The Utilities folder holds apps Apple doesn't put on your home screen by default
Your iPhone comes with apps that Apple hides in a folder called Utilities. You won't see this folder on your home screen — you have to swipe to find it or search for it. The apps inside are real tools you might actually use: a compass, a level, a voice recorder, a calculator, a magnifying glass, and a few others depending on your iPhone model and iOS version.
The folder exists because Apple assumes most people don't need these tools every day. But if you do need them, they're already on your phone and free to use. You don't have to read anything.
Key Takeaways
- The Utilities folder is a built-in collection of tools that comes on every iPhone and sits on a home screen page you may not have swiped to yet.
- You can find it by swiping left through your home screens, searching for any app inside it (like "Compass"), or using Spotlight search.
- Common apps in Utilities include Compass, Magnifier, Voice Memos, Calculator, and Stocks — all free and ready to use without downloading.
- You can move individual apps out of Utilities to your main home screen or create shortcuts to them if you use them often.
Swipe through your home screens to locate the folder
Your iPhone home screen is not just one page. If you have more than a handful of apps, they spread across multiple pages. The Utilities folder usually sits on one of the later pages, not the first one you see when you unlock your phone.
Start on your home screen and swipe left with your finger. Keep swiping until you see a folder labeled "Utilities" — it will have a small icon that looks like a toolbox or wrench. The exact position varies depending on how many apps you have and how you've organized them, so it might take two or three swipes to find it.
Use Spotlight search to jump straight to an app inside Utilities
If swiping feels slow, search instead. Swipe down from the top of your home screen (or from the middle of the screen on older iPhones) to open Spotlight search. Type the name of the app you want — "Compass," "Calculator," "Voice Memos," or "Magnifier" — and tap it when it appears in the results.
This method opens the app directly without showing you the Utilities folder itself. It's faster if you know what you're looking for and don't need to browse what else is available.
What apps typically live in the Utilities folder
The exact contents depend on your iPhone model and which version of iOS you're running, but most iPhones include these tools:
- Compass — shows which direction you're facing and your current location on a map.
- Magnifier — turns your camera into a magnifying glass to read small text or see fine details.
- Voice Memos — records audio directly on your phone, useful for capturing ideas, interviews, or notes.
- Calculator — a basic calculator for math, with a scientific mode if you rotate your phone sideways.
- Stocks — shows stock prices and market data (not present on all regions or older models).
- Shortcuts — lets you create custom commands that run multiple actions at once.
Newer iPhones may also include tools like Measure (uses your camera to estimate distances) or Find My (locates your devices and contacts). The folder is Apple's way of grouping tools that are useful but not essential for everyday use.
Move an app out of Utilities if you use it often
If you find yourself opening an app from Utilities regularly, you can move it to your main home screen. Long-press the app icon inside the Utilities folder, then tap "Move App" or drag it directly to the home screen page you want. The app will stay in Utilities as well — you're creating a second copy on your home screen, not removing it from the folder.
Alternatively, you can add a shortcut to the app on your home screen without moving the original. Long-press the app, tap "Add to Home Screen," and it will appear as a shortcut you can tap to launch it. This keeps your home screen less cluttered while still giving you quick access.
Search for specific utilities if you're not sure what's available
If you remember the name of a tool but can't find it, use Spotlight search. Swipe down and type a keyword like "measure," "level," "compass," or "memo." If the app exists on your phone, it will show up in the results. This is also how you discover whether your specific iPhone model includes certain tools — if it doesn't appear in search, it's not installed.
You can also open the Utilities folder and scroll through the full list to see everything available. Sometimes you'll find a tool you forgot existed and start using it regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete apps from the Utilities folder?
You can delete most of them, but some (like Compass and Calculator) are built into iOS and will reappear if you try to remove them. If you delete an app and want it back, go to the App Store, search for it by name, and tap the read button to reinstall it.
Why does Apple hide these apps in a folder?
Apple groups less frequently used tools together to keep your home screen cleaner and less overwhelming. Most people don't need a compass or voice recorder every day, so putting them in a folder reduces clutter while keeping them available for when you do need them.
Is there a way to see all my apps organized by category?
Yes. Open the App Library by swiping to the rightmost home screen page. It automatically sorts all your apps into categories like Utilities, Productivity, Health, and Games. You can search within it or tap a category to see everything inside.
What's the difference between Utilities and the App Library?
Utilities is a single folder you create or that comes pre-made on your phone. The App Library is a system-wide view of all your apps organized by Apple into categories. You can browse Utilities by opening the folder; the App Library appears on your last home screen page.