The App Library on iPhone is your built-in solution to app clutter. Introduced in iOS 14, it automatically organizes all your apps into smart categories and lets you hide Home Screen pages while still keeping your apps installed and searchable.
By mastering the App Library, you can streamline your iPhone’s layout, speed up app access, and reduce distractions—without deleting a thing.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to navigate, customize, and optimize the App Library for daily use.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Access the App Library
- Swipe left past your last Home Screen page.
- You’ll land on the App Library, organized into folders like Social, Utilities, and Entertainment.
2. Open an App
- Tap an app icon to launch it.
- Or, tap a folder (e.g., Productivity) to expand it and see all apps inside.
3. Search for Any App
- At the top, use the search bar to find any app alphabetically.
- Scroll or type the app name for quick access.
4. Remove Apps from Home Screen (But Keep Them Installed)
- Long-press an app on the Home Screen.
- Tap Remove App → Remove from Home Screen.
- It now lives only in the App Library.
5. Add an App Back to Home Screen
- In the App Library, long-press the app.
- Tap Add to Home Screen, or drag it directly to your preferred page.
6. Hide Entire Home Screen Pages
- Long-press on a blank area of the Home Screen until apps jiggle.
- Tap the page dots at the bottom.
- Uncheck pages you want to hide, then tap Done.
7. Set New Downloads to Go Only to App Library
- Go to Settings → Home Screen.
- Under Newly Downloaded Apps, select App Library Only.
Pro Tips & Workflow Improvements
- Use Siri + App Library Together: Say “Open [App Name]” and Siri fetches it directly from the Library.
- Declutter Without Deleting: Hide niche apps in the Library instead of deleting—you won’t lose data.
- Customize App Order (Sort of): While folders are auto-generated, using search or Siri Suggestions can override the layout.
- Reorder Home Screens: From the Home Screen page editor, long-press and drag page thumbnails to reorder.
- Focus Mode Shortcut: Tie specific Home Screen pages to Focus Modes—hide social apps while working.
Advanced Use Case
Combine Focus Mode + App Library for Smart Work/Home Setups
- Go to Settings → Focus → select or create a mode.
- Choose Home Screen → toggle Custom Pages.
- Only show pages with work apps while focusing.
- All other apps stay accessible in App Library, out of sight but not out of reach.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
App Missing From Library?
- Use the search bar—sometimes it’s filed under an unexpected category.
- Make sure the app isn’t deleted.
Can’t Hide Apps Completely?
- iOS doesn’t allow you to remove an app from both the Home Screen and the App Library unless you delete it.
Downloaded Apps Not Showing on Home Screen?
- Check Settings → Home Screen and toggle to “Add to Home Screen” if preferred.
App Library Keeps Reordering?
- Unfortunately, folders in the App Library can’t be customized. Use search or Spotlight for direct access.
Conclusion
The App Library is one of iPhone’s most underrated features for staying tidy without losing access to anything. Once you get used to it, your Home Screen can be clean, distraction-free, and perfectly customized for how you use your phone.
Want more control? Explore our guide on Focus Mode Home Screen setups or learn how to automate layout changes using Shortcuts.
