The bar at the bottom of an iPhone screen, officially known as the dock, is a convenient feature that allows quick access to frequently used apps. By default, the dock consists of four app icons, but did you know that you can customize it to suit your preferences? In this blog post, we will explore different methods to change the bar at the bottom of your iPhone screen and make it even more useful. Whether you want to add or remove apps, rearrange them, or even change the appearance of the dock, we’ve got you covered.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change the Bar At Bottom of Your iPhone
There are several reasons why you might want to customize the bar at the bottom of your iPhone screen:
1. Personalization: By changing the apps in your dock, you can personalize your iPhone and make it reflect your own unique style and preferences. You can choose the apps that you use most frequently and have them easily accessible at all times.
2. Productivity: Customizing the dock can significantly enhance your productivity. By having quick access to the apps you use the most, you can save time and be more efficient in performing various tasks on your iPhone.
3. Organization: If you have too many apps on your iPhone and find it difficult to locate the ones you need, customizing the dock can help you stay organized. By adding your most frequently used apps to the dock, you can easily find and launch them without having to search through multiple pages or folders.
4. Convenience: When you change the bar at the bottom of your iPhone, you can ensure that the apps you need are just a tap away. This can be especially useful when you want to quickly switch between apps or perform tasks that require multiple app interactions.
Now that we understand the benefits of customizing the bar at the bottom of an iPhone, let’s explore different methods to achieve this.
Method 1: Via the Settings App
Changing the bar at the bottom of your iPhone screen using the Settings app is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on “Dock”.
Step 3: In the Dock settings, you will see the current apps in your dock. To add an app, tap on the “+” icon located at the left side of the current apps. To remove an app, swipe left on the app and tap on the “Remove” option. You can also rearrange the apps by dragging them up or down.
Step 4: After making the desired changes, tap on the “Done” button at the top right corner to save your changes.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to customize the dock.
2. Allows you to add, remove, and rearrange apps according to your preferences.
3. Changes are applied system-wide, meaning the modified dock will be visible on all screens of your iPhone.
Cons:
1. Limited to only four app slots in the dock.
2. Changes made to the dock do not affect the layout of other screens on your iPhone.
Method 2: Using the Home Screen
Another method to change the bar at the bottom of your iPhone screen is by using the home screen. This method allows you to add more apps to the dock, providing quick access to a larger number of frequently used apps. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the home screen.
Step 2: Locate the app that you want to add to the dock.
Step 3: Long-press the app icon until the app icons on the screen start jiggling.
Step 4: Drag the app icon to the bar at the bottom of the screen, placing it between the existing apps. You can also rearrange the apps in the dock by dragging them left or right.
Step 5: Once you are done, press the home button to save your changes and exit the editing mode.
Pros:
1. Allows you to add more than four apps to the dock.
2. Can be done directly from the home screen, making it a quick and convenient method.
3. Changes made to the dock using this method are also applied system-wide.
Cons:
1. The additional apps added to the dock may result in smaller app icons.
2. Requires enough space in the dock to accommodate the additional apps.
Method 3: Via the App Library
With the introduction of iOS 14, Apple introduced the App Library, a new feature that organizes all your apps in an easily accessible manner. You can utilize the App Library to change the bar at the bottom of your iPhone screen. Here’s how:
Step 1: Navigate to the home screen of your iPhone.
Step 2: Swipe left to access the App Library.
Step 3: Locate the app that you want to add to the dock.
Step 4: Long-press the app icon until the options menu appears.
Step 5: Tap on the “Add to Home Screen” option.
Step 6: The app will be added to the home screen. Long-press the app icon on the home screen and drag it to the bar at the bottom of the screen.
Step 7: You can rearrange the apps in the dock by dragging them left or right.
Step 8: Press the home button to save your changes and exit the editing mode.
Pros:
1. Allows you to add apps to the dock without cluttering the home screen.
2. Provides easy access to all your apps through the App Library.
3. The changes made using this method are also applied system-wide.
Cons:
1. Requires iOS 14 or later.
2. The App Library may not be available on older iPhone models.
Method 4: Via Third-Party Apps
In addition to the built-in methods provided by Apple, there are also third-party apps available that can help you change the bar at the bottom of your iPhone screen. These apps offer more advanced customization options, such as changing the appearance of the dock, adding widgets, and more. Here’s how you can do it using a third-party app:
Step 1: Install a third-party customization app from the App Store, such as “Launcher”.
Step 2: Open the customization app and follow the on-screen instructions to grant the necessary permissions.
Step 3: Customize the appearance and functionality of the dock according to your preferences. These apps usually provide a user-friendly interface with drag and drop functionality.
Step 4: Save your changes and exit the customization app.
Pros:
1. Provides advanced customization options beyond what Apple’s built-in methods offer.
2. Allows you to change the appearance of the dock and add additional widgets for increased functionality.
3. Perfect for users who want more control over the customization process.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing a third-party app, which may take up storage space.
2. Some customization apps may not be free and may require a one-time purchase or subscription.
What to Do If You Can’t Change the Bar At Bottom of Your iPhone
If you are unable to change the bar at the bottom of your iPhone using the methods mentioned above, here are a few potential fixes to consider:
1. Restart your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches and allow you to make the desired changes.
2. Update your iPhone: Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that may address any issues with the dock customization.
3. Check for restrictions: If you are using a device managed by an organization or parental controls are enabled, it is possible that restrictions prevent you from changing the dock. Check the restrictions settings to verify if any limitations are in place.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to further enhance your iPhone dock customization experience:
1. Experiment with different app arrangements to find the optimal configuration that suits your needs.
2. Consider using folders in the dock to group similar apps together and save space.
3. Explore third-party widgets that can be added to the dock for quick access to frequently used information or actions.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I add more than four apps to the dock?
A: By default, the dock can accommodate up to four apps. However, using the home screen or third-party apps, you can add more apps to the dock.
Q2: Can I change the appearance of the dock?
A: Apple’s built-in methods allow limited customization of the dock’s appearance. However, third-party apps provide more advanced customization options.
Q3: Will changing the bar at the bottom of my iPhone affect other screens?
A: No, changing the dock does not affect the layout of other screens on your iPhone.
Q4: Do I need iOS 14 to use the App Library method?
A: Yes, the App Library was introduced in iOS 14, so you will need this or a later version to utilize this method.
Q5: Can I revert back to the default dock configuration?
A: Yes, you can easily revert back to the default dock configuration by using the methods mentioned above and removing or rearranging the apps as desired.
Final Thoughts
Customizing the bar at the bottom of your iPhone screen can be a fun and practical way to personalize your device. By using the built-in methods provided by Apple or exploring third-party apps, you can easily add or remove apps, rearrange them, and even change the appearance of the dock. Whether you want to enhance productivity or simply make your iPhone reflect your own unique style, customizing the bar at the bottom of your iPhone is a simple yet effective way to achieve your goals. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a more personalized iPhone experience.