If you notice that your iPhone or iPad’s app library has suddenly disappeared, there are a few potential causes and solutions to get it back.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about a missing app library:
- The app library is a feature introduced in iOS 14, so you need to be running iOS 14 or later to have it.
- Check that you haven’t accidentally hidden the app library – swipe left on your last home screen to show it.
- Make sure your iPhone or iPad is up to date with the latest iOS version.
- Try restarting your device in case of a glitch.
- Check for any software bugs in iOS 14 and update to the latest version.
- As a last resort, try resetting your home screen layout to restore the app library.
Possible Causes
There are a few possible reasons why your app library may have disappeared on your iPhone or iPad:
Outdated iOS Version
The app library feature was introduced in iOS 14. So if you’re running an older iOS version like iOS 13 or earlier, you won’t have the app library. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest iOS version.
To check your current iOS version go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install to update to the latest version.
Accidentally Hidden
It’s possible you may have accidentally swiped left on your last home screen page to hide the app library. On iPhone models with Face ID, swipe left from the final home screen page to reveal the app library again.
On iPhone models with Touch ID, you may need to scroll left across multiple dot pages to find and unhide the app library screen.
Bug in iOS 14
There have been some reported bugs in iOS 14 that caused the app library to disappear for some users. If you’re already on the latest iOS 14 version, check if there are any recently released bug fix updates available.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any iOS 14 updates to fix bugs. Restart your device after updating to resolve software issues.
Home Screen Layout Reset
It’s possible your iPhone or iPad’s home screen layout may have become corrupted or reset, hiding the app library page.
You can check this by going to your last home screen page – if it’s empty or shows apps instead of the library, your layout has likely been reset.
How to Get Your App Library Back
If your app library has disappeared from your iPhone or iPad, try these troubleshooting steps to get it back:
Update to the Latest iOS Version
As mentioned above, make sure you’re running the most up-to-date iOS version (iOS 14 or newer). Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
Restart Your iPhone or iPad
If you’re already on the latest iOS, try restarting your iPhone or iPad. Press and hold the Side or Top button and either Volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your device.
After about 30 seconds, press and hold the Side or Top button again to turn your device back on. This may resolve any software glitches.
Reset Your Home Screen
As a last resort, you can reset your home screen layout to restore the app library page.
To do this, press and hold on an empty area of your home screen until the apps start to jiggle. Then tap the dots or bar at the bottom and press “Reset Home Screen Layout” to reset icon layout.
This will restore the default iOS home screen layout, including the app library on the last page.
Contact Apple Support
If you still can’t get your app library back, you may need to contact Apple support for further troubleshooting assistance.
You can contact Apple support through the Apple Support app, online chat, phone, email, or schedule an appointment at an Apple store for in-person help.
Why Does the App Library Disappear?
While it’s frustrating when your app library goes missing, there are some understandable reasons why this can happen.
Software Bugs
As with any new major iOS release, there were some initial bugs introduced in iOS 14. Some affected the app library, causing it to disappear for some users.
Apple has worked to quickly identify and fix these bugs in subsequent iOS 14 updates. So keeping your device up-to-date is key.
Accidental Actions
Since the app library is a new feature, some users may accidentally swipe left and hide the app library screen without realizing it. With a little awareness, this can easily be reversed by swiping back to unhide it.
Corrupted Data
In rare cases, your iPhone’s or iPad’s home screen data can become corrupted, resetting icon layouts and hiding the app library. This isn’t common but resetting your home screen can resolve it.
Unsupported Devices
iOS 14 and the app library do not support all older iPhone and iPad models. So if you have an older device, you won’t be able to access the app library feature.
Jailbroken Devices
Jailbreaking modifies an iPhone or iPad’s operating system, which can sometimes cause issues like the app library disappearing. There’s no official fix, as jailbreaking voids the device’s warranty.
How to Prevent App Library Disappearing
While there’s no foolproof way to guarantee your app library won’t disappear, here are some tips to help prevent issues:
- Keep your iPhone or iPad updated with the latest iOS version
- Avoid accidentally swiping to hide the app library screen
- Don’t reset your home screen layout unless needed
- Avoid jailbreaking your device
- Back up your device regularly in case you need to reset it
Following general iOS troubleshooting best practices will minimize your chances of app library issues. But should problems arise, the steps above will help get it back quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my app library disappear after updating iOS?
Some iOS updates have inadvertently caused the app library to disappear for some users due to bugs. However, Apple usually releases a follow-up update quickly to fix these issues. Make sure to install the latest iOS updates.
Can you delete the app library on iPhone?
No, there is no direct way to delete or remove the app library on iPhone or iPad. The only ways to make it disappear are accidental, like swiping to hide it or your home screen becoming corrupted.
Why are there two app libraries on my iPhone?
Having two app libraries is not normal function. If you see two, your home screen layout likely became corrupted. Try resetting your home screen to resolve this issue.
Does iPhone 8 have app library?
No, the app library feature is only available on iPhone and iPad models running iOS 14 or newer. Since the iPhone 8 cannot be updated beyond iOS 13, it does not have an app library.
How do I get my app library back on iPad?
If your iPad’s app library disappears, first make sure you’re updated to the latest iPadOS version. Then try restarting your iPad or resetting the home screen layout to restore the app library page.
Conclusion
The app library disappearing can be alarming, but in most cases it can be easily fixed. Updating your iOS version, restarting your device, and resetting your home screen are simple troubleshooting steps. Prevent issues by avoiding accidental actions and keeping current with the latest iOS updates.
With a combination of built-in iOS tools and support options from Apple, you can typically get your missing app library back promptly. Just be sure to backup your device in case more advanced restoration is needed.
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Outdated iOS version | Update to latest iOS 14+ version |
| Accidentally hidden | Swipe left to unhide app library |
| iOS 14 bug | Install latest iOS updates |
| Corrupted home screen | Reset home screen layout |
With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you should be able to restore your missing app library and regain easy access to all your iPhone or iPad apps.
