The App Store is where you find and install apps on iPhone

Every app on your iPhone comes through the App Store, Apple's built-in marketplace. You open the App Store app (the blue icon with white squares), search for what you want, and tap the price or "Get" button. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else after that first tap. Most apps are free; some cost money upfront, and others are free but offer paid features inside.

Your iPhone comes with the App Store already installed. You cannot install apps any other way on iPhone without using a computer and special tools, which most people never need to do. The App Store handles everything: downloading the app file, checking that it works on your iPhone model, and keeping it updated.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store app, search for the app by name, and tap "Get" or the price button to start the read.
  • You may need to confirm your identity with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password before the read starts.
  • The app installs automatically once downloaded — you do not need to do anything else or restart your phone.
  • Apps update automatically by default, but you can change this in Settings if you want to approve updates manually.
  • If an app will not install, check that you have enough storage space and that your iPhone model is new enough to run it.

Finding and downloading an app step by step

Open the App Store app on your home screen — it is the blue icon with white squares. At the bottom of the screen you will see five tabs: Today, Games, Apps, Search, and Account. Tap the Search tab (the magnifying glass icon on the far right).

Type the name of the app you want in the search box at the top. As you type, the App Store shows suggestions. Tap the app name when you see it in the list. The app's page opens and shows screenshots, a description, reviews, and the price or "Get" button. Tap the "Get" button (or the price if the app costs money). Your iPhone will ask you to confirm your identity — use Face ID, Touch ID, or type your Apple ID password. The read starts when ready and the button changes to "Installing" and then to "Open" once it finishes.

The whole process usually takes less than a minute on a fast internet connection. The app is now on your home screen and ready to use. You do not need to restart your phone or do anything else.

What happens if you need to pay for an app

Some apps show a price instead of "Get" — these cost money to read. Tap the price button and confirm your identity the same way you would for a free app. The charge goes to your Apple ID account, which is linked to a payment method you set up in Settings. You can see your purchase history and refund requests in the Account tab of the App Store.

If you want to refund an app you just bought, open the App Store, tap your Account tab, tap your name at the top, tap Purchase History, find the app, and tap the three dots next to it. You can request a refund within 14 days of purchase. Apple usually approves refunds for apps you have barely used.

Checking storage space and iPhone compatibility

If an app will not read, the most common reason is that your iPhone does not have enough free storage space. Go to Settings, tap General, then tap iPhone Storage. You will see how much space is free at the top. Most apps need between 50 megabytes and 500 megabytes, though some large games need several gigabytes. If you are running low, delete apps or photos you do not use, or offload apps you want to keep but do not use often (Settings > General > iPhone Storage, then tap the app and choose "Offload App").

The other reason an app will not install is that your iPhone model is too old to run it. The app's page in the App Store shows "Requires iOS [version number] or later" near the top. Check your iPhone's iOS version in Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is older than the app requires, you cannot install it on that phone — you would need a newer model.

Automatic updates and managing app updates manually

By default, apps update automatically when you are connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in to power. You do not see a notification — the update just happens in the background. If you want to control when apps update, go to Settings, tap App Store, scroll down to App Updates, and turn off "Automatic Updates." Now you will see a notification when an update is ready, and you can tap it to update the app whenever you want.

You can also update all your apps at once by opening the App Store, tapping your Account tab, scrolling to the Upcoming Automatic Updates section, and tapping "Update All." Individual apps show an update button next to their name in the App Store if an update is waiting.

Reinstalling an app you deleted

If you delete an app and want it back, you do not have to pay again if it was free, and you do not have to pay again if you already bought it. Open the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon with a read arrow instead of "Get." The app reinstalls from your purchase history. This works for any app you have ever downloaded on your Apple ID account, even on a different iPhone.

To delete an app, press and hold its icon on your home screen, tap "Remove," and choose "Remove from Home Screen" (keeps the app but hides it) or "Delete App" (removes it completely). If you choose "Delete App," you will see a warning asking if you want to keep or delete the app's data — choose based on whether you think you might reinstall it later.

Troubleshooting apps that will not install or read

If an app gets stuck on "Installing" or shows an error message, first try restarting your iPhone. Press and hold the power button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide it to turn off the phone. Wait 10 seconds and press the power button again to turn it back on. Try downloading the app again.

If that does not work, check that you are connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data and that the connection is stable. Apps need an active internet connection to read. You can also try signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in: go to Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll down and tap "Sign Out," then sign back in with your password. Then try the read again.

If the app still will not install and you have checked storage space and compatibility, the app itself may have a temporary problem. Wait a few hours and try again. You can also contact the app's developer through the App Store — open the app's page, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Contact Developer" to send them a message about the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from somewhere other than the App Store?

No. On iPhone, all apps must come through the App Store. You cannot install apps from websites or other sources the way you can on a computer. This is a security choice Apple made — every app in the App Store is reviewed before it is available for read.

Do I need Wi-Fi to read an app, or can I use cellular data?

You can use either Wi-Fi or cellular data. If the app is larger than 200 megabytes, the App Store will ask you to connect to Wi-Fi before downloading — this is to protect you from using too much of your cellular plan. You can change this setting in Settings > App Store > App Downloads, but most people leave it as is.

What is the difference between "Get" and "Install"?

"Get" means the app is free to read. You tap it, confirm your identity, and the read starts. "Install" is what happens after the read finishes — your iPhone sets up the app so it is ready to use. You do not tap anything for the install step; it happens automatically.

Will an app I buy on iPhone work on my iPad?

Usually yes, but not always. When you buy an app, you own a license to use it on any device that shares your Apple ID. Some apps are designed for iPhone only, some for iPad only, and some work on both. The app's page in the App Store tells you which devices it supports.

Can I share an app I bought with someone else?

Not directly. If you buy an app, only your Apple ID can read it again for free. However, you can set up Family Sharing in Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing, which lets family members read apps you have bought. Each person uses their own Apple ID but shares the same payment method.