Removing an app from your iPhone’s home screen in iOS 17 is as simple as pressing and holding the app icon, tapping “Remove App,” and then selecting “Remove from Home Screen.” Your app will then be moved to the App Library, decluttering your home screen without uninstalling the app.
After you remove an app from the home screen, it won’t be visible on any of your home screen pages. However, it’s still installed on your phone and can be accessed via the App Library or the search function.
You can also watch this video about how to remove an app from iPhone Home screen for additional info.
Introduction
With each new iOS update, iPhone users are treated to a host of new features and improvements. iOS 17 is no exception, with a range of tweaks that aim to improve the user experience. One area that often gets a refresh is the home screen – the hub of our interactions with our devices. It’s where we keep our favorite apps for quick access. However, over time, this space can become cluttered with apps that we no longer use regularly, making it difficult to find the apps we do need.
That’s why knowing how to remove an app from your home screen is so important. It helps maintain a clean, organized interface, ensuring that your most-used apps are readily accessible. This process is especially relevant to those who frequently download apps for one-time use or who like to keep their phone’s layout minimalist. By removing unnecessary apps from the home screen, users can streamline their phone usage, reduce distractions, and tailor their interface to their needs.
Step by Step Tutorial to Remove an App from Home Screen on an iPhone
Before you begin, note that removing an app from the home screen doesn’t delete it from your device; it simply moves it to the App Library.
Step 1: Locate the app you want to remove
Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
Locating the app might seem straightforward, but if you have multiple pages of apps, it can get tricky. You can swipe left or right to scroll through your home screen pages or use the search feature to find the app quickly.
Step 2: Tap “Remove App”
In the menu that pops up, tap the option labeled “Remove App.”
This step is crucial because there are multiple choices in the pop-up menu, and selecting “Delete App” will uninstall the app entirely, which is not the aim here.
Step 3: Select “Remove from Home Screen”
Once you tap “Remove App,” another menu will appear. Here, select “Remove from Home Screen.”
This action will only remove the app’s icon from your current home screen view, sending it to the App Library. If you change your mind later, you can always add it back to the home screen from there.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Declutters the home screen | A clutter-free home screen makes it easier to find the apps you use most often and creates a more visually appealing interface. Removing rarely used apps helps maintain this clean aesthetic. |
| Customizes the interface to your preferences | By removing apps, you can curate your home screen to fit your specific needs and usage patterns, which can enhance your overall user experience. |
| Reduces accidental app opens and distractions | With fewer apps on the home screen, you’re less likely to open the wrong app by mistake, and it’s easier to stay focused on the tasks at hand. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| May forget about removed apps | If you move an app to the App Library, you might forget it’s installed, leading to potential confusion or duplicate downloads in the future. |
| Requires adjustment to new layout | After removing apps, it may take some time to get used to the new arrangement and to retrain muscle memory for app locations. |
| Could limit functionality for multi-tasking | Some users prefer having all their apps on the home screen for easier multi-tasking, and removing apps could disrupt this workflow. |
Additional Information
While removing apps from the home screen is a great way to keep things tidy, there are a few more things to keep in mind. Firstly, the App Library in iOS 17 is an excellent feature that automatically categorizes all your apps, making it easy to find the one you’re looking for without having it on the home screen. It’s a nifty tool that acts like a storage room for all the apps you don’t use daily.
Another tip is to regularly review the apps on your home screen and ask yourself if you’ve used them recently. If not, it might be time to remove them from the home screen or even uninstall them if you don’t foresee using them in the future. This habit can save you storage space and keep your device running smoothly.
Lastly, remember that iOS 17 might bring other new home screen management features. Always keep your device up-to-date with the latest software to take advantage of these improvements.
Summary
- Press and hold the app icon
- Tap “Remove App”
- Select “Remove from Home Screen”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I accidentally delete an app?
If you delete an app instead of removing it from the home screen, you can always reinstall it from the App Store.
Can I undo removing an app from the home screen?
Yes, you can add the app back to the home screen by dragging it out of the App Library.
Will removing an app from the home screen delete my data within the app?
No, your data remains intact within the app; it’s just no longer displayed on the home screen.
Can I remove multiple apps at once?
Yes, after pressing and holding one app, you can tap other apps to select them before removing them from your home screen.
Is it possible to hide the App Library?
No, the App Library is a core feature of iOS 17 and cannot be hidden.
Conclusion
Navigating the quirks of your iPhone’s operating system, like iOS 17, doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Something as simple as removing an app from the home screen can make a world of difference in your digital experience. It helps keep your digital space clean, organized, and tailored to your needs.
Just remember, the apps aren’t gone forever; they’re just tucked away in your App Library, waiting for when you need them next. Keep exploring and customizing, and you’ll soon have a home screen that works perfectly for you.
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.