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Using the iPhone App Library

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Using the iPhone App Library

The iPhone App Library is a new feature introduced in iOS 14 that allows you to organize your apps into custom app categories. With the App Library, you can declutter your home screen and easily find and access your apps. In this tutorial, we will walk you through how to use the iPhone App Library effectively.

Table of Contents

  1. Enabling the App Library
  2. Understanding App Library Categories
  3. Adding Apps to App Library Categories
  4. Removing Apps from App Library Categories
  5. Searching for Apps in the App Library
  6. Deleting Apps from the App Library

1. Enabling the App Library

To enable the iPhone App Library, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 14 or later. If not, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version.
  2. On your iPhone home screen, swipe left until you reach the last page.
  3. Keep swiping left until you see the App Library screen.
  4. Tap on any empty space on your home screen to exit the editing mode and activate the App Library.

2. Understanding App Library Categories

The App Library automatically organizes your apps into different categories based on their type and usage. The categories include Suggestions, Recently Added, Social, Utilities, Creativity, Productivity, Information & Reading, Entertainment, Health & Fitness, Shopping & Food, and Other.

  • Suggestions: This category displays apps that the iOS system recommends based on your app usage patterns.
  • Recently Added: Here, you will find the apps you recently downloaded or updated.
  • Social: Social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are grouped here.
  • Utilities: Utility apps like Calculator, Clock, and Files are organized in this category.
  • Creativity: Apps related to drawing, photo editing, and graphic design can be found here.
  • Productivity: This category includes apps like Notes, Calendar, and Reminders to help you stay organized.
  • Information & Reading: News, Weather, Books, and other reading-related apps can be found here.
  • Entertainment: Music, Video, and Gaming apps are grouped in this category.
  • Health & Fitness: Health-related apps like Fitness Tracker and Nutrition Guide are organized here.
  • Shopping & Food: Shopping apps like Amazon, eBay, and food delivery apps are grouped here.
  • Other: Any apps that do not fall into the predefined categories will be listed under this category.

3. Adding Apps to App Library Categories

By default, new apps you install will appear on your home screen. However, you can choose to have them go directly to the App Library. Here's how:

  1. Tap and hold the app icon on your home screen until the icons start jiggling.
  2. Tap the Remove App button (X) on the app icon.
  3. In the confirmation popup, select Move to App Library.
  4. The app icon will disappear from your home screen and can now be found in the App Library category that matches its type.

4. Removing Apps from App Library Categories

If you want to remove an app from the App Library category and move it back to your home screen, follow these steps:

  1. Swipe to the App Library screen by swiping left on your home screen.
  2. Locate the app you want to move back to the home screen.
  3. Press and hold the app icon until a pop-up menu appears.
  4. Tap Add to Home Screen in the pop-up menu.
  5. The app icon will be moved to your home screen.

5. Searching for Apps in the App Library

To quickly find and access apps in the App Library, follow these steps:

  1. Swipe left on your home screen to access the App Library.
  2. On the top, you'll find a search bar.
  3. Tap on the search bar and type the name of the app you're looking for.
  4. As you type, the App Library will show relevant search results in real-time.
  5. Tap on the app to launch it directly.

6. Deleting Apps from the App Library

To delete an app from the App Library, follow these steps:

  1. Swipe left on your home screen to access the App Library.
  2. Find the app you want to delete.
  3. Press and hold the app icon until a pop-up menu appears.
  4. Tap the Remove App option in the pop-up menu.
  5. In the confirmation popup, select Delete App.
  6. The app will be deleted from both the App Library and your device.

Now that you have a good understanding of how to use the iPhone App Library, you can organize your apps more efficiently and have a cleaner home screen. Experiment with the App Library categories and customize your app organization to suit your needs. Enjoy the decluttered iPhone experience!