how to reset your iphone home screen layout: A step-by-step guide to restoring your iPhone home screen to its original layout

Resetting your iPhone home screen layout is a great way to restore the default arrangement of apps—especially if things feel cluttered or you’ve rearranged icons over time. This process will return all built-in Apple apps to their original spots, remove any custom folders, and alphabetize third-party apps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone (on some iOS versions, just "Reset").
4. Choose Reset.
5. Tap Reset Home Screen Layout.
6. Confirm your choice when prompted.

This action does not delete applications or data; it simply arranges app icons and folders back to the default layout. If you have widgets or custom home screen pages, you’ll need to customize them again after the reset. As a designer, I actually enjoy using the reset as a clean canvas—it gives you an opportunity to rethink your app organization similar to planning the layout of a new living space. It’s like starting fresh with your home’s design, which truly helps maximize functional home organization.

Tips 1:

After resetting the layout, take a little time to reorganize your apps by frequency of use or by category. Think of each screen as a specific "room" in your phone—design an efficient flow much like you would in a functional home or office space. Group work apps, entertainment, and communication tools in a way that reflects how you really use them day to day. This simple exercise can make navigating your phone much more intuitive.

FAQ

Q: Will resetting the home screen layout delete any of my apps?

A: No, this only changes how your apps are arranged. All your apps and their data remain untouched. Q: Are widgets affected when I reset the home screen?

A: Yes, widgets are removed from the home screen and you’ll need to add them back manually. Q: Can I undo the home screen reset?

A: There’s no “undo” button; you would need to rearrange your apps manually if you want to restore your previous setup. Q: Do folders I created disappear?

A: Yes, all folders (except for system-generated ones like "Utilities") are removed and the apps within them are placed back on the home screen in alphabetical order. Q: What happens to app badges, notifications, or settings?

A: Badges and notifications are unaffected; only icon arrangements and folder groupings are reset.