How to Stop Apps Disappearing from Your iPhone

By Elisabeth Garry Updated 10/29/2021

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

Have you ever gone to use an app you haven’t touched in a long time, only to find that the app has disappeared? The good news is you’re not losing your mind: Apple occasionally offloads apps it doesn’t think you’re using anymore. The better news is that you haven’t lost any data stored in the app (you only need to reinstall to get it back), and the best news is that it's easy to prevent your iPhone from unloading unused apps in the future. Let’s go over how.

How to Turn Off Offload Unused Apps

  1. Go to Settings.

    Settings
     
  2. Tap App Store.

    App store
     
  3. Toggle Offload Unused Apps to the off (gray) position.
    Offload unused apps
     

Now, no matter how long you neglect your apps, they’ll always be there waiting when you need them. To learn about more apps and features you might actually use every now and then, consider signing up for our Tip of the Day!

iPhone Life
Discover your iPhone's hidden features
Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

Related: How to Hide Apps on the iPhone & Find Them Later (Updated for iOS 14)

If you change your mind and decide you’d like your iPhone to Marie Kondo itself every now and then, simply toggle Offload Unused Apps back on. Otherwise, you can relax in the knowledge that all the apps that bring you joy will remain safe on your home screen from now on. Offloading unused apps isn't the only way that apps may go missing. Check out this article on how to find hidden or missing apps on your iPhone, or this one that specifically helps you fix a dissapearing Mail app.

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

How-To
Apps
App Store

Author Details

Elisabeth Garry's picture

Author Details

Elisabeth Garry

Elisabeth Garry is an Associate Editor for iPhone Life. Formerly of Gartner and Software Advice, they have six years of experience writing about technology for everyday users, specializing in iPhones, HomePods, and Apple TV. As a former college writing instructor, they are passionate about effective, accessible communication, which is perhaps why they love helping readers master the strongest communication tools they have available: their iPhones. They have a degree in Russian Literature and Language from Reed College.

When they’re not writing for iPhone Life, they’re reading about maritime disasters, writing fiction, rock climbing, or walking their adorable dog, Moosh.