How To Adjust The App Library Layout

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The App Library on iPhone, introduced with iOS 14, is a useful feature that automatically organizes your apps into categories, making it easier to access and manage them. While Apple provides a streamlined way to group and display apps, many users want more control over its layout and functionality. While you can’t completely customize the App Library like your Home Screen, there are ways to adjust its layout and optimize its usage for better accessibility and organization.

This guide will explain how the App Library works, provide tips to adjust its layout, and offer alternative ways to organize your apps more effectively.

Understanding the App Library

The App Library acts as a centralized location for all your installed apps. It is the last page of your Home Screen and automatically categorizes apps into folders based on their function or usage patterns.

Key Features of the App Library

1. Automatic Organization: Apps are grouped into categories like Productivity, Social, Entertainment, and Utilities.

2. Search Bar: Quickly locate apps by typing their names in the search bar at the top.

3. Suggestions and Recently Added: Features dynamic categories like Suggestions, which display frequently used apps, and Recently Added, showing newly downloaded apps.

4. Compact View: Displays app folders with larger icons for the most-used apps in each category.

Adjusting the App Library Layout

While Apple doesn’t allow full customization of the App Library’s layout, there are several ways to optimize its use and make it better suited to your preferences.

Rearrange Apps on the Home Screen

The apps displayed in the App Library are automatically organized, but you can adjust which apps appear on your Home Screen. This helps reduce clutter and makes frequently used apps more accessible.

Steps:

1. Press and hold an app icon on the Home Screen until the context menu appears.

2. Select Remove App.

3. Tap Move to App Library to remove the app from the Home Screen but keep it in the App Library.

This creates a cleaner Home Screen while ensuring the app is still available in the App Library.

Use the App Library Search Bar

The App Library layout is predefined, but the search bar at the top provides a quick way to access any app without scrolling through folders.

How to Use:

1. Swipe left until you reach the App Library.

2. Tap the Search Bar at the top.

3. Type the app’s name to locate it instantly.

This method minimizes the need to rely on the default folder layout.

Leverage the Suggestions and Recently Added Categories

The Suggestions and Recently Added categories dynamically update based on your usage patterns. You can use these features to quickly access apps you frequently use or have recently downloaded.

Tips for Better Use:

1. Open apps from these categories to reinforce their importance in your usage habits, ensuring they stay prioritized in Suggestions.

2. Remove unused apps from your device to declutter these sections.

Customize Notification Settings for App Library Apps

Adjusting notification settings for apps in the App Library can make your experience more focused and less cluttered.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Notifications.

3. Select an app from the list.

4. Toggle notifications on or off, or customize alert styles to suit your preferences.

Add Widgets to Complement the App Library

Widgets on the Home Screen can complement the App Library by providing quick access to your most-used apps or information without opening folders.

Steps to Add Widgets:

1. Press and hold a blank area on your Home Screen.

2. Tap the + icon in the top-left corner.

3. Choose a widget from the list and tap Add Widget.

4. Drag the widget to your desired location.

Widgets can reduce your reliance on the App Library by displaying essential apps and information upfront.

Tips to Organize and Optimize the App Library Layout

While direct customization is limited, these tips can help you organize and make better use of the App Library:

1. Regularly Clean Up Your Apps

Delete apps you no longer use to reduce clutter.

Press and hold an app in the App Library and select Delete App.

2. Use Spotlight Search

Instead of navigating through the App Library, use Spotlight Search to locate apps. Swipe down on the Home Screen and type the app name in the search bar.

3. Group Similar Apps on the Home Screen

  • Keep related apps together on the Home Screen for quicker access.
  • For example, group all social media apps on one page and productivity apps on another.

4. Familiarize Yourself with App Library Categories

Understanding how apps are grouped can help you locate them faster.

Categories include:

1. Social for messaging and social networking apps.

2. Entertainment for music, video, and gaming apps.

3. Productivity & Finance for work-related and budgeting apps.

Advanced Options for App Organization

If you want more control over app organization, consider these alternatives:

Use Third-Party App Launchers

While iOS doesn’t natively support third-party app launchers for the Home Screen, you can use apps like Shortcuts to create custom launchers or folders.

Steps to Create Custom App Shortcuts:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.

2. Tap the + icon to create a new shortcut.

3. Select Add Action > Open App.

4. Choose the app you want to launch.

5. Customize the shortcut’s name and icon.

6. Add it to your Home Screen for quick access.

Utilize Focus Modes

Focus modes can hide certain apps and pages, allowing you to declutter your Home Screen while keeping the App Library organized.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Focus.

2. Choose or create a Focus mode (e.g., Work or Personal).

3. Under Home Screen, select Custom Pages and hide pages you don’t need during that mode.

Troubleshooting Issues with the App Library

 

 

Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your device can resolve minor software glitches affecting the App Library.

Update iOS

Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS:

1. Open Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Install any available updates.

Reset Home Screen Layout

If the App Library layout feels disorganized, reset your Home Screen layout:

1. Open Settings > General > Reset.

2. Tap Reset Home Screen Layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I move apps within the App Library?

No, the App Library automatically organizes apps into predefined categories. You cannot manually move apps within it.

Q2. Can I rename App Library folders?

No, folder names in the App Library are automatically assigned based on app types.

Q3. Can I hide the App Library?

No, the App Library is a permanent feature and cannot be removed or hidden.

Q4. Can I rearrange the App Library categories?

No, categories in the App Library are automatically organized and cannot be reordered.

Conclusion

The App Library on iPhone is a powerful feature that simplifies app organization and accessibility by automatically categorizing your apps. While its layout cannot be fully customized, there are numerous ways to optimize its use, such as rearranging your Home Screen, utilizing widgets, and leveraging the search functionality.

By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can make the most of the App Library and create a streamlined, efficient user experience. Whether you’re aiming to declutter your Home Screen or find apps more quickly, the App Library serves as an essential tool for iPhone users who want a cleaner and more organized digital space.