Dear TeachUsTech’ers,
In this guide we’ll walk through how to download an app from Apple’s App Store on your iPhone or iPad. We’ll use a real example so you can follow along, then you can repeat the same steps for any other app you need.
If you have ever worried that you might “break something” by pressing the wrong button, don’t worry. These steps will show you exactly what to tap and what you should see at each stage.
These newsletters are made to be printed and kept nearby, so feel free to mark them up and write your own notes in the margins. If you have a friend that would appreciate this but don’t know how to forward emails yet, you can view our very first newsletter here on “How to Forward an Email”.
Before you begin
Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to Wi‑Fi (or has mobile data turned on).
Have your Apple ID password handy, or be ready to use Face ID or Touch ID.
If you know which app you want, write its name on a piece of paper so you can type it in exactly.
In this example we’ll download an app called “Journie Rewards,” but you can substitute any other app name you like.
How to Download an App from the App Store (iOS)
Step 1 – Find and Open the App Store
On your Home Screen, look for the blue App Store icon. It has a white “A” made of three sticks on a blue background.
If you can’t find it, swipe down from the middle of your Home Screen to open the Search bar.
In the Search bar, type “App Store.” You should see the App Store icon appear in the results.
Tap the App Store result once to open it.
Step 2 – Go to Search Inside the App Store
At the bottom-right corner of the App Store, tap the Search button (a magnifying glass icon).
This takes you to the Search page where you can look up any app by name.
Step 3 – Search for the App You Want
Tap once in the search box at the top of the screen. The keyboard will appear.
Type the name of the app you want to download. In our example, type “Journie Rewards.”
As you type, suggestions may appear below. You can tap the suggestion if it matches what you want.
If your App doesn’t get suggested, tap the blue Search button on the keyboard.
Step 4 – Download the App
Next to the app’s name, look for a button that says Get or shows a small cloud with an arrow.
Tap the Get (or cloud) button once.
The button may briefly change to a spinning circle or ask you to confirm the download.
Step 5 – Confirm the Download
If your iPhone or iPad uses Face ID, look at the screen when it asks you to confirm.
If it uses Touch ID, gently rest your finger on the Home button when asked.
On some devices, you may see instructions to Double Click to Install near the side button. Press the side button twice quickly.
If your device asks for your Apple ID password instead, type it carefully and tap Sign In.
Step 6 – Wait for the App to Download
Stay on the App Store for a moment and watch the button next to the app’s name.
The circle will slowly fill in as the app downloads. This may take a few seconds or longer, depending on your internet speed.
When the download is finished, the button will change from a circle to a button that says Open.
Step 7 – Open Your New App
You can tap Open in the App Store to open the app right away.
Later, you can find the app on your Home Screen or in your App Library. Look for the app’s icon and tap it once.
Step 8 – Create an Account
Many apps ask you to create an account so they can remember your information.
If you are new to the app, look for a button that says Create account, Sign up, or Not a member? Create an account.
Tap inside each box (First name, Last name, Mobile number, Email, Password) and type the requested information.
Choose a password that you can remember but that others would not guess. Write it down in a safe place.
Tick the box to accept the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy if you agree.
Tap Continue (or the app’s next button) to finish creating your account.
If you already have an account, look for a Log in or Sign in link near the bottom of the screen and use your existing email and password.
Tip
Tip: Once you are comfortable with these steps, try downloading another simple app so the process feels more familiar. The steps are the same each time: App Store → Search → Get → Confirm → Open.
If you found this guide helpful, you can subscribe to receive future Teach Us Tech newsletters by email at www.TeachUsTech.com.
You’re receiving this email from TeachUsTech because you subscribed on our website, signed up through one of our guides, or someone forwarded this to you and you chose to subscribe.
We send simple, step-by-step tech lessons about once a week, designed for everyday users (and the families who help them).
This email is for general educational purposes only. TeachUsTech is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple, Microsoft, Google, or any other company mentioned in these guides. Please be careful when changing your settings or sharing personal information online.
Copyright © 2026 TeachUsTech. All rights reserved. You may print and save this email for your personal use, or forward the original email or link to others. Any other copying, publishing, or reuse of this content requires written permission from TeachUsTech.
Need help or want to suggest a topic? Email us at [email protected].