The App Store allows you to browse, search for, install, and update apps on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. But sometimes you may need to re-download or reinstall the App Store app itself if you have issues accessing it or if it disappears from your device for some reason.
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage, tap App Store, then tap Delete App to remove it. The App Store will reappear after restarting your device.
Here are some tips for how to redownload App Store back on your device.
Key Takeaways
- Always back up your device before making major changes like deleting or reinstalling system apps. This protects your data.
- For iPhone/iPad App Store issues, start by updating your iOS, checking internet connectivity, and resetting your device. Deleting and re-downloading the App Store app can also help.
- On Android, clear cache/data for the Play Store, update Google Play Services, and do a factory reset if still unable to access the Play Store.
- You can redownload previously purchased apps for free on iPhone via your purchase history. On Android use your Google account app purchase history.
How to Redownload App Store
Here’s how to redownload app store on your iPhone.
- Back Up Your Device First
- Check Your Internet Connection
- Update Your Device’s Operating System
- Force Restart Your Device
- Uninstall and Reinstall App Store Updates
- Delete and Redownload the App Store App
- Reset Your Device to Factory Settings
- Contact Apple or Android Support
Scroll down to have a detailed breakdown on how to redownload app store.
Back Up Your Device First
Before making any major changes to your device, it’s wise to back up your data so you don’t lose anything important. For iPhones and iPads, you can back up to iCloud or use iTunes to make a local backup on your computer. For Android devices, you can back up data through your Google account.
Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection before trying to re-download the App Store. The App Store requires an internet connection to download, so check that this is not the reason you are unable to access it.
Update Your Device’s Operating System
Having the latest OS version installed can help avoid issues with system apps like the App Store. For iOS devices, go to Settings > General > Software Update to see if any updates are available. For Android, go to Settings > System > System Update. Install any pending OS updates and then try re-downloading the App Store.
Force Restart Your Device
Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches with system apps and features. On an iPhone 8 or earlier, hold down the Power and Home buttons together until you see the Apple logo. For iPhone X or later, press and quickly release the Volume Up button, press and quickly release the Volume Down button, then hold down the side button until you see the Apple logo.
For Android devices, press and hold the Power button for several seconds until you see the power off option, tap it, then restart your phone.
Uninstall and Reinstall App Store Updates
If you can see the App Store icon but it fails to open, uninstall any pending App Store updates, then reinstall them. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage. Tap App Store, then tap Offload App. Reopen the App Store to reinstall the latest update.
On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See all ### apps. Tap Google Play Store, tap Storage, then tap Clear Cache and Clear Data. Open the Play Store again and log back in to re-download updates.
Delete and Redownload the App Store App
If the App Store is missing from your device entirely, you may need to delete it and re-download a new copy of the app from the internet.
On iPhone or iPad, search for “App Store” in Spotlight Search. If it appears, tap and hold it until the minus icon appears, then delete it. If not, go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage and delete it from there if you see it. Then on your device browser, go to www.apple.com/ios/app-store to re-download the app.
For Android devices, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See all ### apps. Look for Google Play Store, tap it, then tap Uninstall. Open your device browser and go to play.google.com/store to download and install a new copy of the Play Store app.
Reset Your Device to Factory Settings
If all else fails, you can wipe your device completely clean which will delete the App Store along with all your other data and settings. Then when you set it up again, a fresh copy of the App Store will be installed.
For iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset and choose Erase All Content and Settings. For Android devices, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). This should completely reinstall a fresh App Store app, but again you’ll lose all your device data in the process.
Contact Apple or Android Support
If your App Store issues persist even after trying all troubleshooting steps, you may need technical support to determine the underlying problem. Contact Apple Support if an iOS device, or your Android device manufacturer’s customer support if on an Android device, to troubleshoot further.
How to Fix App Store Issues on iPhone and iPad
Here are some tips for troubleshooting and fixing common App Store problems on your iPhone or iPad:
Update to the Latest iOS Version
Keeping your iPhone or iPad updated with the latest iOS version can prevent bugs and glitches with system apps including the App Store. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for any available updates. Install the latest iOS update and see if it resolves your issues.
Check Your Internet Connection
Since the App Store requires an internet connection to work properly, make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data network. Try disabling Wi-Fi and using cellular data instead or vice versa to test the connection. Restart your device and router if needed.
Reboot Your iPhone or iPad
If the App Store is slow, crashes, or freezes, completely powering down your device can help clear out any glitches. On iPhone 8 or earlier, press and hold the Power and Home buttons until you see the Apple logo. For iPhone X or later press and quickly release Volume Up, then press and quickly release Volume Down, finally press and hold the Side button.
Delete and Redownload the App Store App
Go to your iPhone/iPad Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage. Tap on App Store then tap Delete App. Then go to the App Store on the web at apple.com/ios/app-store and re-download the app. This will install a fresh copy which may resolve corrupted files or data.
Turn Off Restrictions
If you have parental controls enabled, the restrictions could be blocking access to the App Store. Go to Settings > General > Restrictions and enter your passcode to turn off restrictions temporarily.
