The NookPhone is a smartphone the player is gifted by Tom Nook at the beginning of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, part of the Deserted Island Getaway Package. In-game, Tom Nook explains to the player that he had the phones made for every individual on the island.
Opening the phone allows the player to access the various apps, which can be unlocked by completing certain tasks. Apps unlocked by default include the Camera, Critterpedia, Map, Passport, and ! Rescue Service apps. A unique feature of the phone is the ability to call a Rescue Service. If the player uses the service, it allows the player to reappear outside their chosen location. Using this specific app costs Nook Miles, while all other apps do not.
The Camera app is available from the start and allows the player to pan and zoom the camera to take snapshots and set a filter and border style.
The Pro Camera app upgrade was added in 2.0 and is unlocked by redeeming from the Nook Stop for 1,500 Nook Miles. It adds first-person, tripod, and bird's-eye viewpoints, as well as new filters.
The Nook Miles app is available from the start and displays a list of Nook Miles challenges for the player to complete and collect miles.
The Nook Miles+ app upgrade is unlocked after the player upgrades their tent to a house. The upgrade adds daily goals that can be completed for Nook Miles.
The Critterpedia app is available after the Resident Representative gives a bug or fish to Tom Nook. It is available by default for all other players. The app displays an encyclopedia of bugs, fish, and sea creatures the player has caught and indicates if they have been donated to the museum.
Before version 1.3.0, the app featured a different icon and only displayed bugs and fish; no sea creatures were available.
The DIY Recipes app is available after completing Tom Nook's workshop. The app displays all DIY recipes the player has collected.
The DIY Recipes+ app upgrade was added in version 2.0 and is unlocked by redeeming from Nook Stop for 2,000 Nook Miles. After redeeming the item, it allows the player to cook and learn cooking DIY recipes. The upgrade can be indicated by a new icon featuring both DIY and cooking recipes icon.
The Nook Shopping app is available after buying 100 items from the Nook Shopping section at Nook Stop. The player can access the full Nook Shopping catalog from their NookPhone, removing the need to visit Resident Services to buy something.
The Island Designer app is available from obtaining the Island Designer Construction Permit from Tom Nook after K.K. Slider's first concert on the island. It allows the player to construct cliffs, rivers, and paths on the island and request cleanup of items or view the manual.
The Custom Designs app is available from the start and allows the player to view, use, and edit custom designs.
The Pro Editor app upgrade is unlocked by redeeming from Nook Stop for 800 Nook Miles. It allows the player to create pro designs.
The Pro Editor+ app upgrade was added in version 1.9.0 and is unlocked by redeeming from Nook Stop for 2,000 Nook Miles. This upgrade gives the player 50 additional design slots and unlocks new Pro design types: umbrella, uchiwa fan, handheld flag, and face-cutout standee.
The Patterns+ app upgrade was added in version 2.0 and is unlocked by redeeming from Nook Stop for 1,800 Nook Miles. It allows the player to use Sable's patterns as custom designs.
The Portal app upgrade was added in version 1.9.0 and is unlocked by redeeming from Nook Stop for 300 Nook Miles. It allows the player to access the Custom Design Kiosk from the Custom Designs app.
The Map app is available from the start and displays a map of the player's island, showing where buildings are as well as indicating the player's position.
The Happy Home Network app was added in version 2.0 and is exclusive to the Happy Home Paradise DLC. It is available after designing two vacation homes for Paradise Planning and allows the player to view and visit the previous clients whose vacation homes they have designed for Paradise Planning, as well as share their designs on the internet with other players.
The Showroom app upgrade is unlocked after designing 13 vacation homes for Paradise Planning. It allows the player to share their homes online and follow creators.
The Room Sketch app was added in version 2.0 and is exclusive to the Happy Home Paradise DLC. It is available after visiting Paradise Planning for 11 days and learning all Soundscapes. It allows the player to design a room by using the items from their catalog similar to to Photopia. Saved room designs can then be used in vacation homes.
The Chat Log app is available from the start and displays the chat history of players, both in single-player and multiplayer. It is cleared when the player exits the game. The app is unlocked when the player first plays multiplayer.
The Best Friends List app is available after talking to Orville about multiplayer. The app displays a list of other players added as friends showing their online status, and allows the player to manage Best Friend requests.
The Call Resident app is available after another player character moves to the player's island. It allows the player to summon another resident to play local co-op multiplayer.
The ! Rescue Service app is available from the start. Using the service will call an operator who will transport the player to a location on the island for 100 Nook Miles.
The Island Life 101 app is available from the start since version 2.0, though existing players before 2.0 will need to redeem the item at Nook Stop for 400 Nook Miles. The app stores tips and guidance from Tom Nook and Isabelle; if the Happy Home Paradise DLC has been played, tips appear from Lottie as well.