App Store missing on iPhone or iPad? How to get it back

Has this ever happened to you, where you went to open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, only to realize that the icon is missing? This can be quite confusing, and equally frustrating, especially considering that the App Store is an essential part of your device. If you’re wondering where the App Store icon went, there is some good news for you. Unlike other apps, the App Store is a built-in part of your iPhone or iPad and can’t be uninstalled.

Instead, it’s more likely, that the app has been hidden, or it has just been misplaced. This can happen for various reasons, and it’s usually easy to fix.

6 ways to fix App Store icon missing on the iPhone

Both iOS and iPadOS offer various ways to find the app you wish to launch. Let’s look at some simple fixes you can try to get the App Store icon back on your iPhone and iPad.

1. Use Spotlight Search to get back App Store

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. Using Spotlight Search can help you find the App Store icon quickly.

Swipe down on your home screen to bring up Spotlight Search.
Type App Store into the search bar.
The App Store icon should appear. Simply tap on it to open the app.
You can also check the location of the App Store icon in the search results and move it back to your home screen if needed.

2. Check App Library to find missing App Store

With iOS 14 and later, all apps are stored in the App Library. If your App Store icon is missing, it might be tucked away here. Here’s how to find using the App Library.

Swipe left through your home screens until you reach the App Library.
You can browse through the categories to find the App Store. Alternatively, you can use the search bar at the top of the App Library.
Once you locate the App Store icon, you can drag it back to your home screen for easier access.

3. Check hidden Home Screen pages

Did you know that you can also hide the home screen pages on your iPhone and iPad? You might have accidentally hidden the page where the App Store icon is located. Here’s how to recover it.

Long press on the home screen until all the icons start shaking.
Tap the dots at the bottom of the screen representing your home screen pages.
Ensure that all your home screen pages are checked and not hidden.
Once done, go back to the home screen and look through the pages to find your App Store icon.

4. Turn off App Restrictions for the App Store

If you have set restrictions on your iPhone, it might be blocking the App Store. As a result, this can hide the App Store icon from your home screen. Here’s how to fix it.

Navigate to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
Here, tap on iTunes & App Store Purchases.
Ensure that Installing Apps, Deleting Apps, and In-App Purchases are set to Allow.
Once done, go back to the home screen to check if the App Store icon has reappeared.

5. Reset Home Screen Layout

Resetting your home screen layout can bring all default apps back to their original locations, including the App Store. Here’s how to do that.

Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset.
Tap on Reset Home Screen Layout.
Select Reset Home Screen to confirm your choice.

That’s it. Your home screen layout will be reset to its default state, and the App Store icon should be back on your home screen.

6. Reset all settings on iPhone

If all else fails, resetting all settings on your iPhone can solve the problem. This will not delete any data but reset system settings to their defaults.

Note

This will not erase your data or apps, but it will reset all your personalized settings like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpapers, and notifications.

Open Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset.
Now, tap on Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode to confirm your choice.
Your iPhone will now restart, and restore all the settings to their default state. Once done, check if the App Store icon has returned.

Signing off…

Losing the App Store icon on your iPhone or iPad can be frustrating, but as you’ve seen, there are several straightforward solutions to bring it back. Whether it’s a quick Spotlight Search or a reset of your home screen layout, one of these methods is sure to work for you.

The important thing to keep in mind is that the App Store is an essential part of your iPhone or iPad, and it cannot be uninstalled. As such, make sure to stay calm, and one of the above methods should do the trick for you.

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