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How to restore App Store AND Settings apps when both got hidden

My wife “deleted” nearly all apps. All online forums say that to restore app, just go through SETTING > GENERAL, or re-download through App Store. The problem is that those apps are hidden, too. SEARCH yields no useful results. Can’t even go to any BACKUP menu. Rebooted to no avail. I’ll probably start from scratch working through a laptop, which seems like it’ll take a lot of time.

iPhone 12

Posted on Apr 2, 2022 5:48 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 2, 2022 6:12 PM

The App Store app is not one of the apps that can be deleted but it can be removed from the home screen. Go to the App Library (swipe left past your last home screen). From there you can touch and hold an app and slide it left back to the home screen.

The same is true of the Settings app.


Another reason for the App Store not being visible is due to a restriction on purchasing. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, tap iTunes & App Store Purchases, choose a setting and set to Allow. See: Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 2, 2022 6:12 PM in response to pbergly

The App Store app is not one of the apps that can be deleted but it can be removed from the home screen. Go to the App Library (swipe left past your last home screen). From there you can touch and hold an app and slide it left back to the home screen.

The same is true of the Settings app.


Another reason for the App Store not being visible is due to a restriction on purchasing. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, tap iTunes & App Store Purchases, choose a setting and set to Allow. See: Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


How to restore App Store AND Settings apps when both got hidden

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