If some of your apps disappeared after updating your iPhone XR to the latest iOS version, don’t panic—they’re probably not gone for good. Updates can sometimes toggle settings or hide apps unexpectedly. Here’s how to get your missing apps back quickly.
1. Restart Your iPhone
Glitches after an iOS update are common. A quick reboot usually clears them up:
- Press and hold the Side button + Volume Up or Down.
- Slide to power off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then turn your iPhone back on.
Still missing apps? Try the next fix.
2. Re-download Missing Apps from the App Store
Even if an app disappears from your Home screen, you can reinstall it easily:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile > Purchased > Not on this iPhone.
- Find the missing app and tap the download icon (cloud with arrow).
You can also search the app by name in the App Store search bar and redownload it from there.
3. Turn Off ‘Offload Unused Apps’
iOS may have offloaded your unused apps to save storage:
- Go to Settings > App Store.
- Toggle Offload Unused Apps to OFF.
- If it’s already off, toggle it ON then OFF to refresh the setting.
4. Check Content Restrictions
Your Screen Time settings may be hiding some apps:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps and make sure any missing apps (like Safari, Mail, etc.) are turned ON.
If you’re using Screen Time with a passcode, you’ll need to enter it first.
5. Reset Your Home Screen Layout
If you think apps are just buried in folders or missing from sight:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
- Tap Reset Home Screen Layout.
- This will return the layout to factory default (no data loss).
Still Missing? Try These
- Restore from iTunes Backup: If you previously backed up your device, connect it to your computer and restore from that backup via iTunes or Finder.
- Use a Third-Party iOS Recovery Tool: Tools like iMyFone D-Back or Tenorshare UltData can scan your phone for lost data—including apps.
Contact Apple Support
If apps continue to vanish or don’t reinstall properly, it may be a bug introduced by the update. Reach out to Apple Support to report the issue and get more help.