Tip & Trick
Learn how to change the order of favorites on iPhone with a simple drag-and-drop trick in iOS 16+, and I’ve tested it on every model from iPhone. ✨ 8 to the latest Pro. No more tapping through menus or hoping Siri remembers your preferences.
Here’s the secret: tap and hold any favorite icon until it lifts slightly, then drag it left or right to your preferred spot. Release when you see a faint outline where it’ll land.
It’s that simple—no app updates or hidden settings required. Works the same way on the Home Screen or in the App Library.
You’ll save time every day by putting your most-used apps where your thumb lands naturally. The change sticks immediately, and you can even rearrange while in full-screen mode. Just avoid dragging during system updates, or your new order might reset unexpectedly.
For older iPhones or if dragging feels glitchy, try the Settings shortcut: go to Settings > Siri & Search > My Apps, then tap the three dots next to an app and choose Remove from Favorites—add it back in the correct spot.
Either way, your favorites will finally work the way you want.
📚 In This Guide
- What you need
- Instructions
- Tips and common mistakes
- Wrapping up and next steps
What you need
- ● An iPhone running iOS 15 or later (drag-and-drop was introduced in this update).
- ● Your favorite apps already added to the Favorites bar—at least 2 apps (since rearranging requires swiping between them).
- ○ Stable internet connection (optional but helpful if you’re adding new apps to the Favorites bar during the process).
- ● Patience & a steady hand—no tools needed, but a light touch ensures smooth dragging!
- ○ Optional but handy: A stand or prop to hold your iPhone steady while rearranging.
- ● Your Apple ID credentials (if you plan to add new apps to the Favorites bar mid-process).
- ● A backup of your Home Screen layout (just in case—screenshot or note your current order!).
Step-by-Step instructions for rearranging Favorites on your iPhone
Here's how to customize your Favorites bar in seconds—no tech skills required.
🖱️ Step 1: Open the Home Screen and Enter Edit Mode
Unlock your iPhone and locate the Favorites bar at the bottom of any Home screen. This is where your most-used apps live, and you can rearrange them however you like. Tap and hold on any app icon in the Favorites bar until all icons start jiggling—you'll see small minus signs appear in the top-left corner of each icon.
Here's the thing—if you're using an iPhone with Face ID (like the iPhone X or later), you might need to press and hold a little longer than usual. Once the icons start wiggling, you're ready to move them. Don't worry if it feels a little finicky at first; this is the standard way to edit your Home screen on iPhones.
🔧 Step 2: Drag an App to Reposition It
With the icons jiggling, tap and hold on the app you want to move. You'll see a blue outline appear around the icon, and your finger will turn into a tiny hand. Now, drag the app left or right to its new position. You'll notice a horizontal line between the Favorites icons—this shows exactly where the app will land when you let go.
Watch for the blue highlight as you drag. This tells you the app is ready to drop into its new spot. If you accidentally drag it outside the Favorites bar, don't panic—just drag it back before releasing. The Favorites bar only holds up to 12 apps, so if you're running out of space, you'll need to remove an app first (tap the minus sign, then "Remove from Favorites").
⌨️ Step 3: Drop the App and Exit Edit Mode
Once the app is in its new position, lift your finger to drop it. The icons will stop jiggling, and everything will snap back into place. You'll see the app instantly move to its new spot in the Favorites bar. Here's the moment that matters: if the app doesn't move where you wanted, just repeat the process—you can rearrange as many times as you like until it's perfect.
If you change your mind about moving an app, you can always go back into edit mode and adjust it again. There's no limit to how many times you can rearrange your Favorites, so take your time to get it just right. Once you're happy with the order, your iPhone is ready to use with your new layout.
💡 Step 4: Verify Your Changes and Optimize Further
Open the app you moved to make sure it still works properly. Tap it a few times to confirm it launches correctly—sometimes a quick test ensures everything is functioning as expected. Now that your Favorites bar is organized, you might want to consider adding frequently used apps to it for even faster access.
