The App Store app can be reinstalled if you deleted it or it stopped working
If you deleted the App Store from your iPhone or Mac by accident, or if it crashes every time you open it, you can get it back. Apple lets you reinstall the App Store app for free through your device's built-in settings — you do not need to contact Apple support or buy anything. The steps differ slightly between iPhones and Macs, but both take less than five minutes.
The App Store is the official place where you read and update apps on Apple devices. If it goes missing or stops working, your device still has a way to bring it back without losing your other apps or data.
Key Takeaways
- On an iPhone, you can reinstall the App Store through Settings by searching for it in the App Library, or by asking Siri to open it.
- On a Mac, you can reinstall the App Store by opening the Mac App Store page in Safari and clicking the "Install" button, or by using Spotlight search.
- Reinstalling the App Store does not erase your apps, photos, or any other data on your device.
- If the App Store still will not open after reinstalling, restarting your device usually fixes the problem.
How to reinstall the App Store on an iPhone or iPad
The fastest way is to use Siri. Press and hold the home button (or the side button on newer iPhones), then say "Open App Store." Siri will find it and open it, which reinstalls it if it was missing. If you do not want to use Siri, you can search for it manually.
Open Settings, then tap App Library at the bottom of your home screen. Swipe through the categories until you find the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white play button. Tap and hold the icon, then select "Add to Home Screen." This puts the App Store back on your home screen where you can see it and use it.
If the App Store still does not appear anywhere on your device, restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on. Wait 30 seconds after it powers off before turning it back on. After the restart, search for App Store again using Spotlight (swipe down from the top of the screen and type "App Store") or ask Siri.
How to reinstall the App Store on a Mac
On a Mac, the App Store usually cannot be deleted the way other apps can, but it can stop responding or disappear from your dock. The simplest fix is to use Spotlight search. Press Command and Space at the same time, type "App Store," and press Enter. This opens the App Store if it exists on your Mac.
If that does not work, open Safari and go to the Mac App Store page directly. You can search "Mac App Store" in Safari, or go to apps.apple.com. Once you are on the page, look for the App Store app listing and click the "Install" button. Your Mac will reinstall it to its default location.
If the App Store still will not open, restart your Mac. Click the Apple menu in the top left, select "Restart," and wait for your Mac to turn back on. After the restart, try opening the App Store again using Spotlight search.
What happens to your apps and data when you reinstall
Reinstalling the App Store does not delete any of your apps, photos, messages, or other data. The App Store is just the tool you use to read and update apps — removing it and putting it back does not touch what is already on your device. All your apps stay installed and work normally.
Your app purchases and read history are tied to your Apple ID, not to the App Store app itself. When you reinstall the App Store and sign in with your Apple ID, you can see all the apps you have ever bought or downloaded for free, and you can reinstall any of them without paying again.
Why the App Store stops working or goes missing
On iPhones, the App Store usually goes missing because someone deleted it by accident. You can delete almost any Apple app on newer iPhones, including the App Store, by pressing and holding the icon and selecting "Remove App." If you chose "Delete App" instead of just removing it from the home screen, it disappears completely until you reinstall it.
On both iPhones and Macs, the App Store can stop responding if it has a software bug, if your internet connection is unstable, or if your device storage is almost full. Restarting your device fixes most of these problems. If your storage is full, delete files or apps you do not use, then try opening the App Store again.
Troubleshooting if the App Store still will not open
If reinstalling and restarting did not work, try signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in. On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll down and tap "Sign Out," then sign back in with your Apple ID and password. On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name in the sidebar, scroll down and click "Sign Out," then sign back in.
If the App Store opens but apps will not read, check your internet connection by opening Safari and visiting a website. If websites load slowly or not at all, restart your router or move closer to your Wi-Fi. If your internet is fine but apps still will not read, restart your device and try again.
If none of these steps work, your device may have a deeper software problem. Restart your device one more time, wait a full minute after it powers on, then try the App Store again. If it still does not work after that, you may need to contact Apple support through apple.com or visit an Apple Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall the App Store if I never deleted it?
If the App Store is still on your device but just will not open, you do not need to reinstall it. Restart your device first — this fixes most problems where apps stop responding. If restarting does not work, then follow the reinstall steps above.
Will reinstalling the App Store delete my purchased apps?
No. Reinstalling the App Store does not touch any apps you have already downloaded. Your apps stay on your device, and your purchase history stays tied to your Apple ID. You can reinstall any app you bought before without paying again.
What if I cannot find the App Store after reinstalling it?
Use Spotlight search to find it. On an iPhone, swipe down from the top and type "App Store." On a Mac, press Command and Space, then type "App Store." If it still does not appear, restart your device and search again.
Does reinstalling the App Store cost money?
No. The App Store is a free app made by Apple. Reinstalling it does not cost anything, and it does not require a subscription or payment method.