly disappears from your device. If you're facing this issue, don't worry! In this article, we'll explore nine effective ways to restore the missing App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Let's dive in!

1. Restart Your iPhone

Before trying any fixes, it's always a good idea to restart your phone. Sometimes, minor bugs can cause app icons to go missing. Simply restart your iPhone, and there's a good chance the App Store icon will reappear.

2. Find the App Store Using Spotlight Search

One of the easiest ways to find the missing App Store is by using the search feature on your device. Here's how:

  1. Swipe down on the home screen to open the search.
  2. Type “App Store” in the search bar.
  3. The App Store icon will show up in the search results. Press and hold it, then select “Add to Home screen.”

If you don't see this option, it means the App Store is already present on your home screen. However, you can still add it again by dragging the App Store icon upwards onto the home screen.

3. Find App Store in the App Library

If you've accidentally deleted the App Store from your home screen, it may be located in the App Library. To find it, follow these steps:

  1. Swipe left multiple times on your home screen until you reach the App Library screen.
  2. Tap on the search bar at the top of the App Library and search for “App Store.”
  3. Press and hold the App Store icon, then move it to the home screen.

Alternatively, you can tap on the four-app icon of the Utilities folder to expand the folder. Here, you'll find the App Store icon. Touch and hold the App Store icon, then drag it towards the home screen and leave it there.

4. Look Inside Folders

If the above methods didn't work, it's worth checking inside any folders on your home screen. You might have accidentally moved the App Store to a folder. Go through all the folders and see if you can spot the App Store. If you find it, simply drag it back to the home screen.

5. Look Inside Hidden Pages

In iOS 14+, you have the option to hide entire home screen pages to declutter your device. If you've hidden the page containing the App Store, it may seem like the App Store has disappeared. However, you can still find it using Spotlight search or the App Library. Follow these steps to unhide a page:

  1. Long press anywhere on the home screen until the icons start shaking.
  2. Tap on the page dots at the bottom.
  3. Make sure all the home screen pages are selected. If any page is not selected, tap the selection circle to enable it. The hidden page should now appear on the home screen.

6. Turn off Restrictions

If you still can't find the App Store, it might be disabled in your device's Screen Time settings. To enable it, follow these steps:

  1. Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
  2. Go to “Screen Time” and then “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
  3. Tap on “iTunes & App Store Purchases.”
  4. Make sure “Allow” is selected under “Installing Apps.”

On iOS 11 and lower, you can find these settings by going to “Settings > General > Restrictions > iTunes Store” and selecting “On.”

7. Update iPhone Software

If none of the above solutions worked, there's a possibility that a bug in your iPhone's current iOS version is causing the App Store to disappear. To fix this, make sure to update your device's operating system to the latest version. Simply go to “Settings > General > Software update” and install the available update.

8. Reset Home Screen Layout

If all else fails, you can try resetting the home screen layout of your iPhone. This will remove any customizations you've made to the home screen, including hidden pages and added apps. To reset the home screen layout, go to “Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout.” Note that resetting the home screen will not uninstall any apps from your iPhone.

9. Reset Settings

As a last resort, you can try resetting the settings on your iPhone. This will restore all settings to their default values, potentially bringing back the App Store if a setting was responsible for its disappearance. Resetting settings will not uninstall any apps or delete data from your iPhone. To reset all settings, go to “Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.”

These nine solutions should help you bring back the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Once you've found it, you can continue using it to download and enjoy your favorite apps.