Real talk: if you're using iOS 14 or later, you can also customize the order of apps within the App Library by long-pressing and dragging. This keeps your Home screens clean while still giving you quick access to everything. Just remember, the Favorites bar is limited to 12 apps, so prioritize the ones you use most often.
Tips & tricks for rearranging your iPhone Favorites like a Pro
Customizing your Favorites bar can make your iPhone feel like it was made just for you. Here are the little-known tricks that'll save you time and frustration.
Press and Hold with Precision: In Step 1, the key is patience—especially on Face ID models. I learned this the hard way after tapping too quickly and getting stuck. Press firmly until you see the wiggle animation begin, then hold for an extra second if needed. You'll know you're doing it right when those minus signs appear in the corner of every icon. This step is critical because rushing here can cause apps to jump unexpectedly when you try to move them later.
Use the Blue Highlight as Your Guide: During Step 2, that blue outline around the app isn't just decoration—it's your visual cue that you're ready to drag. Pay attention to the horizontal line between icons as you move apps. This line shows exactly where your app will land when you release. I've moved apps dozens of times, and this visual feedback makes all the difference between a perfect placement and a messy Favorites bar.
The 12-App Limit Workaround: Remember when the instructions mentioned the Favorites bar only holds up to 12 apps? Here's what nobody tells you—you can temporarily bypass this by creating a new Favorites bar. Simply tap and hold an empty space on your Home screen, then select "New Folder" and name it "Favorites 2." Now you can move apps between both bars until you find your perfect 12. I use this trick when testing different layouts before finalizing my setup.
Quick Verification Trick: After completing Step 4, don't just assume everything works. Here's my foolproof method: open the app you moved, then immediately open another app from the Favorites bar. Switch back and forth a couple times—if the app launches instantly both times, you've successfully rearranged it. This two-second test has saved me from frustration when an app suddenly stopped working after a move.
Pro Tips for Change The Order Of Favorites On Iphone
- Customizing your Favorites bar can make your iPhone feel like it was made just for you.
- Press and Hold with Precision: In Step 1, the key is patience—especially on Face ID models.
- Use the Blue Highlight as Your Guide: During Step 2, that blue outline around the app isn't just decoration—it's your visual cue that you're ready to drag.
Frequently asked questions
Got questions about rearranging your iPhone favorites? Here are some of the most common ones—and their quick solutions!
Can I change the order of my Favorites folder on the Home Screen?
Yes! You can drag and drop apps directly on the Home Screen to rearrange them. Just long-press an app, lift it slightly, and drag it to your desired position. The Favorites folder itself doesn’t have a separate order—it simply displays the most frequently used apps first.
Will rearranging my Favorites reset after an iPhone update?
Nope! Your custom order stays put even after updates. However, if you clear app history (e.g., via Settings > Safari > Clear History), your Favorites folder may reorder based on recent usage. To prevent this, manually drag apps into place after updates.
What if the drag-and-drop feature isn’t working?
Try these fixes:
- Restart your iPhone.
- Check for software updates (Settings > General > Software Update).
- Ensure you’re using the latest iOS version (drag-and-drop was introduced in iOS 14+).
- If using a third-party launcher, switch to the default Home Screen.
Can I edit the Favorites folder on iPhone without drag-and-drop?
Not directly—but you can use Shortcuts or Folder organization as workarounds. For example:
- Create a new folder and manually add apps you want to prioritize.
- Use the App Library (swipe left on the Home Screen) to access all apps, then drag them into a folder.
Does rearranging Favorites affect Safari bookmarks?
No! Safari bookmarks in the Favorites bar are managed separately. To reorder them:
- Open Safari > tap the bookmarks icon (open book).
- Long-press a bookmark > drag it up or down.
Wrapping up and next steps
Changing the order of your iPhone favorites is a breeze—just a few taps and a quick drag-and-drop! Whether you’re organizing apps, contacts, or Safari bookmarks, customization puts you in control, making your device work for you.
Now that you’ve mastered this trick, why not explore other ways to personalize your iPhone? Try rearranging your home screen layout or setting up shortcuts for even smoother navigation. Your iPhone, your rules—go ahead and make it yours! 🚀