Since iOS 14, every iPhone has included the App Library, a built-in feature that automatically organizes your apps into smart categories. Whether you want to clear up your Home Screen or quickly search for an app, the App Library makes it easy. Here’s how to use it effectively.
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Table of contents
Before you start
- Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later.
- Remember that apps in the App Library are the same apps on your iPhone, you’re not duplicating them.
- If you delete an app from the App Library, it’s gone from your phone entirely.
How to Use the App Library
1. Open the App Library
Swipe left on your Home Screen until you reach the last page. The App Library will appear.
2. Explore categories
Apps are automatically grouped into categories like Social, Productivity, or Games. Tap a large icon to open the app directly, or tap a smaller group to expand it.
3. Search for an app
Swipe down in the App Library to reveal the search bar. Type the app name to find it instantly, or scroll alphabetically.
For further reading, check out how to remove the hidden folder in the App Library.
4. Add apps to your Home Screen
Press and hold an app in the App Library, then drag it back to a Home Screen page.
5. Remove apps from Home Screen only
To declutter, press and hold an app > Remove App > Move to App Library. This hides it from Home Screen but keeps it accessible in the App Library.
6. Delete apps entirely
From the App Library, press and hold > Delete App. This removes it from your iPhone.
Also read about the ten apps we can’t live without on our iPhones.
Tips
- Use search in the App Library if you can’t remember which folder you put an app in.
- Hide entire Home Screen pages for a cleaner look.
- Combine App Library with Focus modes to show only the apps you need.
- For privacy, move sensitive apps off your Home Screen and into the App Library.
FAQs
The App Library is Apple’s built-in app organizer. It groups apps by category and lets you search or browse without creating folders manually.
You can’t hide apps from the App Library, it always shows all installed apps. But you can hide them from the Home Screen by moving them into the App Library only.
No, categories are automatically managed by iOS. You can, however, use the search bar or alphabetical list for faster navigation.
Yes, deleting from the App Library removes it from your device entirely. Use Move to App Library instead if you just want to hide it.
Widgets still live on the Home Screen. The App Library only manages apps, not widgets.
Summary
- Swipe left until you reach the App Library
- Browse smart categories
- Search alphabetically or by name
- Move apps to/from the Home Screen
- Remove apps from Home Screen without deleting
- Delete apps entirely if needed
Conclusion
The iPhone App Library is one of the easiest ways to keep your Home Screen tidy while still having instant access to every app. Use it to hide clutter, organize your apps automatically, and quickly search when you need something fast. Once you get used to it, you may never go back to manually managing folders again.
I can’t uninstall the app Temu from the library. The only options are to share, or open the app. No option to delete it. It’s loaded in my iphone storage that is limited.