How to Remove duplicate app icons on iPhone

Are you noticing duplicate app icons cluttering your iPhone’s Home Screen? If Yes, then you do not have to worry because in this post i’ll show you how to remove them and how to also prevent them from showing up in the future.

Why Are There Duplicate App Icons on My iPhone?

First off, it’s good to know that these duplicates are usually just extra shortcuts, not multiple installations of the same app. This can happen for a few reasons:

Accidental Moves: Sometimes, while rearranging apps, you might unintentionally create an extra shortcut.
App Library Additions: Dragging apps from the App Library to the Home Screen can result in duplicates if the app is already present.
Software Glitches: Occasionally, iOS hiccups can cause duplicate icons to appear.

How to Easily Remove Duplicate App Icons on iPhone

Let’s get rid of those extra icons with a few simple steps:

Method 1: Remove from Home Screen

Enter Jiggle Mode: Press and hold any empty space on your Home Screen until the app icons start to wiggle.
Identify the Duplicate: Locate the app icon you want to remove.
Tap the Minus (-) Icon: A minus sign will appear on the top-left corner of the icon. Tap it.
Select ‘Remove from Home Screen’: A prompt will appear; choose “Remove from Home Screen.” This action hides the app from the Home Screen but keeps it in your App Library.
Exit Jiggle Mode: Tap ‘Done’ or press the Home button to finish.

Method 2: Long-Press to Remove

Long-Press the Duplicate Icon: Gently press and hold the duplicate app icon until a menu appears.
Select ‘Remove App’: From the menu, tap “Remove App”.
Choose ‘Remove from Home Screen’: Ensure you select “Remove from Home Screen” to avoid deleting the app entirely.

Method 3: Restart Your iPhone

If duplicates persist, a simple restart can often resolve minor glitches:

Power Off: Press and hold the side button along with either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off.
Power On: After the device is off, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Preventing Future Duplicate Icons

To keep your Home Screen tidy:

Be Mindful When Moving Apps: Ensure you’re not creating extra shortcuts when rearranging apps.
Check Before Adding from App Library: Before dragging an app to the Home Screen, confirm it’s not already there.
Keep iOS Updated: Regularly updating your iPhone can help prevent software glitches that cause duplicate icons.