Has this ever happened to you? You’re organizing the home screen on your iPhone or iPad and decide a few native apps have got to go. Before you know it, the App Store icon has been deleted as well! No big deal at first. But what happens when you suddenly need to redownload apps?
Don’t panic. I’m here to show you how to rescue the App Store icon and restore it to its rightful place on your home screen. With just 4 quick steps, you‘ll once again have easy access to your purchased apps, updates, and any new apps that catch your fancy.
An Overview of Redownloading the App Store
The key to understanding what it takes to restore that familiar blue App Store icon lies in this one critical distinction:
You cannot permanently delete the App Store app from an iPhone, iPad or other Apple device. You can only remove the icon from your home screen.
This means that even once deleted from view, the App Store still resides in your phone‘s memory. Accessing it again is simply a matter of revealing its hiding spot within the App Library and moving it back.
Here’s a high-level overview of what to expect as we walk through the process:
- Step 1) Navigating to the App Library
- Step 2) Searching for the App Store by name
- Step 3) Locating the small App Store icon amidst your search results
- Step 4) Long pressing on the icon to initiate a drag and drop back onto your preferred home screen
Fairly straightforward, right? With the average App Store user downloading around 2 new apps per month, it’s important to keep this portal at your fingertips. So let‘s get started!
Step 1: Access the App Library
On modern versions of iOS and iPadOS, the App Library functions essentially as an app junk drawer, holding all non-essential applications out of the way. Here you‘ll find the App Store again.
Let’s navigate there now using either of these two simple methods:
Swipe to App Library: Starting on your first home screen page, continuously swipe left through pages until you reach the end. An easy shortcut!
Or, Search Button: Long press or force touch on the search bar at the bottom of your screen, then select App Library from the quick action menu.
Either approach works equally well, so choose your preferred path. Now let’s locate that troublesome app!
Step 2: Search for the App Store
With the vastness of the App Library laid out before you, trying to spot that small App Store icon isn’t easy.
Instead of endlessly digging through categories, tap into the search bar at the very top of the screen instead. Type in “App Store” and let the tech magic happen!
| Search Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Manually Browsing | Open category folders one-by-one to uncover the App Store icon |
| Search Bar | Type "App Store" and instantly locate the icon amidst results |
As you can see, utilizing the Search function cuts out tons of wasted effort. Within seconds, you should spot a familiar blue icon front and center.
Step 3: Locate the Icon
Here comes the pivotal moment! With the App Store finally within reach again, what happens if you tap on the icon now?
Unfortunately, nothing you want. Tapping the icon simply opens the App Store application itself.
But it does not return the icon back to your home screen permanently.
Closing it again would simply send the App Store back into the depths of your App Library. Not ideal.
To truly restore it to its former glory, we must take one additional step by manually moving the icon ourselves. Let me show you how!
Step 4: Redownload the Icon
This last step reunites the App Store icon with your home screen again through the magic of drag and drop.
Follow along closely:
- Press and hold your finger on the App Store icon until all apps begin shaking and a big green "+" sign pops up.
- Still holding, drag the icon all the way to the left edge of the screen in one smooth motion.
- This action places the App Store back onto your home screen pages automatically!
- Lift your finger, then reposition the icon wherever you prefer.
It may sound complex, but takes just seconds in practice. Think of it like restoring an old friend!
With the App Store comfortably back on your home screen, feel free to browse, download and update to your heart‘s content once more!
Get More Answers: App Store FAQs
Still have lingering questions around deleting and redownloading the App Store? Here I‘ll address some of the most common queries:
Can I remove App Store access restrictions for kids through Family Sharing?
Yes! As the Family Organizer, you can override parental controls by entering your unique restrictions passcode.
How do I download previously purchased apps if they no longer appear for free?
In the App Store, navigate to your account icon > Purchased > Search. This comprehensive history lists all downloads ever tied to your Apple ID.
What happens if I delete an app no longer available in the App Store?
Any app removed from public App Store listings will be gone for good upon deleting. Your only hope is the developer relisting the app once more.
Can I get a refund for an app I mistakenly bought and deleted?
Unfortunately, no. All App Store purchases are considered final by default according to the iTunes terms and conditions.
I hope this quick yet comprehensive guide served you well on your quest to redownload the App Store! Let me know if any other questions pop up. I‘m always happy to dig into the nitty gritty details of Apple app troubleshooting!
