Quick Answers
The App Store comes pre-installed on all iPads. If you don’t see the App Store icon on your iPad’s home screen, here are some things you can try:
- Check to make sure your iPad is connected to the internet.
- Update your iPad’s software to the latest version.
- Restart your iPad.
- Check to see if App Store restrictions are enabled in Screen Time settings.
- If all else fails, you may need to restore your iPad to factory settings.
Is the App Store pre-installed on iPads?
Yes, the App Store comes pre-installed on all new iPads. It is one of the default apps that comes on every iPad, along with other apps like Photos, Safari, Mail, and more. The App Store allows you to browse, search for, download, and install third party apps and games on your iPad.
What models of iPads have the App Store pre-installed?
All iPad models, including:
- iPad Pro (all generations)
- iPad Air (all generations)
- iPad (all generations)
- iPad mini (all generations)
Have the App Store pre-loaded and ready to use out of the box. Even the very first iPad launched in 2010 had the App Store installed.
Why can’t I find the App Store on my iPad?
If you can’t find the App Store icon on your iPad’s home screen, here are some things that may be causing it to be missing or hidden:
Your iPad is not connected to the internet
The App Store requires an internet connection to function properly. Make sure your iPad is connected to a wireless network in order to access and download apps.
Your iPad software needs to be updated
Older versions of iPadOS may not show the App Store icon. Update your iPad to the latest iPadOS version via Settings > General > Software Update.
The App Store app is in a folder or on another Home Screen page
Apps can be organized into folders or moved to additional Home Screen pages. Swipe left/right and check all your Home Screen pages and folders.
Restrictions are enabled in Screen Time settings
If parental controls are set, the App Store may be hidden or disabled. Check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Your iPad needs to be restored
As a last resort, you may need to restore your iPad to factory default settings. Back up your iPad first, then choose Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
How to add the App Store icon back to the Home Screen
If your App Store has disappeared from the Home Screen for some reason, you can easily add it back:
- Go to the Home Screen and tap and hold any app icon until they all start jiggling.
- Tap the Add button in the top left corner.
- Find App Store in the list of apps and tap it to add it back to the Home Screen.
- You can then move it wherever you want.
Troubleshooting tips if the App Store won’t open
If you see the App Store on your Home Screen but it crashes or won’t open when tapped, try these troubleshooting steps:
Force close and restart the App Store
Double click the Home button and swipe up on the App Store preview to force close it. Then try opening it again.
Check for iPadOS updates
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates for your version of iPadOS.
Restart your iPad
Restarting your iPad can help clear any minor glitches that may be preventing the App Store from working. Hold down the Power button until Slide to Power Off appears. Slide to turn off. Then turn your iPad back on.
Reset iPad network settings
Resetting network settings may help if it’s an internet connectivity issue. Go to Settings > General > Reset and choose Reset Network Settings.
Restore your iPad
If all else fails, erase your iPad entirely by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will delete everything so make sure to backup first.
App Store basics
Once you have access to the App Store, here are some of the main things you can do:
- Browse featured and recommended apps
- Search for apps using keywords
- View Top Charts for most popular free and paid apps
- Read app descriptions, reviews, and screenshots
- Download and install apps
- Manage existing app installs and updates
- Make purchases for paid apps and in-app content
How to navigate the App Store
The App Store has five main tabs at the bottom to help you find content:
| Tab | Description |
|---|---|
| Today | Shows editorials, lists, and daily recommendations |
| Games | Browse games category and top charts |
| Apps | Browse apps category and top charts |
| Updates | Manage and install available app updates |
| Search | Search for apps by keywords |
How to download and install apps
Downloading apps from the App Store is quick and easy:
- Find an app you want to download.
- Tap the price button or Get button to download it.
- For free apps, tap Install.
- For paid apps, enter your Apple ID password and tap Buy.
- The app will begin downloading.
- When complete, you will see the Open button.
- Tap Open to launch the app.
How to update your apps
App developers frequently release updates with new features and bug fixes. Here’s how to update your apps:
- Open the App Store and tap the Updates tab.
- Apps with available updates will have an Update button next to them.
- Tap Update All to update everything, or tap Update next to individual apps.
- Your apps will update to the latest version.
Fix App Store connection issues
If you’re having trouble accessing or downloading content from the App Store, try these troubleshooting tips:
Check your internet connection
Make sure you’re connected to a strong WiFi or cellular data connection. The App Store requires internet access.
Try toggling Airplane Mode on and off
Toggling Airplane Mode off and on again can force your iPad to re-establish its network connection.
Restart your iPad
If closing and reopening the App Store doesn’t work, do a full restart of your iPad by holding the Power button down until Slide to Power Off appears.
Update your iPadOS software
Make sure you’re running the latest iPadOS version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Check App Store and iTunes Store status
Apple provides a system status page at apple.com/support/systemstatus to view any App Store outages.
Get help and support
If you continue having issues with the App Store, here are some additional support options:
Apple Support articles and forums
Search for App Store issues in Apple’s support communities at discussions.apple.com to find fixes and workarounds from other users.
Contact Apple Support
You can contact Apple Support by chat or phone to get personalized troubleshooting help. Find contact options at getsupport.apple.com.
Take your iPad to the Genius Bar
Make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store to get in-person support. Technicians can diagnose issues with your iPad and help restore functionality.
Conclusion
The App Store provides access to over 2 million apps and is a key feature of the iPad. If you suddenly find it missing from your Home Screen or have issues opening it, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. Make sure your iPad is connected to the internet, update your iPadOS software, and restart your device. You can also reset your iPad to factory settings if necessary. With some guided diagnostics and a few easy fixes, you should be able to get the App Store back up and running on your iPad.
