How to restore settings icon on iPhone if it has been deleted

TechZerg is reader supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

The iPhone Settings icon is an essential part of the iOS operating system software, making it almost impossible to delete it from your iPhone. If you cannot find the Settings icon on your iPhone screen, the most likely scenario is that you accidentally lost the Settings icon by mistakenly moving it to a new folder.

If the Settings icon does not show up on your screen or has been replaced with a blank image, you should restore the system software of the iPhone with iTunes. But first, search for the Settings icon through the search bar. Another option is to reset the home screen layout.

Searching for the icon through the search bar and resetting the home screen layout are two options that should restore the Settings icon. If not, back up your files and restore your iPhone with iTunes to get back the icon.

How to restore iPhone Settings icon

Step 1

Swipe down on the screen to open “Spotlight Search.”

Step 2

Type “Settings” into the search bar and search. If you find the Setting icon on the list, you don’t need to restore your iPhone. If the Setting icon does not appear, launch the Settings app using the search feature or manually check through your folders to search for the icon. If you find it, move it back to your home screen. If not, proceed to step 3 below and reset the home screen layout.

Step 3

Go to the “Reset” section within Settings, tap “Reset Home Screen layout.” Your Settings app icon will be restored, along with all of the app icons that were on your home screen when you first purchased your iPhone.

If the Setting icon is still missing after trying the above methods, you may need to restore your iPhone with iTunes, beginning with steps four below.

Before going ahead to restore your iPhone with iTunes, it is worth noting that all your media files and other data will be erased should you go ahead. Therefore, if you still want to have access to your data and files, the best option is to back up your device first before going ahead to restore it.

Step 4

Connect your iPhone to the computer through its USB cable to start the restore process.

Step 5

Launch iTunes if it doesn’t open automatically, enter your iPhone’s passcode and trust the computer.

Step 6

Choose your device and click “Summary.” Click “Restore” to complete the process.