Sync and organize iOS apps

In addition to downloading apps directly to your iOS device using the App Store app, you can download apps from the App Store to your computer and add them to your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad.

If you have an iPod touch or iPhone with iOS 4 or later, or an iPad with iOS 4.2 or later, you can organize your apps by creating folders in iTunes or on your device. The folders are synced when you sync your device with your computer.

Sync downloaded apps to iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad

  1. Connect your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad to your computer and select your device.

  2. Click the Apps button.

  3. Click Install next to the apps you want to sync. If you have iOS 3.1 or later, you can also also do the following:

    • Drag apps from the list on the left to the Home screen on the right.

    • Arrange your device’s Home screens by double-clicking a screen and dragging app icons to where you want them to appear.

    Picture of interface for syncing apps in iTunes

  4. Click Apply.

Create an apps folder in iTunes

  1. On the Home screen, drag an app on top of another.

    Picture of one app icon being dragged on top of another to create a folder

    A new folder is created, containing both apps. If you want, type a name for the folder.

    Picture of open apps folder

  2. Do any of the following:

    • Add apps to a folder: Drag them to the folder.

    • Open a folder: Double-click it.

    • Close a folder: Click outside of the folder.

    • Remove an app from a folder: Open the folder, and then drag the app to any Home screen.

    • Rearrange the apps in a folder: Drag the apps to where you want them to appear.

    • Change a folder’s name: Open the folder you want to rename, double-click the folder’s name, and type in a new name.

You can’t put a folder inside another folder.

You can use the mobile apps you download only on your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad (not on your computer). Some apps might not work on all devices.

If you’re connected to a 3G, 4G, LTE, or Wi-Fi network, you can also buy apps directly from your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. For more information, see the documentation that came with your device.