If you've ever browsed your iPhone's home screen and stumbled upon a folder labeled “Utilities,” you might have wondered what it's for — or if it's even useful.
In this article, we break down what the Utilities folder is, what apps are inside, and how to make the most of it.
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| What Is the Utilities Folder on iPhone? Hidden Tools You Should Be Using |
🧩 What Is the Utilities Folder?
The Utilities folder is a default system folder that Apple places on your iPhone to store less frequently used, but important, built-in apps. It's there to help keep your home screen clean and organized while still giving you access to essential tools.
📦 Which Apps Are in the Utilities Folder?
The exact contents can vary depending on your iPhone model and iOS version, but here are the most common apps found inside the Utilities folder:
| App | Function |
|---|---|
| Voice Memos | Record and manage audio notes |
| Compass | Digital compass for navigation |
| Measure | Augmented reality (AR) measuring tool |
| Calculator | Basic and scientific calculator |
| Find My | Locate your devices, friends, or AirTags |
| Watch | Pair and manage Apple Watch settings |
| Magnifier | Turns your iPhone into a digital magnifying glass |
| Contacts | Access and manage contact information |
| Files | Browse and manage iCloud Drive and device files |
📌 Some apps like “Find My” or “Voice Memos” may appear outside the folder if customized.
Can I Customize the Utilities Folder?
Yes, you can customize it just like any other folder on iOS:
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✅ Rename it: Tap and hold → Tap “Rename”
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✅ Move apps in/out: Tap and hold, then drag in or out
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✅ Delete the folder: If you remove all apps, the folder disappears
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✅ Rearrange apps: Organize by frequency of use or priority
💡 Hidden Gems Inside Utilities
You may not open this folder every day, but here are a few surprisingly useful things you can do with it:
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Use Measure to check room dimensions when moving or shopping
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Turn on Magnifier to read small print or menus in dim lighting
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Record high-quality interviews or song ideas with Voice Memos
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Use Compass with offline maps during hikes or travel
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Track your iPhone or AirPods in real-time with Find My
Should You Delete Any of These Apps?
Some apps in the Utilities folder can be deleted since iOS 14 — such as Calculator, Voice Memos, or Compass. But key apps like Find My are essential to iOS and cannot be removed.
❓ FAQ: iPhone Utilities Folder
🔹 Can I delete the Utilities folder?
Not directly. But if you remove all apps from the folder, it will disappear automatically.
🔹 Can I move apps out of the Utilities folder?
Yes, just tap and hold an app, then drag it to your home screen or into another folder.
🔹 Are all Utilities apps pre-installed?
Yes, most are built into iOS. Some, like Files or Magnifier, may appear only after enabling certain features.
🔹 Is the Utilities folder the same on all iPhones?
Mostly, yes — though the exact apps may vary slightly by model and iOS version.
📲 Final Thoughts
The Utilities folder may not be flashy, but it's one of the most underrated parts of the iPhone. It quietly holds tools that can save time, enhance accessibility, and even prevent losing your device.
So the next time you're swiping through your home screen, don’t ignore the Utilities folder — you might find a feature that’s exactly what you need.
