How to Find the App Store on an iOS Device to Download Apps
Question details
The user wants to locate the App Store on an iPhone or iPad to download applications such as a PDF reader.

- Product
- iOS App Store
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Setting up a device or looking to install new software like Adobe Acrobat Reader or an Office suite on an iOS device.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to find the App Store application icon on their home screen or through the system search in order to browse and download apps.
Ensure your iPhone or iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network, and that you have your Apple ID and password ready to approve downloads.
Use Spotlight Search to Locate the App Store
This is the fastest method to find any missing app on your iPhone or iPad, including the App Store.
Spotlight search scans your entire device. If the App Store is hidden in a folder or on a different home screen page, searching for it will bring it up instantly.
Swipe down from the middle of your device's Home Screen.
Tap the search field at the top of the screen and type 'App Store'.
Tap the blue App Store icon that appears in the top search results to open it.

Find the App Store in the App Library
Use the App Library on iOS 14 or later to find automatically categorized apps.
Download WPS Office for iOS to Read and Edit Documents
If you are accessing the App Store to download a PDF reader or document editor, WPS Office is an excellent, all-in-one choice. It allows you to view, edit, and create PDFs, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations directly on your iPhone or iPad.
- 1. Open the App Store: Launch the App Store on your iOS device using the search methods described above.
- 2. Search for WPS Office: Tap the 'Search' tab at the bottom right corner, type 'WPS Office' in the search bar, and hit Search.
- 3. Download the App: Tap the 'Get' button next to the WPS Office app icon to install it onto your device.
- 4. Start Managing Documents: Open WPS Office from your Home Screen to easily read, edit, and manage your PDFs and office files.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the App Store missing from my iPhone?
The App Store cannot be deleted, but it can be restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Ensure that 'Installing Apps' is set to 'Allow'.
Do I need an Apple ID to download free apps?
Yes, Apple requires a valid Apple ID to download any application from the App Store, including free apps like PDF readers and office suites.
How do I download an app once I open the App Store?
Tap the 'Search' icon at the bottom right, type the name of the app you want (e.g., WPS Office), tap the app in the results, and then press the 'Get' button to download it.




