How to Change the Layout of Your iPhone Home Screen: A Step-by-Step Guide for Customizing Your iPhone

Changing the layout of your iPhone home screen can significantly enhance both aesthetics and productivity. Whether you want a minimalist look, better organization, or just something fresh, your iPhone offers flexible tools to customize the arrangement of your apps and widgets. Begin by touching and holding any empty area on your home screen until the app icons start to jiggle. From here, you can drag and rearrange app icons or even move them between pages by dragging them to the edge of the screen. To create folders, simply drag one app on top of another; this is perfect for categorizing related apps (like all your design tools together). For even cleaner organization, make use of the App Library, which automatically sorts your apps by category—swipe left past your last home screen page to access it. Additionally, widgets can be added by tapping the "+" button in the jiggle mode, allowing you to pin calendars, notes, weather updates, or even interior design inspiration boards to your home screen for quick access.

Tips 1:

As a designer, I recommend approaching your home screen layout much like you would when planning a room’s flow. Think about which apps you access most frequently—place those on the first page, just as you’d prioritize essential furniture in a main living area. Use folders like functional zones, and experiment with widgets as you might with accent pieces to add functionality and aesthetic appeal. If you want to visualize your ideal screen arrangement or mockup room layouts right from your phone, leveraging tools similar to a Room Planner can spark organizational inspiration as well.

FAQ

Q: How do I move apps to different pages on my iPhone home screen?

A: Enter jiggle mode by holding any app, then drag the app to the edge of the screen until it slides over to a new page.

Q: Can I hide unused home screen pages?

A: Yes. In jiggle mode, tap the row of dots at the bottom, uncheck pages you wish to hide, then tap "Done." Hidden pages can be unhidden any time.

Q: How do I add or edit widgets?

A: In jiggle mode, tap the "+" at the top left, select a widget, choose a size, and tap "Add Widget." Drag to position it anywhere on the screen.

Q: What if I accidentally delete an app from the home screen?

A: Search for the app in the App Library, then drag it back onto your home screen if needed.

Q: Is there a way to reset my home screen layout?

A: Yes. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout. This returns layout to the factory default, while keeping your apps installed.