Master iOS 14 App Library: The Fastest & Easiest Guide

Updated at: 01/06/2025

Frustrated with a cluttered iPhone home screen? iOS 14's App Library is your solution! This guide provides the fastest and easiest way to master this powerful feature. Learn how to organize your apps automatically, find anything instantly, and reclaim your home screen's serenity. Discover hidden tips and tricks to unlock the full potential of the App Library, making your iPhone experience smoother and more enjoyable. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Accessing the App Library

    • Hold and swipe the page indicator dots to swiftly navigate to the App Library.
    Quickly access the App Library: Hold and swipe the page indicator dots to swiftly navigate to the App Library.
    Accessing the App Library

  2. Navigating the App Library

    • Use vertical swiping to scroll through the categorized app lists instead of horizontal swiping.
    • Tap the App Library icon to switch to the alphabetical list view for easy searching.
    View apps alphabetically: Tap the App Library icon to switch to the alphabetical list view for easy searching. View apps alphabetically: Tap the App Library icon to switch to the alphabetical list view for easy searching.
    Navigating the App Library

  3. Finding Apps in the App Library

    • Use the search bar at the top of the App Library to quickly locate specific apps.
    Search for apps: Use the search bar at the top of the App Library to quickly locate specific apps.
    Finding Apps in the App Library

  4. Managing App Placement and Home Screen

    • Set new app installations to go directly to the App Library (via Settings > Home Screen) to keep your home screen cleaner.
    • Hide unnecessary home screen pages by holding down on the home screen, tapping the page indicators, and unchecking pages you don't need.
    Simplify your home screen: Hide unnecessary home screen pages by holding down on the home screen, tapping the page indicators, and unchecking pages you don't need. Simplify your home screen: Hide unnecessary home screen pages by holding down on the home screen, tapping the page indicators, and unchecking pages you don't need.
    Managing App Placement and Home Screen
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Tips

  • App Library organization is automatic and cannot be customized in terms of folder names or app arrangement within folders (as of iOS 14).
  • You cannot currently disable the App Library feature in iOS 14.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the App Library

Reason: Many users don't realize the App Library exists or its potential to declutter their home screens.
Solution: Enable the App Library in the iOS settings and actively move apps into it to simplify your home screens.

2. Not Utilizing App Library Folders

Reason: The App Library is itself organized into folders, but some users leave all apps unsorted, making it difficult to find what they need.
Solution: Organize apps within the App Library folders alphabetically or by category for easier navigation.

3. Assuming the App Library Replaces Home Screens

Reason: Some users believe the App Library entirely replaces home screens and delete all their home screen app icons, making it harder to quickly access frequently used apps.
Solution: Maintain a balance by keeping essential apps on your home screen and using the App Library for less frequently used applications.

FAQs

What is the App Library?
The App Library is a new feature in iOS 14 and later that automatically organizes all your apps into categories. It lives on the furthest right home screen page and helps declutter your home screen by hiding apps you don't use frequently.
Can I remove apps from the App Library?
No, you can't directly delete apps from the App Library. However, you can delete apps from your iPhone entirely, which will also remove them from the App Library. You can also hide apps from your home screen, leaving them only in the App Library.
How do I customize the App Library?
You can't directly customize the categories or order of apps within the App Library categories. The App Library automatically organizes apps based on Apple's algorithm. However, you can influence it by frequently using or deleting apps.