How to Put Apps in Alphabetical Order on iPhone 15: A Guide

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If you’ve just upgraded to the iPhone 15 and find your home screen cluttered with apps scattered everywhere, you’re not alone. Many users wonder how to put apps in alphabetical order on iPhone 15 so they can quickly find what they need without swiping endlessly through pages.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to organize your iPhone apps neatly. We’ll also cover alternative methods, hidden iOS features, and FAQs so you can make the most of your iPhone 15’s powerful organizational tools.

📌 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • You can’t automatically alphabetize apps with one tap on iPhone, but you can reset the Home Screen layout or manually organize them.

  • The App Library (introduced in iOS 14) automatically arranges apps into categories and alphabet order.

  • Resetting the Home Screen Layout is the fastest way to start fresh.

  • You can also drag-and-drop apps manually into alphabetical order for a customized setup.

  • Third-party tricks and Spotlight Search help you find apps instantly if you don’t want to reorganize everything.

Why Organize Apps Alphabetically on iPhone 15?

Think about your closet — would you rather have shirts, pants, and shoes scattered randomly, or neatly arranged so you can grab them in seconds? The same logic applies to your iPhone.

Alphabetizing apps:

  • Saves time – no endless swiping.

  • Reduces frustration – quickly spot the app you need.

  • Improves productivity – especially if you have hundreds of apps.

  • Keeps your iPhone neat – a clean home screen just feels better.

Can You Automatically Alphabetize Apps on iPhone 15?

Here’s the honest answer: iOS doesn’t have a one-click “Sort Alphabetically” button for apps on the Home Screen. However, Apple gives you a few clever options:

  1. App Library – already sorted and searchable.

  2. Home Screen Reset – rearranges built-in apps to their default layout.

  3. Manual Organization – drag apps into alphabetical order.

We’ll cover each option step by step.

Method 1: Use the App Library

Apple introduced the App Library starting in iOS 14, and your iPhone 15 has it built-in. This feature automatically organizes all your apps by categories and provides an alphabetical search list.

How to Access the App Library

  1. Go to your Home Screen.

  2. Swipe left until you reach the last page.

  3. You’ll see the App Library with smart folders (Social, Productivity, Entertainment, etc.).

How to Find Apps Alphabetically

  • Tap the search bar at the top of the App Library.

  • You’ll see all apps listed in alphabetical order.

  • Scroll or type the name of the app to launch it instantly.

👉 This is the easiest way to use an alphabetical view without rearranging your Home Screen manually.

Method 2: Reset Home Screen Layout

If your apps are a mess and you want a fresh start, resetting the Home Screen layout is the quickest method.

Steps to Reset Home Screen Layout on iPhone 15

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap General.

  3. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

  4. Tap Reset.

  5. Choose Reset Home Screen Layout.

  6. Confirm by tapping Reset Home Screen.

After this, your default Apple apps (Phone, Messages, Safari, etc.) will return to their original places. All third-party apps will line up alphabetically starting from the second page.

✅ Best for: Users who don’t mind resetting everything to clean up a messy phone.

Method 3: Manually Arrange Apps in Alphabetical Order

If you don’t want a full reset, you can organize apps yourself. Yes, it takes time — but the result is a personalized, neatly ordered Home Screen.

Steps to Manually Alphabetize Apps

  1. Press and hold an app icon until it wiggles (Edit Home Screen mode).

  2. Drag the app to where you want it.

  3. Place apps starting from A-Z order across pages.

  4. Continue until all apps are arranged alphabetically.

  5. Tap Done in the top-right corner to save.

💡 Pro tip: Create folders like “A-C,” “D-F,” etc., if you have many apps. This makes manual alphabetizing much faster.

Method 4: Use Spotlight Search Instead of Rearranging

Not interested in reorganizing your Home Screen? Spotlight Search is your best friend.

How to Use Spotlight Search on iPhone 15

  1. Swipe down on the Home Screen.

  2. Type the name of the app.

  3. The app will appear instantly — no scrolling required.

This trick makes alphabetizing less important since you can find any app in seconds.

Bonus: Third-Party Tools & Shortcuts

While Apple doesn’t allow third-party apps to directly rearrange your Home Screen, some tools and tricks can help:

  • Shortcuts app: Create quick access shortcuts grouped by alphabetical folders.

  • Widget folders: Use widgets to pin alphabetized app folders on your Home Screen.

  • Third-party launchers (via Safari or web apps): Though limited, some creative users build custom home pages for fast access.

Alphabetical vs. Category Organization: Which Is Better?

Here’s a comparison to help you decide:

Method Pros Cons
Alphabetical Order Easy to find apps by name Time-consuming to set up
App Library Automatic, no setup required Apps are grouped by Apple, not you
Category Folders Organized by usage Not always intuitive
Spotlight Search Fastest way to find apps Doesn’t change visual clutter

Step-by-Step: The Fastest Way to Alphabetize Apps on iPhone 15

If you want speed, here’s the most efficient workflow:

  1. Back up your iPhone (in case you change your mind).

  2. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Home Screen Layout.

  3. Let iOS reset everything.

  4. Enjoy an alphabetized app list starting from page two.

  5. Customize from there (folders, widgets, etc.).

Done! 🚀

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Thinking there’s an “auto-alphabetize” button: Sadly, not yet.

  • Forgetting to back up: A reset removes your custom layout.

  • Overusing folders: Too many folders can make apps harder to find.

  • Ignoring App Library: It’s already a powerful built-in solution.

Expert Tips for a Cleaner iPhone 15 Home Screen

  • Use folders for apps you rarely open.

  • Place your most-used apps on the dock (bottom bar).

  • Combine alphabetical + category sorting for the best of both worlds.

  • Rely on Spotlight Search for ultra-fast access.

Conclusion: Should You Alphabetize Apps on iPhone 15?

Alphabetizing your iPhone 15 apps can save you time, reduce clutter, and make your device feel more organized. While Apple doesn’t offer a one-tap alphabetical order feature, you can achieve it with:

  • The App Library (already sorted alphabetically).

  • Resetting Home Screen Layout for a fresh start.

  • Manual rearrangement if you want full control.

  • Spotlight Search if you prefer not to reorganize at all.

Choose the method that fits your style — whether you’re a neat freak who loves order or someone who just wants quick access. Either way, your iPhone 15 will feel more efficient and enjoyable to use.

FAQs: How to Put Apps in Alphabetical Order on iPhone 15

1. Does iPhone 15 have an automatic “sort apps alphabetically” feature?
No, but you can use the App Library or reset the Home Screen layout to achieve alphabetical order.

2. What happens when I reset the Home Screen layout?
Apple apps return to default spots, and third-party apps rearrange in alphabetical order starting on page two.

3. Can I alphabetize only one folder instead of all apps?
Yes. You can open a folder, press and hold apps, and rearrange them manually into alphabetical order.

4. Is the App Library alphabetical?
Yes. If you tap the search bar inside App Library, you’ll see all apps listed alphabetically.

5. What’s the fastest way to find an app without reorganizing?
Use Spotlight Search by swiping down on the Home Screen and typing the app name.

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