How Do I Move an Icon on an iPhone? The Definitive Guide

So, you want to rearrange your iPhone home screen? You’ve come to the right place. Moving an icon on your iPhone is a fundamental skill, but it’s amazing how many people still fumble with it. The process is designed to be intuitive, but let’s break it down so even a tech novice can master it. Here’s the straightforward answer:

To move an icon on your iPhone, touch and hold the icon you want to move until all the icons start jiggling. This is the universal signal your iPhone is in “edit mode”. While the icons are wiggling, you can drag the selected icon to its new location, whether it’s on the same page, a different page, or even into a folder. Once you’re happy with the new location, tap “Done” (or press the Home button on older iPhones) to exit edit mode.

Diving Deeper into iPhone Icon Management

While the above explanation covers the basics, the iPhone’s operating system, iOS, offers a plethora of options for managing your app icons. Let’s explore these features and address some common questions.

Understanding Edit Mode

The key to moving icons is understanding “edit mode,” which is triggered by the long press. Before iOS 13, a firmer, longer press was required thanks to 3D Touch. However, with the advent of Haptic Touch, all iPhones now use a consistent touch-and-hold gesture. Once the icons start wiggling, you have complete control over their arrangement.

Moving Icons Between Home Screen Pages

To move an icon to a different home screen page, enter edit mode and drag the icon to the edge of the screen. Keep dragging it slightly, and the iPhone will automatically switch to the next (or previous) page. You can then position the icon on the desired page.

Organizing Icons into Folders

Folders are your friends when it comes to decluttering your home screen. To place an icon into a folder, enter edit mode and drag one icon on top of another. The iPhone will automatically create a folder containing both icons. You can then rename the folder to something descriptive (e.g., “Social Media,” “Games,” “Utilities”). You can add more icons to the folder by dragging them into it while in edit mode.

Removing Apps from the Home Screen (Without Deleting Them)

Want an app gone from your home screen without deleting it entirely? iOS offers the “Remove from Home Screen” option. To do this, enter edit mode and tap the minus sign (-) icon that appears on each app. A menu will pop up with options like “Delete App” and “Remove from Home Screen.” Select “Remove from Home Screen.” This hides the app but keeps it installed on your iPhone. You can still access it through the App Library.

Using the App Library

The App Library, introduced in iOS 14, is a game-changer for organizing your apps. It automatically categorizes your apps into folders like “Utilities,” “Social,” and “Entertainment.” You can access the App Library by swiping left past your last home screen page. The App Library is a convenient way to find apps without cluttering your home screens. You can search for apps within the App Library using the search bar at the top.

iPhone Icon Management: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about managing icons on your iPhone, covering a wide range of scenarios and troubleshooting tips:

1. Why won’t my icons start jiggling?

If your icons are stubbornly refusing to enter edit mode, make sure you are holding your finger on the icon long enough. The required duration might be slightly longer than you expect. Also, ensure your screen is clean and free of smudges. If you are still facing issues, try restarting your iPhone.

2. How do I move multiple icons at once?

Unfortunately, iOS doesn’t offer a native feature to move multiple icons simultaneously. You have to move them one by one. However, you can speed things up by strategically organizing your icons into folders, which can then be moved as a single unit.

3. Can I move the default iPhone apps (e.g., Mail, Safari)?

Yes, you can move all the default iPhone apps just like any other app. You can even remove them from the Home Screen (but not uninstall them entirely).

4. How do I add an app back to the Home Screen from the App Library?

To add an app from the App Library back to the Home Screen, find the app in the App Library, then touch and hold the app icon. Select “Add to Home Screen” from the menu that appears.

5. Can I customize the size or shape of my app icons?

No, iOS doesn’t allow you to customize the size or shape of app icons without resorting to jailbreaking, which is not recommended as it can compromise your device’s security and stability.

6. How do I delete an app completely from my iPhone?

To delete an app, enter edit mode and tap the minus sign (-) icon on the app. Select “Delete App” from the menu. This will uninstall the app entirely from your iPhone. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find the app, and select “Delete App.”

7. My icons are arranged randomly. Is there a way to automatically organize them?

Unfortunately, iOS doesn’t have a built-in “auto-arrange” feature for icons. You’ll have to manually arrange them to your liking. This is where strategically using folders becomes crucial.

8. How do I move an icon from a folder back to the Home Screen?

Enter edit mode and open the folder containing the icon. Then, drag the icon out of the folder and onto the Home Screen.

9. What is the maximum number of apps I can have on one Home Screen page?

The maximum number of apps (including folders) you can have on one Home Screen page depends on the size of your iPhone’s screen. However, it’s generally around 30-32 icons.

10. How do I reset my Home Screen layout to the default settings?

To reset your Home Screen layout to the default settings (which places all pre-installed apps on the first few pages in their original positions and all other apps alphabetically after that), go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. Then, select “Reset Home Screen Layout.” This will erase your custom icon arrangement, so use it with caution.

11. Why can’t I move some icons in the Dock at the bottom of the screen?

The Dock is a special area that holds frequently used apps. By default, you can only have four apps in the Dock. If the Dock is already full, you’ll need to remove an existing icon from the Dock before adding a new one.

12. Can I create custom icons for my apps?

While iOS doesn’t directly support custom icons, you can use the Shortcuts app to create “app-like” icons that launch specific apps. This involves creating a shortcut that opens the desired app and assigning a custom image to the shortcut icon. This method doesn’t change the original app icon but creates a shortcut with your desired icon.

Mastering iPhone icon management is essential for a smooth and efficient user experience. By understanding the basics of edit mode, folders, and the App Library, you can customize your iPhone’s Home Screen to perfectly suit your needs. So go ahead, declutter, organize, and personalize your iPhone!