How to Hide Apps on iPhone

In the age of digital privacy, learning how to hide apps on your iPhone can be essential for maintaining personal discretion. Whether it's to keep certain apps out of reach from prying eyes or to declutter your home screen from over-used applications, knowing how to subtly hide apps without deleting them can greatly enhance your smartphone experience.

Why Hide Apps on iPhone?

There could be multiple reasons for wanting to hide apps on your iPhone. Some users prefer a minimalist look on their home screen, while others need to conceal apps due to privacy concerns. Children's access may need to be limited, or perhaps you just want to keep personal apps separate from work-related ones. Hiding apps can effectively manage your digital space and reinforce your privacy.

Utilizing iPhone Features

Apple's iOS provides several native methods to hide apps from plain view. You don't necessarily need third-party apps to achieve this. Using built-in features such as the App Library, creating folders, and managing settings can neatly tuck away apps. Below, we explore various methods to hide apps on iPhone.

Methods to Hide Apps on iPhone

Discover how you can effectively manage your applications with these tried and tested methods for concealing apps on your iPhone.

Guide Steps

1. Using the App Library

The App Library, available from iOS 14 onwards, automatically categorizes all installed applications but keeps them off the main home screen. To move apps solely to the App Library, press and hold the app you want to hide from the home screen and select “Remove App”. Then, select “Move to App Library”. Your app will remain accessible in the library.

2. Creating Folders

A typical method is to nest apps in folders. To do this, press and hold an app until it begins to jiggle, drag it over another app to create a folder. Drag more apps into this folder until your desired app is tucked in the lower levels. Be sure to select a non-conspicuous folder name for further obfuscation.

3. Restricting App Visibility

Leverage the Screen Time feature to restrict app visibility. Navigate to “Settings” > “Screen Time” > “Content & Privacy Restrictions”. Turn it on and tap “Allowed Apps”. Here, you can switch off certain apps, effectively hiding them from the home screen. These apps can be easily reinstated by toggling the setting back.

4. Using Siri to Manage Apps

Siri Suggestions can often show apps you'd prefer hidden. Go to “Settings” > “Siri & Search” and toggle off “Suggestions on Home Screen” for specified apps. This will ensure they don't appear randomly in spotlight searches or Siri recommendations.

5. Offloading Unused Apps

Offloading an app will remove it from the home screen but retain its data for reinstallation. Navigate to “Settings” > “General” > “iPhone Storage.” Here, select an app and choose “Offload App.” The app icon disappears, but it's still accessible in case you need it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide apps permanently on iPhone?

No, iPhones don’t allow permanently hiding an app without removing it. However, you can use the App Library or folders to keep them out of plain sight.