Have you ever found yourself frantically swiping through screens on your iPhone trying to find where the App Store went? If so, you‘re not alone.
While it may feel like finding a needle in a haystack, I’m here to show you how easy it is to redownload Apple‘s iconic marketplace in just a few taps.
In this light-hearted guide, we‘ll cover:
- Key background on why over half a billion people access the App Store each week
- Common reasons you may have lost the icon and need it back
- A simple 4-step process to retrieve the App Store with visual examples
- Answers to frequently asked follow-up questions about reinstalling apps
So, if you wake up one morning wondering what happened to that familiar blue App Store icon….don’t panic! Just grab your iPhone and let’s solve this minor crisis together.
Why Over Half a Billion People Can’t Live Without the App Store
Before we solve our missing app dilemma, let me share some fun facts that highlight why access to the App Store itself is so important.
Over 2 million apps to explore
The App Store is the portal leading to over 2 million iOS apps across every category imaginable – from hot new games and social networks to productivity tools and educational apps. That‘s a lot of digital possibilities!
130 billion app downloads…and counting
Since the App Store opened in 2008, there have been over 130 billion app downloads globally. And that number grows every day with over half a billion visitors per week searching for their next app fix.
$643 billion paid to developers
The App Store provides the platform for developers big and small to publish apps that users love. To date, developers have earned over $643 billion thanks to App Store downloads and in-app transactions.
So for consumers, the App Store opens you up to a world of convenient digital apps at your fingertips. And for app creators, it provides access to an enthusiastic community ready to support innovative products and games.
That’s why it’s inconvenient when you can’t find it on your own iPhone screen!
Common Reasons You May Have Deleted the App Store
Before we dive into redownloading tactics, let‘s go over some typical reasons people lose easy access to the App Store in the first place:
Reason 1: You accidentally deleted it
The most common scenario is you were organizing your home screen, got delete-happy tapping and holding apps, and inadvertently removed the App Store. It happens all the time!
Reason 2: You hid it away intentionally
Some people remove the App Store out of sight if they don‘t download new apps frequently. However, even infrequent downloaders may need access occasionally for updates or reinstalls.
Reason 3: Your device glitched
In very rare cases, a system glitch or unstable jailbreak has led some to report the App Store vanishing. But a quick redownload restores access.
The key point to remember is: the App Store is impossible to fully delete from any standard consumer iPhone models. You’ve likely just removed the icon from easy access. Now let’s get it back front and center!
Step 1: Open Up the App Library
The App Library is where all your iPhone apps live behind the scenes when not populating one of your home screen pages. Think of it like purgatory for unused apps!
To access this holding pen of icons on modern iPhone models:
If you have Face ID
- Swipe right continuously from your first home screen
- Keep swiping past all your pages
| iPhone Model | Gesture to Open App Library |
|---|---|
| iPhone X or later with Face ID | Swipe right from first home screen |
| iPhone 8 or earlier with home button | Swipe left from final home screen |
If you have a Home Button
- Swipe left continuously instead from final home screen
You’ll know you’ve reached the App Library when you see folders containing all your apps.
Step 2: Search for the App Store
Once inside the App Library you now have access to the complete app catalog.
You could scroll through every folder to visually find the App Store. But a faster route is using the search bar.
Tap into the search field at the very top where it says "Search" by default. Then type the words "App Store" and wait a split second.
The recognizable blue icon should bubble up instantly in the results above.
Type "App Store" in the App Library search bar for quick access
If for some reason the icon doesn‘t appear, double check your spelling and tap into the search bar again before retyping. This should surface the link.
Step 3: Prep the Icon for Movement
Here’s the slightly tricky part so pay attention!
Tapping the App Store search result opens the app itself. However our job isn’t done yet. We still need to get it back onto the home screen dock.
To prepare for movement, you’ll long press the icon instead of tapping it. Press firmly for about 2 seconds until you see it wiggle and a green + sign appear on top.
The wiggle indicates it is able to be dragged around now.
Long press the icon for about 2 seconds to prepare for dragging
Don’t worry if it takes a few tries to trigger the wiggle. Just keep long pressing until you see motion.
Step 4: Drag It Home
This last step is so gratifying!
Now with one finger still pressed on the shaking icon, use another finger to navigate back to your home screen area on the left.
You should be able to drag the App Store icon across the screen like moving any standard app. Position it on your dock or whichever home screen page you prefer.
When the icon is in its forever home, lift your pressing finger to drop.
The App Store will now stay firmly in place on your designated screen so you never lose it again! Rejoice at the reunion.
Drag the icon to your preferred home screen location
And just like that in a few simple steps, order is restored with your gateway to over 2 million apps back at your fingertips!
Got Questions? Here Are Answers to the Most Common Ones
Recovering your lost App Store is fairly straightforward as we just covered. But I imagine you may have follow-up questions around deleting, redownloading or managing other apps.
Let’s review answers to some frequently asked ones:
Can I permanently delete the App Store forever?
No. As a core system app, the App Store can never fully be removed from any iPhone or iPad operating standard iOS or iPadOS. It may not always be visible, but remains on the back-end.
What if I delete an app no longer available in the App Store?
If you delete an app that developer has pulled or outdated from the App Store catalog, that app will be gone for good unfortunately. Even past purchases can’t be redownloaded if the app was removed on the backend. Moral of the story: don‘t delete apps you ever foresee wanting again!
How do I switch App Stores between countries?
The App Store automatically defaults to the storefront associated with the address and payment details linked to your Apple account. To access another country’s app selection, you’ll need to create a separate Apple ID registered in the target country.
Can I merge two App Store & iTunes accounts?
If you wish to consolidate App Store purchases and subscriptions under one account, yes Apple offers an account merging process. You can combine your entire purchase history by contacting iTunes Support to initiate a transfer. Just know not all regions and content types are eligible.
I hope this not only resolved your missing App Store icon dilemma but also answered some common questions about protecting app access! Let me know if any other issues pop up. Now go reacquaint yourself with that magical blue portal!
