How to create a minimalist iPhone Home screen

Want a cleaner iPhone layout? Here's how to simplify your Home screen

A cluttered Home screen can make it hard to focus. Whether you're aiming for fewer distractions or just like a tidy look, creating a minimalist iPhone® Home screen is easier than you think. At Asurion, we help people get more out of their tech—from protecting their devices to teaching them how to make the most of every feature.

Here’s how to clean up your iPhone layout and create a minimalist Home screen that feels calm and organized.

1. Delete or offload unused apps

Start by going through your apps and removing anything you don’t use.

• To delete an app: Press and hold the app icon, then tap Remove App > Delete App.
• To offload an app: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Tap the app and choose Offload App to free up space without losing your data.

2. Use the App Library

The App Library automatically organizes all your apps in folders. It’s a great way to keep your main screen clutter-free.

• Swipe left past your last Home screen page to access the App Library.
• You can remove apps from your Home screen without deleting them—they’ll still be available in the App Library.

3. Create a single Home screen

For a true minimalist look, aim for just one Home screen.

• Press and hold a blank area of your screen until the apps jiggle.
• Tap the row of dots at the bottom of the screen.
• Uncheck any extra screens you don’t need.
• Tap Done to save your changes.

4. Add only your most-used apps

Limit your home screen to 4–8 essential apps—like Messages, Calendar, Camera, or Notes.

• Drag apps from the App Library to your Home screen as needed.
• To save space, group similar apps into folders. For example, combine Safari, Chrome, and Firefox into a “Browsers” folder.

5. Use widgets wisely

Widgets can help you glance at important info—like the weather or your calendar—without opening an app. But too many can feel busy.

• Press and hold on your Home screen, tap the plus sign (+), and choose a small or medium widget for a clean look.
• Stick to one or two widgets to avoid visual clutter.

6. Pick a calm wallpaper

A soft background helps your apps stand out and keeps your screen feeling calm.

• Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper.
• Choose a solid color, simple gradient, or one of Apple’s minimalist designs.
• Avoid busy or detailed images—they can make your layout feel crowded.

7. Hide app labels with a custom focus mode (optional)

If you want to take minimalism to the next level, try hiding app names using a Focus mode and Shortcuts.

• Create custom icons with the Shortcuts app and remove app names.
• Use Focus filters to show only selected apps and widgets when the mode is active.
• This takes extra steps, but the clean result is worth it for some users.

8. Turn off notification badges

Red bubbles with numbers can create a sense of urgency, even when it’s not needed.

• Go to Settings > Notifications.
• Tap each app and turn off Badges to remove them from your Home screen.

9. Review and adjust regularly

Once your minimalist setup is complete, revisit it every few months.

• Ask yourself which apps you still use.
• Remove what no longer serves you.
• Keep your layout simple and easy to navigate.

FAQs

How do I hide apps from my iPhone Home screen without deleting them?

You can remove apps from the Home screen by pressing and holding the app icon, tapping Remove App, then choosing Remove from Home Screen. The app will still be in your App Library.

Can I have a blank Home screen on iPhone?

Not completely blank, but you can limit it to just a few essential apps or widgets for a clean, simple look.

What is the App Library on iPhone?

The App Library is a feature that organizes all your apps into folders, so you can keep your Home screen uncluttered.

How do I add widgets to my iPhone Home screen?

Press and hold a blank space, tap the plus sign (+), choose a widget, and drag it to your screen.

Will removing apps from the Home screen delete them?

No. If you choose Remove from Home Screen, the app stays on your phone and can be found in the App Library.