Table of Contents
Have you ever wondered how to add Instagram back to the home screen on your iPhone? Whether you accidentally deleted the app or it mysteriously disappeared, it can be frustrating to not have easy access to your favorite social media platform. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to help you add Instagram back to your iPhone’s home screen, so you can start scrolling, sharing, and connecting with friends again.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Adding Instagram Back to Home Screen
Adding Instagram back to your iPhone’s home screen may seem like a simple task, but it can be challenging if you are not familiar with the process. Apple’s iOS operating system does not allow users to manually add or remove apps from the home screen directly. Instead, apps are automatically placed on the home screen when they are downloaded from the App Store. If an app goes missing, it can be tricky to find and restore it to the home screen.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods, there are a few things you should prepare for to ensure a smooth process. Firstly, make sure you have a stable internet connection to download the Instagram app. Secondly, ensure that you have sufficient storage space on your iPhone to accommodate the app. Lastly, ensure that your iPhone is running on the latest version of iOS to avoid any compatibility issues.
Method 1: Adding Instagram Back via the App Store
One of the simplest ways to add Instagram back to your iPhone’s home screen is by downloading it from the App Store. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and go to the App Store.
Step 2: Tap on the search bar at the bottom of the screen and type "Instagram".
Step 3: Select the official Instagram app from the search results.
Step 4: Tap on the "Get" or "Download" button to initiate the download.
Step 5: Enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID/Face ID to confirm the download.
Step 6: Wait for the app to download and install on your iPhone.
Step 7: Once the installation is complete, you should see the Instagram app icon on your home screen.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Simple and straightforward method | Requires an internet connection |
| Installs the latest version of Instagram | Requires sufficient storage space |
Method 2: Adding Instagram Back via the App Library
If you are using iOS 14 or later, you can try adding Instagram back to your home screen via the App Library. Here’s how:
Step 1: Swipe left on your home screen to access the App Library.
Step 2: Look for the "Recently Added" or "Social" category where Instagram might be located.
Step 3: Tap and hold on the Instagram icon until the app icon starts jiggling.
Step 4: Drag the Instagram icon to the desired home screen page.
Step 5: Release your finger to place the app on the selected page.
Step 6: Press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to exit the App Library.
Step 7: You should now see the Instagram app on your home screen.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| No need to download or reinstall the app | Only available on iOS 14 or later |
| Allows quick access to recently used apps | May require rearranging home screen pages |
Method 3: Adding Instagram Back via Spotlight Search
If you still can’t find Instagram on your home screen or App Library, you can try locating it using Spotlight Search. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Swipe down from the middle of the home screen to open Spotlight Search.
Step 2: In the search bar, type "Instagram" and wait for the results to appear.
Step 3: If Instagram is found, tap on its icon to open the app.
Step 4: To add it back to your home screen, tap and hold on the app icon until options appear.
Step 5: Tap on "Add to Home Screen" or the "+" symbol to add the app to your desired location.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Does not require re-downloading the app | Requires internet connection |
| Can quickly locate lost apps | May require additional steps to add it back |
Method 4: Adding Instagram Back via iCloud
If you have previously enabled iCloud for your apps, you can try restoring Instagram from your iCloud account. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Go to your iPhone’s Settings and tap on your Apple ID profile.
Step 2: Tap on "iCloud" and ensure that the "App Store" toggle is enabled.
Step 3: Open the App Store and go to the "Updates" tab.
Step 4: Tap on your Apple ID profile picture at the top right corner.
Step 5: Scroll down and locate the "Purchased" section.
Step 6: Tap on "Not on this iPhone" and find Instagram in the list.
Step 7: Tap on the cloud icon next to Instagram to start the download.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Restores apps without re-downloading them | Requires enabled iCloud and previous app purchase/download |
| Retains app data and settings | May not work if iCloud backup is disabled |
Why Can’t I Add Instagram Back?
There can be several reasons why you may not be able to add Instagram back to your iPhone’s home screen. Some common reasons include:
1. App Deletion: You may have accidentally deleted the Instagram app or removed it intentionally.
Fix: Follow the methods mentioned above to reinstall Instagram and add it back to your home screen.
2. App Offloading: Your iPhone may have automatically offloaded the Instagram app to free up storage space.
Fix: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and find the Instagram app. Tap on it and select "Reinstall App" to restore it to your home screen.
3. Restrictions or Parental Controls: Your iPhone’s settings may have restrictions or parental controls that prevent the installation of certain apps.
Fix: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions (or Restrictions) and ensure that app installation is allowed.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you manage and organize your apps on your iPhone’s home screen:
1. Create Folders: Group similar apps together by creating folders. Tap and hold on an app icon, then drag it onto another app to create a folder. You can personalize the folder name and add more apps to it.
2. Rearrange Home Screen Pages: To rearrange your home screen pages, tap and hold on any app icon until they start jiggling. Drag an app icon to the left or right edge of the screen to move to a different page.
3. Reset Home Screen Layout: If you want to start fresh, you can reset your home screen layout. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout. Note that this will rearrange your apps and remove any customizations.
5 FAQs about Adding Instagram Back to Home Screen
Q1: Why did Instagram disappear from my home screen?
A: Instagram may disappear from your home screen if it was accidentally deleted, offloaded due to low storage, or hidden in a folder.
Q2: Can I add Instagram back without reinstalling it?
A: Yes, if you are using iOS 14 or later, you can add Instagram back to your home screen via the App Library without reinstalling it.
Q3: How can I prevent apps from disappearing from my home screen?
A: To prevent apps from disappearing, you can disable offloading apps in Settings > App Store or ensure that you have sufficient storage space on your iPhone.
Q4: Can I add Instagram back with a different icon?
A: Currently, changing app icons is not supported by iOS. You can only add the original Instagram app icon back to your home screen.
Q5: Will adding Instagram back delete my account or data?
A: No, adding Instagram back to your home screen will not delete your account or data. Your account and data will remain intact.
In Conclusion
Losing Instagram from your iPhone’s home screen can be frustrating, but with the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily add it back and continue enjoying your social media experience. Whether you choose to download it from the App Store, use the App Library, Spotlight Search, or restore it from iCloud, these methods will help you regain access to Instagram in no time. Remember to keep your iPhone updated, manage your app organization, and utilize the additional tips to maximize your home screen efficiency. Happy Instagramming!