The App Store is the only place to get apps for iPhone

Every app on iPhone comes from the App Store, Apple's official marketplace. You cannot install apps from websites, email links, or other sources the way you might on a computer. To get an app, you open the App Store app (the blue icon with white dots), search for what you want, and tap the button to download it. The app then installs automatically and appears on your home screen.

You need an Apple ID to download anything from the App Store, even free apps. An Apple ID is a username and password you create with Apple — it's the same account you use for iCloud, Apple Music, or any other Apple service. If you don't have one yet, you can create it directly in the App Store app when you try to download your first app.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store app on your iPhone, search for the app you want, and tap the cloud or download button to install it.
  • You need an Apple ID to download apps, even free ones, but you can create one in the App Store if you don't have one yet.
  • Apps download and install automatically — you don't need to do anything after tapping the button except wait for the progress to finish.
  • Paid apps charge to your Apple ID payment method at the moment you tap to download, so check the price before you start.
  • If an app won't download, check that you have enough storage space, that you're signed into your Apple ID, and that your internet connection is working.

Finding and downloading an app step by step

Open the App Store app — it's the blue icon with white dots, usually on your home screen or in the Utilities folder. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Search tab (the magnifying glass icon). Type the name of the app you want, or a description of what you're looking for. The App Store will show you matching results.

Tap the app you want from the search results. You'll see a description, screenshots, reviews, and the price (or the word "Get" if it's free). Look at the price or button in the top right corner. If it says "Get", the app is free. If it shows a dollar amount, that's what it will cost. Tap the button — it will change to show a cloud icon or a download arrow. You may need to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. After you do, the app will begin downloading and installing.

Once the download finishes, the button will change to "Open". The app is now on your iPhone and ready to use. You can tap "Open" to start it right away, or close the App Store and find the app on your home screen to open it later.

What happens when you download a paid app

When you tap the button to download a paid app, you are charged immediately. The charge goes to the payment method linked to your Apple ID — usually a credit card, debit card, or Apple gift card balance. You cannot undo the purchase after you tap the button, so check the price carefully before you start.

If you want to return a paid app, you have up to 14 days from the purchase date to request a refund through the App Store. Open the App Store, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, tap "Purchase History", find the app, tap it, and select "Report a Problem". You can then request a refund. Apple will review your request, but refunds are not may provide — they depend on why you want to return it.

Managing storage space for apps

Apps take up storage space on your iPhone. If your iPhone is almost full, you may not be able to download new apps. To check how much space you have left, go to Settings, tap General, then tap iPhone Storage. You'll see how much space is used and how much is free.

If you're running low on space, you can delete apps you no longer use to make room. Press and hold an app icon on your home screen, tap "Remove App", then tap "Delete App" to remove it completely. You can always download it again later without paying again if it was a paid app. Another option is to offload an app, which removes it but saves your data — go to Settings, General, iPhone Storage, find the app, and tap "Offload App".

Troubleshooting apps that won't download

If an app stops downloading or won't start, first check your internet connection. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. If the connection is working, try closing the App Store completely and opening it again. Sometimes a stalled download will resume on its own.

If the app still won't download, check that you have enough free storage space (see the section above). Then go to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap "Media & Purchases", and make sure you're signed in to the correct Apple ID. If you're not signed in, tap "Sign In" and enter your credentials. After you sign in, go back to the App Store and try downloading again.

If none of that works, restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on. Then try downloading the app once more. If it still fails, the app itself may be having problems, or it may not be available in your country or region. You can check the App Store page for the app to see if there are any notices about availability.

Updating apps you already have

App developers release updates regularly to fix bugs, add features, and improve performance. By default, your iPhone updates apps automatically when you're connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in to power. You don't need to do anything — the updates happen in the background.

If you want to update an app manually, open the App Store, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, and scroll down to see "Available Updates". You'll see a list of apps with updates ready to download. Tap "Update" next to any app to update it right away, or tap "Update All" to update everything at once. You can also turn off automatic updates if you prefer to update apps yourself. Go to Settings, tap your name, tap "Media & Purchases", tap "Automatic Downloads", and toggle off "Apps".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from websites or email links instead of the App Store?

No. iPhone only allows apps from the App Store. If you click a link to an app in an email or on a website, it will open the App Store page for that app, and you download it from there. There is no other way to install apps on iPhone.

Do I need to pay for an Apple ID?

No. Creating an Apple ID is free. You only pay for apps and services you choose to buy. Many apps in the App Store are free to download and use.

What if I forget my Apple ID password?

Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap "Password & Security", and tap "Change Password". You can also go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer or another device to reset your password. You'll need to verify your identity using a recovery email or recovery phone number linked to your account.

Can I download the same app on multiple iPhones with one Apple ID?

Yes. If you own multiple iPhones and use the same Apple ID on all of them, you can download any app you've purchased on any of those devices. Paid apps you've bought stay in your purchase history and can be downloaded again for free on any device signed in with that Apple ID.

Why does an app say it's not available in my country?

Some apps are only sold in certain countries due to licensing agreements, local laws, or the developer's choice. If an app isn't available where you are, you cannot download it. You can check the app's page in the App Store to see which countries it's available in.