Hiding apps on your iPhone can be a nifty way to declutter your home screen or keep certain apps away from prying eyes. Whether you want to organize your apps better or maintain some privacy, the process is straightforward. You can achieve this by using the App Library, hiding an entire page of apps, or using built-in restrictions. Follow these easy steps, and your apps will be out of sight in no time.
How to Hide Apps on iPhone
In this section, we’ll go through a simple guide to make your apps disappear from the home screen, while still keeping them accessible when needed.
Step 1: Use the App Library
To hide an app, remove it from the home screen by sending it to the App Library.
Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library. Here, you can still access your apps even if they aren’t on the home screen. Find the app you want to hide, long-press it, and select "Remove App." Then choose "Remove from Home Screen." Your app is now only visible in the App Library.
Step 2: Hide a Page of Apps
If you have a whole page you want to hide, press and hold anywhere on the home screen until the apps jiggle.
Tap the dots at the bottom of the screen to see all your pages. Uncheck the page you want to hide and tap "Done." This prevents the page from showing up while keeping your apps safely tucked away.
Step 3: Use App Restrictions
For an added layer of discretion, use your iPhone’s restrictions feature.
Go to Settings, then Screen Time, followed by Content & Privacy Restrictions. Turn it on and tap Allowed Apps. Deselect the apps you want to hide. This will not only hide them from the home screen but also restrict their usage until the feature is turned off.
Step 4: Use Folders
Organize your apps into folders to make it less obvious where your hidden app is.
Long-press an app to drag it over another app to create a folder. Name the folder something generic and drag more apps into it. Then, drag your desired app into the folder to effectively hide it among others.
Step 5: Use Siri Suggestions
Even if an app is hidden, you can still access it via Siri.
Simply say, "Hey Siri, open [app name]." This allows you to use the app without needing to fish it out from its hidden spot.
After you’ve followed these steps, your apps will be strategically hidden. You can still access them, but they won’t clutter your home screen or be easily visible to others.
Tips for Hiding Apps on iPhone
- Regularly organize your App Library to easily find hidden apps.
- Remember that hiding apps doesn’t delete them; they remain on your device.
- Use search functionality to quickly access hidden apps.
- Hide apps that you rarely use but still need to keep.
- Update your iOS to leverage new features for hiding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find hidden apps on my iPhone?
To find hidden apps, swipe down from the middle of the home screen to access Search, or access them through the App Library.
Can hidden apps still receive notifications?
Yes, hidden apps can still receive notifications unless you turn them off in the Settings.
Will hiding apps affect storage?
Hiding apps does not affect your iPhone’s storage. The apps remain installed and take up space as usual.
Can I hide pre-installed apps?
Yes, you can hide or disable certain pre-installed apps using the Restrictions feature.
How do I unhide an app?
To unhide an app, go to the App Library, find the app, and drag it back to the home screen.
Summary
- Use the App Library.
- Hide a page of apps.
- Use app restrictions.
- Use folders.
- Use Siri suggestions.
Conclusion
Hiding apps on an iPhone is a practical skill that offers a blend of organization and privacy. Whether you’re trying to declutter your screens or keep certain apps out of the limelight, knowing how to hide apps can be quite handy. While these apps become invisible on your home screen, fear not—you can still reach them whenever you like. The App Library is a great tool for this, acting like a digital vault where your apps are stored safely but are still accessible.
By following the methods above, you’ll have a more organized and clean home screen, and you won’t have to delete apps to achieve it. Plus, the flexibility of this feature means you can adapt it as your needs change. So, explore these options and see which method works best for you. Remember: technology is here to make life simpler, and hiding apps is just one more way to tailor your device to fit your lifestyle. Take control, enjoy the customization, and revel in how much easier it is to navigate your iPhone now that you’ve mastered the art of hiding apps.
Matthew Simpson has been creating online tutorial for computers and smartphones since 2010. His work has been read millions of times and helped people to solve a number of various tech problems. His specialties include Windows, iPhones, and Google apps.