The App Store comes built into every iPhone
You do not need to read the App Store itself — it is already on your iPhone when you take it out of the box. The App Store is a built-in app made by Apple that lets you find and install other apps. If you have never used it, the icon looks like a white square with blue lines arranged like a grid, and it sits on your home screen or in your app library.
If you cannot find the App Store icon on your phone, it may have been moved to a folder or hidden in your app library. The fastest way to reach it is to swipe down from the top of your home screen and type "App Store" into the search box — your phone will show you the icon, and you can tap it to open the app.
Once the App Store is open, you can search for any app you want, read what it does, see reviews from other users, and install it to your phone. Most apps are free, though some charge a one-time fee or a monthly subscription.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store is already on your iPhone and does not need to be downloaded separately.
- The App Store icon looks like a white square with blue grid lines and is usually on your home screen.
- If you cannot see the icon, search for "App Store" by swiping down from the top of your screen.
- You need an Apple ID and password to install apps from the App Store.
Finding the App Store icon on your home screen
Your home screen is the main page you see when you unlock your iPhone. The App Store icon should be visible there unless someone moved it. Look for the white square with blue lines — it is usually near the bottom of the screen but can be anywhere on any of your home screen pages.
If you have multiple home screen pages, swipe left or right to see them all. You can also swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open your app library, which shows all your apps organized by category. The App Store will be listed there even if it is not on your home screen.
Once you find the icon, tap it once to open the App Store. The app will load and show you the home page, with sections for featured apps, categories, and a search bar at the bottom.
Using search if the icon is hidden or moved
If you have looked through your home screen pages and your app library and still cannot find the App Store, the fastest way to open it is through search. Swipe down from the very top of your screen — not from the edges, but from the middle of the top. A search box will appear.
Type "App Store" into the search box. Your phone will show you the App Store icon at the top of the results. Tap it, and the App Store will open. You can also tap and hold the App Store icon in the search results to see options like "Add to Home Screen," which will put the icon back on your main page where you can find it easily next time.
What you need before you can install apps
To install any app from the App Store, you need an Apple ID and its password. An Apple ID is a username and password you create with Apple — it is the same one you use to sign into iCloud, buy things from Apple, or use FaceTime. If you set up your iPhone when you first got it, you already created an Apple ID.
When you tap the "Get" button on any app, your iPhone will ask you to confirm your identity. You can do this by using Face ID (looking at your phone), Touch ID (pressing your fingerprint), or typing your Apple ID password. After you confirm, the app will start installing.
If you do not remember your Apple ID password, you can reset it on Apple's website before you try to install an app. This will save you time and frustration when you are ready to read something.
Installing your first app from the App Store
Once the App Store is open, you can search for an app by name or browse through categories. At the bottom of the screen, you will see tabs labeled "Today," "Games," "Apps," "Arcade," and "Search." Tap "Search" to look for a specific app, or tap "Apps" to browse by category.
When you find an app you want, tap it to see more details — a description of what it does, screenshots, reviews from other users, and the size of the app. If you want to install it, tap the button that says "Get." Your phone will ask you to confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your password.
After you confirm, the button will change to "Installing," and then to "Open." The app is now on your phone. You can tap "Open" to start using it right away, or you can close the App Store and find the app icon on your home screen or in your app library later.
Managing storage if your phone is running out of space
Apps take up storage space on your iPhone. If your phone is almost full, you may not be able to install new apps until you delete something. When you try to install an app and your phone does not have enough space, the App Store will tell you so.
To free up space, you can delete apps you no longer use. Press and hold any app icon on your home screen, tap "Remove App," and then tap "Delete App." You can also go to Settings, tap "General," then "iPhone Storage," and see which apps are taking up the most space. Deleting photos, videos, or old messages can also free up room.
Once you have deleted enough to make space, go back to the App Store and try installing the app again.
Updating apps you have already installed
Apps get updates regularly — these are improvements, bug fixes, or new features that the maker releases. The App Store can update your apps automatically, or you can update them yourself.
To update an app manually, open the App Store and tap the account icon in the bottom right corner (it looks like a person's head and shoulders). Scroll down to "Available Updates" and you will see a list of apps that have new versions. Tap "Update" next to any app you want to update, or tap "Update All" to update everything at once.
If you want your apps to update on their own without you doing anything, go to Settings, tap "App Store," and turn on "App Updates." Your phone will then update your apps in the background whenever new versions are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I see a message that says "This app is not available in your country"?
Some apps are only sold in certain countries because of laws or agreements with the app maker. If you see this message, that app cannot be installed on your account. You can search for a similar app that is available, or if you travel to another country and change your Apple ID location, you may be able to install it then.
Can I install apps without using Face ID or Touch ID?
Yes. When your phone asks you to confirm your identity, you can choose to type your Apple ID password instead of using Face ID or Touch ID. This takes longer but works the same way.
Why does an app say "Get" instead of "Install"?
The App Store uses the word "Get" for all apps, whether they are free or cost money. Tap "Get," confirm your identity, and the app will install. If the app costs money, you will see the price instead of "Get," and you will be charged when you confirm.
What happens if I delete an app and then want it back?
You can reinstall any app you have ever installed before without paying again. Open the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon with a down arrow. The app will install again in a few seconds.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install apps?
You can install apps over Wi-Fi or cellular data, but Wi-Fi is faster and does not use your monthly data limit. Large apps may take a long time over cellular, so Wi-Fi is usually the better choice.