If a downloaded app is not showing on iPhone after you install it, the app is usually still on the device, just placed in the App Library or on a hidden Home Screen page. You can find it by searching from the Home Screen, checking the App Library, or resetting the Home Screen layout, with re-downloading from the App Store as the documented fallback.
Why Your Downloaded App Is Not Showing on iPhone
New App Store downloads can be set to go directly to the App Library instead of the Home Screen, or an app can end up on a Home Screen page you have hidden. In either case, the app remains installed and searchable, so the first fix is to look for it rather than reinstall it. Additionally, make sure that the app is compatible with your current iOS version and device model. Remember to check if the app is associated with a particular Apple ID or if there are any restrictions enabled on your iPhone.
Search for the App from the Home Screen
On iPhone with iOS 16 and later, swipe down from the middle of the Home Screen, or tap the Search field at the bottom of the Home Screen, then type the app name. If the app appears in the search results, tap it to open it. If it does not appear, check whether the app is hidden or has been removed from a Home Screen page; apps on a hidden page still appear in App Library.
Check App Library to Find Downloaded Apps
The App Library is a new feature introduced in iOS 14 that automatically organizes your apps into a neat and searchable interface. If the app was downloaded from the App Store but is not visible on a Home Screen, go to App Library by swiping left past all Home Screen pages. Tap the search field at the top of the screen and enter the app name, or scroll up and down to browse the alphabetical list. Tap the app to open it. If a category shows a few small app icons, tap the category to expand it and see all apps in it. To move the app back to the Home Screen, press and hold the app icon until the options appear, then choose Add to Home Screen. Then, select 'Add to Home Screen' to place it back on the main screen. Apple documents that new App Store downloads can be set to go to “Add to Home Screen” or “App Library Only” at Settings > Home Screen & App Library.
Reset Home Screen Layout to Display Missing Apps
If the app is still missing from the Home Screen, open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset, then tap “Reset Home Screen Layout.” Tap “Reset Home Screen” to confirm. Apple says this returns built-in apps to their original layout, arranges downloaded apps alphabetically after Apple’s built-in apps, and removes any folders you created. It's important to note that resetting the home screen layout will not delete any of your apps or data. It simply rearranges the icons on your home screen to their original positions. If the missing downloaded app still doesn't appear on your home screen after resetting the layout, there may be other factors at play. In this case, continue troubleshooting using other methods, such as checking the App Library or restoring the app from the App Store purchased list.
Re-Download the App from the App Store
If the app icon still does not appear after checking search, App Library, and resetting the Home Screen layout, you may have to download the app from the App Store again. Open the App Store, search for the app, and tap the download button. Restore Missing Downloaded App from App Store Purchased List by using the Purchased section under the account icon. If you had downloaded the app using a different Apple ID or if the app has been removed from the App Store, it may not appear in your Purchased List. If the above steps don't help in restoring the missing app, you may want to reach out to the app developer for further assistance. If you continue to experience problems with a specific app, reaching out to Apple Support can provide you with further guidance and troubleshooting steps tailored to your specific situation.
Prevent Apps from Hiding in the Future
To keep new downloads from disappearing, go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library and choose “Add to Home Screen” instead of “App Library Only” for new downloads. This setting applies to future App Store installs, so apps you download after changing it will appear on the Home Screen by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my downloaded app disappear from the Home Screen?
Apps can disappear when the Home Screen layout is reset, when they are moved to the App Library, or when they are placed on a hidden Home Screen page. The app itself is usually still installed and searchable.
Will resetting the Home Screen layout delete my apps?
No. Resetting the Home Screen layout only rearranges icons, returning built-in apps to their original positions and arranging downloaded apps alphabetically. It removes folders you created but does not delete apps or data.
How do I stop new apps from going to the App Library?
Go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library and select “Add to Home Screen” instead of “App Library Only.” This applies to new downloads after you change the setting.
What should I do if the app is still missing after trying all the fixes?
If the app was purchased with a different Apple ID, sign in to that account before downloading.
For the wider topic, see navigating home screen and apps.
