The Utilities app is built into your iPhone and sits on your home screen or in App Library

Apple's Utilities app is not a single program — it is a folder that groups smaller tools your phone already has. On most iPhones, you will find it by swiping left from your home screen to reach App Library, then scrolling down to the Utilities section. The folder contains apps like Calculator, Compass, Magnifier, Voice Memos, and Stocks, depending on your iPhone model and iOS version.

If you have an older iPhone or have customized your home screen, Utilities might be pinned directly to your home screen instead. Tap and hold any empty space on your home screen, then tap the plus button in the top left corner. Search for "Utilities" and tap it to add the folder to your screen. Once it is there, tap the folder to open it and see what tools are inside.

Key Takeaways

  • Utilities is a folder in App Library that groups small built-in tools like Calculator, Compass, and Voice Memos together.
  • You can find it by opening App Library (swipe left from your home screen) and scrolling to the Utilities section.
  • You can add the Utilities folder to your home screen by searching for it in the app library and tapping the plus button.
  • Each tool inside Utilities works independently — tap the one you need and use it like any other iPhone app.

Opening Utilities from App Library

App Library is the easiest way to reach Utilities if you have not pinned it to your home screen. Swipe left from your home screen until you reach the last screen, which shows a grid of app categories. Scroll down until you see the Utilities section — it usually appears near the bottom, after categories like Productivity and Health.

Tap the Utilities folder to open it. Your iPhone will show all the tools inside, arranged in a grid. Each app has its own icon and name. Tap whichever tool you want to use — Calculator, Compass, Magnifier, Voice Memos, Stocks, or others — and it will open immediately.

Pinning Utilities to your home screen

If you use Utilities often, you can add it directly to your home screen so you do not have to open App Library each time. Tap and hold any empty space on your home screen until a menu appears with a plus button in the top left corner. Tap that plus button.

A search box will appear. Type "Utilities" and tap the result that shows the folder icon. Tap "Add App" and choose which home screen you want it on. Your iPhone will add the Utilities folder to that screen. Now you can tap it directly from your home screen without opening App Library.

What tools are inside Utilities

The apps in Utilities vary slightly by iPhone model and iOS version, but most iPhones include Calculator (for basic math), Compass (shows which direction you are facing), Magnifier (uses your camera to zoom in on small text), and Voice Memos (records audio). Some iPhones also include Stocks, Reminders, or Tips.

You do not have to use all of them. Open only the ones you need. Each tool works independently — opening Calculator does not affect Voice Memos, for example. If you find yourself using one tool constantly, you can move it out of the Utilities folder to your home screen by tapping and holding its icon, then choosing "Move App" or "Add to Home Screen."

Searching for a specific tool instead

If you know which tool you want but do not want to navigate to Utilities, use Spotlight Search instead. Swipe down from the top of your home screen (or swipe left on the home screen itself, depending on your iPhone model) to open the search box. Type the name of the tool you need — "Calculator," "Compass," "Voice Memos," or "Magnifier" — and tap the result. The app will open immediately.

Spotlight Search is often faster than opening Utilities, especially if you only need one tool occasionally. You can also ask Siri to open a specific tool by saying "Hey Siri, open Calculator" or whichever app you need.

Moving tools out of Utilities

If you use one tool from Utilities constantly, you can move it to your home screen permanently. Tap and hold the Utilities folder to open it, then tap and hold the specific app you want to move. A menu will appear with options like "Move App" or "Remove App." Tap "Move App" and choose which home screen you want it on.

The app will move out of Utilities and onto your home screen as its own icon. You can always move it back later by tapping and holding it, then choosing "Move App" and selecting the Utilities folder. This does not delete the app — it just changes where the icon appears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete apps from Utilities?

You cannot delete most built-in Utilities apps like Calculator or Compass — they are part of iOS. You can hide them by removing them from your home screen and App Library view, but they will still exist on your phone. If you want them back, you can re-add them through App Library or Spotlight Search.

Why do I not see Utilities in my App Library?

Utilities only appears in App Library if you have at least one tool from that category on your phone. If all Utilities apps are hidden, the folder may not show. Try searching for "Calculator" or "Compass" in Spotlight Search to confirm the tools exist, then add them back to App Library through the plus button.

Can I rename the Utilities folder?

No, you cannot rename the built-in Utilities folder. You can create your own custom folder and move individual apps into it, but the original Utilities folder will keep its name. If you want a different organization, create a new folder by dragging one app onto another and naming it yourself.

What if I cannot find Utilities on my iPhone?

Try searching for a specific tool instead. Swipe down to open Spotlight Search, type "Calculator" or "Compass," and tap the result. If the tool opens, Utilities exists on your phone but may be hidden. You can then add it back to App Library or your home screen using the plus button method described above.