7 Ways to Fix It

As an iPhone user, it can be frustrating when you can’t find the App Store on your device. The App Store is where you can discover, download, and update your favorite apps. But don’t worry, there are several ways to fix this issue and get the App Store back on your iPhone. In this article, I will guide you through seven different methods to help you resolve the problem of the missing App Store. Let’s dive in!

Use Spotlight to Find App Store

If you can’t find the App Store icon on your iPhone’s home screen, don’t panic. The first method to try is using Spotlight search. To access Spotlight, simply swipe down from the center of your home screen. This will open the search bar at the top of the screen. Type “App Store” in the search bar, and if the App Store is still installed on your iPhone, it should appear in the search results. Tap on the App Store icon in the search results to open it. If it doesn’t appear, don’t worry, we have more solutions to try.

Use App Library to Easily Find Missing App Store

With the release of iOS 14, Apple introduced the App Library, a new feature that organizes your apps automatically. If you can’t find the App Store icon on your home screen, it may be hiding in the App Library. Swipe to the rightmost page of your home screen to access the App Library. Here, you’ll find all your installed apps organized in different categories. Scroll down or use the search bar at the top to find the App Store. Once you locate it, you can either open it directly from the App Library or drag it back to your home screen for easier access in the future.

Make Sure App Store is Not on a Hidden Home Screen Page

Sometimes, the App Store may be on a hidden home screen page, making it difficult to find. To check if this is the case, swipe left or right on your home screen to navigate through all your pages. Keep an eye out for the App Store icon on any of the pages. If you find it, simply tap and hold the icon until it starts wiggling, then drag it back to your main home screen for easy access.

Ensure That App Store is Not Restricted

If you’ve tried the previous methods and still can’t find the App Store, it’s worth checking if it is restricted on your device. Restrictions allow you to limit certain features and apps on your iPhone. To check if the App Store is restricted, go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone and tap on “Screen Time.” Next, tap on “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and enter your passcode if prompted. Make sure the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” toggle is turned off. Then, scroll down and ensure that the “iTunes & App Store Purchases” option is set to “Allow.” If it was restricted, enabling it should bring back the App Store icon to your home screen.

Reset Home Screen Layout

If none of the previous methods have worked so far, you can try resetting your home screen layout. This will revert your home screen to its default layout, which may help in restoring the missing App Store icon. To do this, go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone and tap on “General.” Scroll down and tap on “Reset,” then select “Reset Home Screen Layout.” Confirm your decision by tapping “Reset Home Screen” in the pop-up window. After the reset, check your home screen to see if the App Store icon has reappeared.

Reset All Settings

If the App Store is still missing from your iPhone after trying the previous methods, you can try resetting all settings. This will not erase any of your data or media, but it will reset all your settings back to their default values. To reset all settings, go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone and tap on “General.” Scroll down and tap on “Reset,” then select “Reset All Settings.” Enter your passcode if prompted, and confirm your decision by tapping “Reset All Settings” in the pop-up window. After the reset is complete, check your home screen to see if the App Store has returned.

Update Software on Your iPhone or iPad

If none of the previous methods have resolved the issue, it’s possible that your iPhone’s software needs an update. New software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can help resolve issues like the missing App Store icon. To update your iPhone’s software, go to the “Settings” app and tap on “General.” Then, tap on “Software Update.” If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install” to start the update process. Make sure to connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network and keep it charged during the update. Once the update is complete, check your home screen to see if the App Store has reappeared.