Sign Out and Sign Back Into the App Store
Sometimes your Apple ID account can have problems communicating properly with the App Store. Sign out by going to App Store > Your Profile > Sign Out. Restart your device and sign in again with your Apple ID to refresh the connection.
Contact Apple Support
For any App Store problems that persist, contact Apple Support directly for further troubleshooting assistance. Be ready to provide details on when the issue started, what you’ve tried already, and your device model and iOS version.
Troubleshooting App Store Problems on Android
Here are some steps to take if you are unable to access or download apps from the Google Play Store on your Android device:
Check Your Internet Connection
First ensure your device is connected to a stable internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data. The Play Store requires a working internet connection to operate properly. Try toggling your connection from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa.
Clear the Play Store Cache and Data
Open your Android device’s Settings app and select Apps & Notifications. Go to See All Apps, then select Google Play Store. Tap Storage, then tap Clear Cache followed by Clear Data. This will reset the Play Store app back to defaults which can fix issues.
Force Stop the Play Store
In that same Play Store app info screen, tap Force Stop. This forces the app to completely close down. Then reopen it after about 20-30 seconds – this can help reboot a frozen Play Store.
Update Google Play Services
Outdated Google Play Services files can disrupt connectivity between the Play Store and your apps. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps. Then open Google Play services, tap the 3-dot menu and select Update.
Factory Reset Your Device
If all else fails, consider a factory reset to wipe your device back to factory default settings. Make sure to backup your data first, then go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase all data (factory reset). This should re-install a fresh copy of the Play Store.
Switch Google Accounts
Try removing your existing Google account from the device then adding it again, or set up a completely new account. This can resolve account-specific issues connecting to Google Play.
Contact Google Support
Get in touch with Google’s customer support for Android devices if you still can’t access the Play Store after trying these steps. They can help investigate further and provide troubleshooting tailored to your specific device and issue.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| App Store missing from home screen | Corrupted software update, app crash | Reset device, uninstall/reinstall App Store |
| App Store not opening | Outdated iOS, connectivity issues | Update iOS, check internet connection |
| Apps not downloading | Poor internet connection, outdated OS | Reset network settings, update iOS |
| Apps missing from search | Restrictions enabled, Siri suggestions off | Check restrictions, enable Siri suggestions |
| App Store crashes or freezes | Software bug, storage full | Hard reset device, offload apps |
| Unable to update apps | Not enough device storage | Delete unused apps and media to free up space |
| App Store asks for Apple ID | Signed out of account | Sign in with your Apple ID credentials |
| Downloaded app missing | App failed to install | Try downloading the app again |
How to Reinstall Deleted Apps on iPhone
If you deleted an app from your iPhone that you want back, here are some ways to reinstall it:
Check the App Store Purchase History
Open the App Store app and tap on your profile icon at the top right. Then go to Purchase History – this lists all apps you’ve ever downloaded. Find the app you want and tap the download icon to install it again.
Restore from a Backup
If you have an iTunes or iCloud backup that contains the deleted app you want, you can restore from this backup to get the app back. Just be aware this will also restore all your other data and settings from that backup time.
Use App Library Search
If you have iOS 14 or later, go to your App Library (by swiping left on the last Home Screen). Here you can search for the name of the app – if you’ve downloaded it previously, even if deleted, the results will show a download icon to install it again.
Re-Purchase Previously Bought Apps
Even if you don’t have a backup that contains the app, as long as you originally downloaded it using your Apple ID, you can re-purchase it for free. Search for the app on the App Store and when prompted choose to buy it – you won’t be charged again.
Try a Third Party App
Some third party apps like iMazing or PhoneView may allow you to recover and reinstall deleted apps if they are still present on your device’s storage. Use caution with third party software and research reputable options.
How to Reinstall Deleted Apps on Android
If you have deleted an app from your Android device that you now want to use again, here are some ways to get it back:
Check Your App History in Play Store
Open the Google Play Store app and tap on the 3 lines menu > My Apps & Games to see your app download history. Find the deleted app in the list and tap Install to download it again for free.
Restore App with Google Backup
If you had the app installed when your device data was last backed up to your Google account, you can restore from this backup to retrieve deleted apps. Go to Settings > System > Backup > Restore from backup.
Use a File Manager App
Some Android file manager apps allow you to browse your device storage and apk files. If the app’s apk file is still on your device, you may be able to reinstall it this way. Use reputable apps like Astro File Manager or Files by Google.
Scan Device with App Search Tool
Tools like AppSearch can scan your device and produce a list of every available apk file – even for apps you may have deleted. You can then reinstall the app if you see it listed in the results.
Re-download from App Purchase History
As long as you originally downloaded the app from Google Play using your account, you can install it again for free. Go to play.google.com/store/account and view your purchase history – you can install deleted apps from here.
Removing Unwanted Apps on iPhone
Here are some tips to delete pre-installed apps you don’t use from your iPhone to free up space:
Delete from the Home Screen
Press and hold any app icon until they all start to jiggle. Tap the X icon shown on apps you want to remove to delete them from your iPhone. Note that not all pre-installed apps can be deleted this way.
