How to Update Home Screen on iPhone

Ever felt like your iPhone's home screen could use a refresh? You're not alone. Customizing your home screen not only makes your iPhone uniquely yours but also improves productivity and user experience. Let's dive into how to update your home screen on an iPhone.

Before we begin, ensure your iPhone is running iOS 14 or later, as the customization options we'll discuss are available from this version onwards. Now, let's get started!

Understanding the iPhone Home Screen Layout

The iPhone home screen is divided into sections: the dock at the bottom, the app library on the right, and the main app grid. Familiarizing yourself with these sections will help you make the most of your home screen customization.

In iOS 14, Apple introduced the ability to add widgets to your home screen, further enhancing its functionality and personalization.

Customizing the Dock

The dock is a persistent bar at the bottom of your home screen that holds your most frequently used apps. You can add up to four apps to the dock, excluding the app switcher and the home button (if you have an iPhone with a home button).

To customize the dock, simply long-press on an app icon until it jiggles. Then, drag the app to the dock or remove it by tapping the 'x' that appears. You can also rearrange the apps in the dock by dragging them to your desired order.

Organizing the App Grid

The app grid is the main area of your home screen where your apps are organized in a 6x5 grid. In iOS 14, you can now place widgets between your app icons, allowing you to see important information at a glance.

To add or remove apps from the grid, follow the same long-press method as the dock. To add a widget, long-press on an empty area of the home screen, then tap '+' to open the widget gallery. Choose a widget, customize its size, and place it on your home screen.

Using the App Library

Introduced in iOS 14, the app library automatically organizes your apps into categories, making it easier to find the app you're looking for. You can also hide home screen pages using the app library, creating a cleaner, more streamlined home screen experience.

To use the app library, swipe left from your last home screen page. Here, you'll see all your apps organized into categories. Tap on an app to open it, or tap 'See All' under a category to view all the apps in that category.

Hiding Home Screen Pages

To hide a home screen page, follow these steps: long-press on an empty area of the home screen, then tap the '-' button that appears in the top-left corner. Select the home screen page you want to hide, and tap 'Remove from Home'.

To unhide a home screen page, go to the app library, then tap 'See All' under the 'Other' category. Here, you'll find all the hidden home screen pages. Tap 'Add to Home' to unhide a page.

There you have it! You're now well-equipped to update and customize your iPhone's home screen to your heart's content. Happy customizing!