iPhone Notes Icon Missing? How to Get Notes Icon Back on iPhone?

"My Notes app has disappeared from my iPhone Home screen. The App Store only gives me the option to "Open", but not to "Install". Opening it does not bring the icon back to my Home screen. What now?"

- from Apple Community

Have you noticed that your Notes icon is missing from the Home screen on your iPhone? You're not alone. Many users suddenly find that the Notes app has disappeared without warning. Then, how to get the Notes icon back on iPhone? Don't worry; in most cases, the app is still there, just hidden or accidentally removed. In this article, we'll explain why this happens and provide detailed step-by-step solutions to restore the missing Notes icon easily.

Part 1. Why Did the Notes App Disappear from My iPhone?

Before jumping into solutions, it's important to understand the possible reasons behind the iPhone Notes icon missing issue. The following are some possible causes:

• Accidental removal or hiding: You may have accidentally moved the icon from the home screen to the App Library.
• Uninstalled the app: Although Notes is a default system app, it can still be uninstalled.
• System error or update issue: After an iOS update or a system error, some system icons may not display correctly.
• Home screen layout changed: Sometimes, when the layout is reset or changed, icons may be moved to other pages or folders.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Notes Icon Missing

Below are six ways to restore your missing Notes icon. You can try the steps in order until you successfully recover the icon.

Fix 1. Search in the App Library

Sometimes the icon is simply removed from the Home screen but remains in the App Library. Since iOS 14, all apps are automatically displayed in the App Library, even if they are not on the home screen.

Here is how to find the Notes icon in App Library:

Step 1. Swipe left through your Home screens until you reach the App Library.

Step 2. Use the search bar at the top and type "Notes".

Step 3. When the Notes app appears, long-press it.

Step 4. Tap "Add to Home Screen" to restore it.

Fix 2. Use Spotlight to Search

If you're not sure whether the app is still installed, Spotlight Search can help you locate it quickly. Here are the steps to use Spotlight Search:

Step 1. Swipe down from the center of your Home screen to open the Spotlight search.

Step 2. Type "Notes" in the search bar.

Step 3. If the app appears, press and hold the icon.

Step 4. Select "Add to Home Screen" or just tap to open it.

Fix 3. Restart the iPhone

Minor system glitches might cause the Notes icon to be missing from the Home screen on iPhone temporarily. Restarting your iPhone can help refresh the interface.

To restart the iPhone, follow the steps below:

For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or newer:

• Press and hold both the "Volume" button and the "Side" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Slide to power off, then wait around 30 seconds for the device to shut down.
• To power it back on, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd/3rd generation):

• Press and hold the "Side" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Slide to turn off, then wait about 30 seconds for the device to power down.
• To turn it back on, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo shows.

For iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 5, or earlier:

• Press and hold the "Top" button until the power-off slider appears.
• Slide to power off, then wait approximately 30 seconds for the device to shut down.
• To power it back on, press and hold the "Top" button until the Apple logo appears.

Fix 4. Reset Home Screen Layout

If your Home Screen layout has been customized heavily, the Notes icon might be hidden inside a folder or moved to another page. Resetting the layout will restore the default order.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Transfer or Reset iPhone".

Step 2. Tap "Reset", then choose "Reset Home Screen Layout", then confirm your action.

Step 3. Your Home screen will return to its original layout, and the Notes app icon will reappear.

Fix 5. Reinstall Notes App from App Store

If the app was deleted entirely, you need to download it again from the App Store. Here are the steps to reinstall Notes on iPhone:

Step 1. Open the App Store.

Step 1. Tap the Search tab and enter "Notes".

Step 2. Find the official Apple Notes app (look for the yellow and white notepad icon).

Step 3. Tap the "Download" button (cloud icon with arrow).

Step 4. Once installed, the Notes icon will reappear on the Home screen.

Fix 6. Use iOS System Recovery

If you've tried all the methods above and the iPhone Notes still icon is missing, it may be caused by damaged system files or deeper issues. In this case, it is recommended to use a professional iPhone system repair tool, such as iOS System Recovery. This tool can fix various iOS problems without erasing data on your device.

Key features of iOS System Recovery:

• Get the Notes icon back on iPhone without losing any data.
• Resolve various system issues, including device freeze on the Apple logo, recovery mode, black screen, and more.
• Ensure a high success rate and compatibility with all iOS devices, including the latest iPhone 16.
• Safely upgrade or downgrade your iOS to the desired version.
• Offer two repair modes: Standard Mode and Advanced Mode.

Here is how to fix the iPhone Notes icon missing without data loss using iOS System Recovery:

01Click the download button below to get the tool. After the download is complete, launch the program and select "iOS System Recovery".

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

02Connect your iPhone to the computer and trust the connection. Next, click "Start" and follow the on-screen instructions to enter recovery mode.

03Choose "Standard Mode" and click "Confirm" to proceed. The tool will begin downloading the necessary iOS firmware.

04Once the download is finished, click "Repair" to start the repair process. The tool will fix your iPhone's system and resolve any related issues. When the process is complete, your iPhone will restart, and the Notes icon will reappear on your Home screen.

Wrapping Up

The issue of the iPhone Notes icon missing is quite common, but in most cases, it can be quickly restored with simple methods, such as re-adding it from the App Library, searching for it, or restarting the device. However, if you're dealing with a more complex system error, a professional tool like iOS System Recovery is undoubtedly a safer and more efficient choice. Not only can it recover the missing icon, but it can also fix various system abnormalities, and most importantly, without any data loss.

Download it now to restore your iPhone to stable operation and easily retrieve the Notes icon!

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