The App Store is where you find and install apps on iOS devices

On an iPhone or iPad, all apps come from the App Store — Apple's official marketplace. You cannot install apps from websites or other sources the way you can on a computer. To get an app, you open the App Store app (it comes built in), search for what you want, and tap the button to read it. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen.

You need an Apple ID to read anything, even free apps. An Apple ID is a username and password you create with Apple — it's tied to your device and your payment method if you buy paid apps. If you already use iCloud, Apple Music, or any other Apple service, you already have one.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon or price button to read it.
  • Free apps read and install in seconds; paid apps require you to confirm the purchase with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
  • Apps appear on your home screen after installation and update automatically by default, though you can turn off auto-updates in Settings.
  • If an app won't install, check that you have enough storage space, that your iOS version is current, and that the app is compatible with your device.
  • You can delete an app by pressing and holding its icon, tapping Remove App, then confirming — this also removes its data unless you save it to iCloud first.

Finding and downloading an app from the App Store

Tap the App Store icon on your home screen — it's a white square with a blue stylized "A" made of sticks. At the bottom of the screen you'll see five tabs: Today, Games, Apps, Search, and Account. Tap Search and type the name of the app you want. Results appear as you type.

When you find the app, tap it to open its page. You'll see a description, screenshots, reviews, and a button at the top right. For a free app, the button says Get. For a paid app, it shows the price in dollars. Tap the button once. Your device will ask you to verify your identity using Face ID (newer iPhones), Touch ID (fingerprint), or your Apple ID password. Complete whichever one appears, and the read starts when ready.

The button changes to Install while the app downloads, then to Open once it's done. You don't have to wait — you can close the App Store and the read continues in the background. The app appears on your home screen as soon as installation finishes, usually within seconds for small apps.

What happens after you install an app

Once an app is installed, it sits on your home screen ready to use. Tap it to open it. The first time you open many apps, they ask for permission to access your camera, location, contacts, or photos — you can allow or deny each one. These permissions can be changed later in Settings under Privacy.

By default, apps update automatically when new versions are released. You don't have to do anything. If you prefer to update manually, go to Settings, tap App Store, scroll down to App Updates, and turn off Automatic Updates. Then you can update apps one at a time by opening the App Store, tapping your Account tab, scrolling to Upcoming Automatic Updates, and tapping Update next to any app.

Apps take up storage space on your device. You can see how much space each app uses by going to Settings, tapping General, then Storage. If you're running low on space, deleting apps you don't use is the fastest way to free it up.

Installing apps when you don't have enough storage

If the App Store says you don't have enough space to read an app, you need to free up room. The easiest method is to delete apps you're not using. Press and hold any app icon on your home screen, tap Remove App, then tap Remove from Home Screen to just hide it, or Delete App to remove it completely. If you delete it, you'll be asked whether to keep or delete its data — choose based on whether you think you'll reinstall it later.

You can also delete photos, videos, or old messages to make space. Go to Settings, tap General, then Storage to see what's taking up the most room. Photos and videos are usually the largest files. You can also offload apps — this removes the app but keeps its data, so you can reinstall it later without losing your progress. In Settings under General Storage, tap any app and choose Offload App.

Troubleshooting when an app won't install

If an app won't read or keeps stopping partway through, first check that you have a working internet connection — use Wi-Fi if possible, as it's more reliable than cellular. Then force-close the App Store by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (or swiping down from the top right on older models) to close all apps, then reopen the App Store and try again.

If the app still won't install, check two things: your iOS version and the app's requirements. Go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update to see if your device needs an update. Some apps require a newer iOS version than what you have. Also check the app's page in the App Store — scroll down to Information section and look for Requires iOS [version number] or later. If your device is older and can't run that iOS version, the app straightforward won't work on your device.

If the app page says it's not compatible with your device, that's a hard limit — you cannot install it. This happens with older iPhones or iPads that can't run the current iOS version. If you've tried everything else and the app still won't install, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in: go to Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll down and tap Sign Out, then sign back in with your Apple ID password.

Managing apps you've already installed

To organize your home screen, press and hold any app icon. You can drag it to a new location, move it to a different page, or create a folder by dragging one app onto another. Folders let you group similar apps — for example, all your games in one folder or all your social apps in another. Tap the folder to open it and see what's inside.

To delete an app, press and hold its icon and tap Remove App, then Delete App. You'll be asked if you want to keep or delete the app's data. If you choose to keep the data, you can reinstall the app later and your saved progress, settings, and login information will still be there. If you delete the data, reinstalling the app will feel like a fresh install.

You can also hide apps without deleting them. Press and hold an app, tap Remove App, then choose Remove from Home Screen. The app stays on your device and continues to update, but it won't show on your home screen. You can still find it by searching — swipe down from the top of your home screen and type its name.

Reinstalling an app you deleted

If you delete an app and later want it back, open the App Store and search for it by name. The button will say Get again, just like the first time. Tap it, verify with Face ID or Touch ID, and it downloads again. If you kept the app's data when you deleted it, your saved progress and settings will be there when you open it.

You can also see all the apps you've ever downloaded on your Apple ID. In the App Store, tap your Account tab, then tap your name at the top. Scroll down to see Purchased. This shows every app you've ever downloaded with this Apple ID, even if you deleted it from your device. You can reinstall any of them from this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for every app?

No. Many apps are free to read and use. Some free apps show ads or ask you to pay for extra features inside the app (called in-app purchases). Other apps cost money upfront — you pay once when you read and own it. Check the App Store page before downloading to see if it's free or paid.

Can I install apps from websites instead of the App Store?

No. iOS only allows apps from the App Store. You cannot sideload apps from websites or other sources the way you can on a computer. This is a security feature Apple built into iPhones and iPads.

What if I see an app that says it's not compatible with my device?

The app requires a newer iOS version or hardware your device doesn't have. You cannot install it. Check if your device can run the latest iOS version — if not, you'll need a newer iPhone or iPad to use that app.

Will my apps work if I don't have internet?

Apps need internet to read and install, but most apps work fine once installed, even without internet. Some apps require internet to function — like maps, email, or streaming services. Check the app's description in the App Store to see if it needs an internet connection.

Can I move apps between my iPhone and iPad?

Yes, if both devices use the same Apple ID. Apps you read on one device appear in your Purchased list on the other, and you can reinstall them. Your saved data syncs through iCloud if the app supports it, but not all apps do — check the app's settings to see what syncs.