Accidentally deleted the App Store on your iPhone 12 and now you’re panicking? No worries! The App Store is a built-in iOS app, so it’s impossible to delete, but it can be removed from the home screen. Just follow these quick and easy steps to get the App Store back on your iPhone 12 in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial to Get App Store Back on iPhone 12
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. You might find yourself in a predicament where the App Store has vanished from your iPhone 12. Maybe you accidentally removed it from the home screen, or a glitch caused it to disappear. Don’t fret! The following steps will guide you in restoring the App Store icon to its rightful place on your device.
Step 1: Check Restrictions
Check if the App Store is restricted on your iPhone 12.
If you can’t find the App Store on your iPhone 12, it might be due to restrictions set on your device. These are like parental controls that can hide certain apps to prevent access. To check if this is the case, go to Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions. Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted, then select iTunes & App Store Purchases. If “Installing Apps” is set to “Don’t Allow,” that’s why the App Store is missing.
Step 2: Reset Home Screen Layout
Reset your iPhone 12’s home screen layout to its default settings.
If you’ve ensured that the App Store isn’t restricted and it’s still missing, it might have been accidentally removed from the home screen. No problem, you can reset your home screen layout. Go to Settings, tap General, then Reset, and select “Reset Home Screen Layout.” Keep in mind, this will rearrange your apps back to their default positions, so you might have to reorganize them afterward.
Step 3: Use Spotlight Search
Use Spotlight Search to find and open the App Store on your iPhone 12.
Still can’t find the App Store? Try using Spotlight Search. Swipe down from the middle of the home screen and type “App Store” into the search bar. The App Store should appear in the search results. You can open it directly from there and even drag the icon back onto your home screen.
Step 4: Restart Your iPhone 12
Restart your iPhone 12 to see if the App Store reappears.
If all else fails, sometimes a good old-fashioned restart can do the trick. To restart your iPhone 12, press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider, then press and hold the side button to turn your phone back on. Check if the App Store has reappeared on your home screen.
Step 5: Check for iOS Updates
Check if there’s an iOS update available for your iPhone 12.
Occasionally, a glitch in the operating system can cause apps to disappear. It’s always a good idea to check if there’s an update available for your iPhone. Go to Settings, tap General, and then select Software Update. If there’s an update available, download and install it. This can often fix any minor software issues.
After completing these steps, your App Store should be back on your home screen, ready for you to download and update your favorite apps.
Tips for Getting the App Store Back on iPhone 12
- Make sure that the App Store isn’t hidden in a folder. Sometimes, we accidentally drag icons into folders without realizing it.
- Double-check if Screen Time settings or any restrictions might be hiding the App Store.
- Restarting your iPhone can resolve many minor glitches and may bring back the App Store icon.
- Ensure that your iOS is up to date, as software updates often fix bugs that could be causing the issue.
- If you’re still unable to locate the App Store, consider reaching out to Apple Support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you permanently delete the App Store from an iPhone?
No, you cannot permanently delete the App Store as it is a core application of the iOS system. However, it can be removed from the home screen or hidden by restrictions.
What should I do if resetting the home screen layout doesn’t work?
If resetting the home screen layout doesn’t bring back the App Store, try restarting your iPhone or checking for iOS updates.
Is it possible that a software update removed the App Store from my iPhone 12?
It’s unlikely that a software update would remove the App Store. Updates usually fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.
Can I access the App Store without the icon on my home screen?
Yes, you can use Spotlight Search to find and open the App Store even if the icon is not on your home screen.
How can I prevent the App Store from disappearing again?
Avoid altering Screen Time settings that could restrict the App Store, and make sure not to accidentally move the icon into a different folder or screen.
Summary
- Check Restrictions
- Reset Home Screen Layout
- Use Spotlight Search
- Restart Your iPhone 12
- Check for iOS Updates
Conclusion
Getting the App Store back on your iPhone 12 isn’t as daunting as it might seem at first. Whether the icon was accidentally removed or hidden due to restrictions, following the steps outlined in this article should help you resolve the issue. Remember to check Screen Time restrictions, reset your home screen layout, use Spotlight Search, restart your device, or check for iOS updates. By doing so, you’ll have access to the App Store and all its apps once again. If you find yourself stuck at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for additional help. After all, having access to the App Store is crucial for keeping your iPhone 12 loaded with the latest and greatest apps!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.