Over time, your iPhone 5 home screen can become cluttered with apps, folders, and widgets. If you want a fresh start, you can reset the home screen layout, returning it to the default Apple arrangement without deleting your apps or data.

This guide will show you how to reset the home screen on iPhone 5, step by step, along with tips for organizing your apps afterward.

Table of Contents

Why Reset the Home Screen on iPhone 5?

Resetting your home screen can be helpful if you want to:

Restore the default Apple app layout
Remove misplaced apps or folders
Start organizing your apps from scratch
Fix visual clutter or accidental changes

Important: Resetting the home screen layout will not delete apps, photos, or personal data. It only rearranges the apps back to the original iOS order.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset the Home Screen on iPhone 5

Step 1: Open Settings

Tap the Settings app on your iPhone 5 home screen.

Step 2: Go to General

Scroll down and select General.

Step 3: Tap Reset

Scroll to the bottom of the General menu.
Tap Reset (on iOS 10 or earlier, this may appear as Reset Settings).

Step 4: Select Reset Home Screen Layout

In the Reset menu, tap Reset Home Screen Layout.
Confirm your choice when prompted.

Step 5: View the Reset Layout

Your home screen will immediately return to the default layout:
- Apple stock apps are placed in their original positions
- Third-party apps are arranged alphabetically after the stock apps
- All app data remains intact

Tips for Organizing Your Home Screen After Reset

1. Use Folders Wisely

Group similar apps together, such as Social, Productivity, Games, or Utilities.
Drag one app onto another to create a folder.

2. Prioritize Frequently Used Apps

Place your most-used apps on the first page for easy access.

3. Use Multiple Pages

Spread apps across multiple screens to reduce clutter.
Swipe left or right to add more home screen pages.

4. Customize with Wallpapers

Resetting may also reset your app layout, but your wallpaper remains the same.
Go to Settings → Wallpaper to update your background for a fresh look.

Troubleshooting Home Screen Reset Issues

Apps didn’t appear in alphabetical order?
- Third-party apps are placed after stock apps, sorted alphabetically.
Custom widgets disappeared?
- Widgets may need to be re-added manually.
Reset option grayed out?
- Make sure you are not using Screen Time or Restrictions preventing changes.

Final Thoughts

Resetting the home screen on your iPhone 5 is a quick and safe way to declutter and restore the default layout. It’s ideal for users who want a fresh start without losing any apps or personal data.

By following this guide, you can reset your home screen and organize your apps efficiently, keeping your iPhone 5 tidy and easy to navigate.

How to Reset the Home Screen on iPhone 5 (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)