Offload Unused Apps
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and review the list of installed apps. Those that can be offloaded (removed while keeping their data for reinstall later) will have the Offload App button. Tap this to offload unused apps.
Hide Apps from App Library
If you have iOS 14 or later, you can hide unwanted apps from your App Library without deleting them. Long-press an app icon until the options appear, then choose Hide App. This removes it from your App Library search and home screen.
Disable Siri App Suggestions
Go to Settings > Siri & Search and turn off Siri Suggestions and Show in App Library under Home Screen. This prevents unwanted apps popping up in your App Library and as search suggestions.
Backup and Erase All Content
As a last resort, you can completely erase and restore your iPhone to factory settings, which removes all apps including pre-installed ones. Make sure to fully back up your iPhone content first, then go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Removing Bloatware Apps on Android
Here are some tips for removing unwanted pre-installed apps on your Android device:
Uninstall through Settings
Open your device’s Settings app and go to Apps & Notifications > See all apps. This will display a list of all installed apps – scroll and look for any apps you want to remove. Tap the app, then tap Uninstall (or Disable if uninstall isn’t available).
Use ADB Uninstall Commands
For apps that can’t be uninstalled through the Settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands. Enable USB debugging on your device and connect it to a computer. Use ADB tools to enter uninstall commands for the app packages you want to remove.
Root Your Device
Rooting gives you administrative rights to your Android device’s system, allowing you to fully delete any pre-installed app. Apps like SuperSU can manage app permissions after rooting. Use caution as rooting poses security risks and voids your device warranty.
Install Uninstaller Apps
Some third party Android apps are specifically designed to help identify and uninstall bloatware apps on your device. Try tools like Debloater, Universal Android Debloater or Package Disabler Pro. Be cautious with third party apps and research reputable options.
Perform a Factory Reset
As a last resort, a full factory reset will wipe your device back to default factory settings, removing all apps in the process including any unwanted pre-installed ones. Make sure to fully back up your device first before resetting.
Recovering Deleted Apps from iCloud Backup
If you need to restore a deleted iPhone app that was saved in a previous iCloud backup:
Check iCloud Backup Contents
Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups to view your list of backups. Tap a backup to see when it was made and the size, which indicates how much data is in the backup. Choose a backup made before you deleted the app.
Erase Your iPhone
To fully restore your data from the iCloud backup, you’ll need to first erase your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will factory reset your iPhone so make sure you have the backup.
Restore from iCloud Backup
Once your iPhone is reset, go through the setup process again until you reach the Apps & Data screen where it asks “Restore from iCloud backup?” Choose the backup from the list that contains your deleted app, and let your iPhone restore.
Check for Restored App
Once the restore process completes, your iPhone will reboot and you should see the restored apps reinstalled – including the previously deleted app from that older backup. You can tap and open it to confirm it is working again.
Sync Missing Data
If any data is still missing for that restored app, you can trigger a manual iCloud sync and it will pull and restore missing data that was also in that backup. Just go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
Recovering Deleted Apps from Google Backup
If you need to reinstall an app deleted from your Android device that was saved in a Google backup:
Check Google Backup Contents
Open your device’s Settings app and go to System > Backup. Here you can see the last backup time and date along with info on how much data is saved. Review to make sure the backup was made before you deleted the app.
Factory Reset Your Device
To fully restore app data from your Google backup, you’ll first need to reset your device to factory default settings. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
Choose Google Restore
Once your device reboots after the reset, it will walk you through the setup process again. When you reach the screen asking about restoring backups, select your Google Account backup containing the deleted app.
Allow Full Restore
On the next screen it will show the backup details again and give option to restore. Tap Restore to initiate full restore of apps and data from that Google backup to your device.
Confirm Restored App
After the restore completes, your home screen and apps will repopulate. Open the app drawer and look for the restored app icon – tap it to open and use the app again with restored data.
Sync Remaining Data
If anything still seems missing from the restored app, you can manually trigger a sync of your Google account to retrieve remaining backup data. Go to Settings > Accounts > Google Account > Account Sync > Sync Now.
FAQ
Why did the App Store disappear from my iPhone?
This can happen due to a corrupted software update, storage issue, or app crash. Resetting your device can usually get the App Store to reappear.
How do I get the Play Store back on my Android if it disappeared?
Uninstall updates and clear data/cache for the Play Store app, or do a factory reset to make the Play Store reinstall on your Android device.
Can I re-download apps I’ve purchased if I get a new iPhone?
Yes, you can access and re-download previous app store purchases for free on new iOS devices using the same Apple ID account.
What happens if I delete the App Store app from my iPad?
The App Store will disappear from your home screen but you can reinstall it from the App Store website or by restoring your iPad.
Will I lose my downloaded apps if I have to reset my iPhone?
Apps will need to be redownloaded but as long as you use the same Apple ID after resetting, you can reinstall them for free.
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about how to redownload app store. Re-downloading the App Store or Play Store is usually straightforward once you identify the specific issue blocking access on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. After troubleshooting connectivity and account problems, uninstalling updates, and trying resets, you can almost always get the app store to reappear or manually reinstall it.
Just be sure to backup your device data beforehand in case more intensive methods like factory resets are required during troubleshooting.
