iPhone Missing Phone Icon: Why It Disappeared and How to Get It Back

Part 1. Why Did the Phone Icon Disappear on iPhone?

The issue with the iPhone phone icon disappeared means that the app is hidden or affected by a minor glitch. However, this doesn't mean that the app is deleted because it's a built-in system app that can't be removed permanently. So, to know why the icon goes missing in the first place, review the reasons given below:

Part 2. Lost the Phone Icon on iPhone? 7 Easy Ways to Get It Back!

After knowing the reasons for the phone icon missing from iPhone, follow the given fixes to get it back:

Fix 1. Use Spotlight Search

Spotlight Search offers a quick and simple way to fix a missing Phone icon on iPhone. It offers direct access to applications without resets or updates, which saves time and effort. This feature also finds files, messages, emails, and settings, which makes it a multipurpose tool. Besides, it does not affect personal settings or layouts and ensures safe recovery methods across all iOS versions, as shown below:

Instructions: Swipe down from the middle of the screen and type "Phone" in the given search bar. As you locate the app, long-press on it to choose the "Add to Home Screen" option.

Fix 2. Check All Home Screens and Folders

Check all Home Screens and folders to recover a Phone icon missing from iPhone and ensure it was not moved or hidden. This method gives a quick fix without a reset and keeps layouts intact. It even helps avoid unnecessary downloads and confirms if the app is misplaced or hidden. Overall, it serves as a safe, simple, and effective way to restore the Phone icon before advanced steps.

Fix 3. Re-add from App Library

You can also re-add the Phone app from the App Library to restore a lost phone icon without resetting. The App Library keeps all apps available, ensuring easy recovery. This method keeps layouts intact, protects call history, and requires no data loss. It offers a quick and safe way to bring the Phone icon back while maintaining a clean and organized Home Screen, as illustrated:

Instructions: Swipe left to pass to your iPhone, then head to the App Library to locate the Phone app. If you can't find it, tap the "Search" bar at the top, type "Phone" and long-press on the app to choose the "Add to Home Screen" option.

Fix 4. Restart the iPhone

Restart the iPhone to fix a missing Phone icon by clearing minor faults and refreshing system functions. This method removes small bugs, frees memory, and keeps data safe. It even boosts performance, restores normal display behavior, and needs no technical skill. Above all, it serves as a quick, simple, and reliable way to recover the lost Phone icon without affecting settings. To determine how you can do so, follow the simple ways mentioned below:

Instructions. Press the "Power" and "Volume Up" buttons at once and slide the "Slide to Power Off" slider. Wait for a few minutes after the screen goes black and maintain pressure on the "Power" button to restart the iPhone.

Fix 5. Turn Off Restrictions or Focus Mode

Turn off Restrictions or Focus Mode to restore a missing Phone icon on iPhone that may be hidden or limited. This fix makes system apps visible again without resets or data loss. It keeps layouts intact, restores call and message alerts, and improves control over app visibility. Besides, it presents a secure, fast, and efficient method to restore the Phone icon with settings and preferences maintained, as demonstrated below:

Instructions: Access the Control Centre from the top right corner of your screen and disable the Focus Mode by tapping on this icon.

Fix 6. Update iOS Firmware

To know how to get phone icon back on iPhone, update the iOS firmware to fix a missing Phone icon caused by software bugs or file errors. This process recovers system applications, updates default files, and secures data. New firmware also enhances performance, enhances security, and provides full comlipatibility with all features. It is an excellent and secure means that improves stability and speed of the systems, as illustrated:

• Step 1. Go to the "General" settings to choose the "Software Update" option.



• Step 2. If you have any updates available for your iPhone, select the "Update Now" option or schedule the update for later.

Fix 7. Reset Home Screen Layout

Finally, reset the Home Screen Layout to bring back a lost Phone icon and restore default app positions. This method ensures built-in apps reappear, clears clutter, and keeps personal data safe. It offers a quick, risk-free fix that simplifies navigation and restores the familiar default setup. In addition, it provides a clean and reliable way to recover the lost Phone icon without losing apps or information, as guided:

• Step 1. From the General settings, choose the "Transfer or Reset iPhone" option and pick the "Reset" option.



• Step 2. Tap the "Rest Home Screen Layout" option and confirm the process by pressing the "Rest Home Screen" button.

Bonus Tip. Recover Your Lost iPhone App Data in a Single Click

While trying to resolve the Phone icon missing on iPhone, if you have lost any critical data, use Dr.Fone - Data Recovery. This data recovery tool is designed to retrieve over 35 data types, including photos, videos, and messages. It also gives you the facility to recover the data directly from the iOS and iPadOS devices without backup.

Additionally, you can use it to retrieve WhatsApp View Once messages or other social apps data available on your iPhone. It also enables you to restore data from iTunes and iCloud backups without causing any data loss. Above all, the tool is updated weekly to ensure a timely solution for upcoming iPadOS and iOS models.

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Simplified Data Recovery Guide to Restore Lost iPhone App Data

As you get the answer on how to resolve the Phone icon missing on iPhone issue, follow the given guide for data recovery:

• Step 1. Choose iOS as the Target Device for Data Recovery

Go with the "Recover Data from iOS Device" tool as you choose the "iOS" option from the Data Recovery tool.



• Step 2. Start the Scan on Dr.Fone to Retrieve the Data

Connect your iPhone to the computer at this point and choose the data types from the given list as the tool detects the phone. Here, press the "Start Scan" button to start the robust iOS data recovery.



• Step 3. Filter the Data You Restore and Save It

Preview the data on the new interface by filtering the restored iPhone data, then save it to the device by clicking the "Restore to Device" button.

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Conclusion

Summing up, those who are facing the iPhone missing Phone icon issue, this guide is the complete answer. The article has introduced you to all the solutions to get the Phone icon back and regain the ability to make calls. However, if you have lost any data, you can always depend on Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (iOS) for the retrieval of 35+ data types.

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