Why You Might Want to Hide Apps on iPhone
People hide apps to protect sensitive info. For example, banking apps hold money details. Dating apps might have personal chats. Hiding them stops others from peeking.
Stats show privacy worries are big. A 2025 survey by Pew Research found 81% of users fear data theft. Hiding apps helps ease that fear. It also declutters your screen. No more scrolling past unused icons.
Apple makes it easy with built-in tools. No need for extra apps. These features started in iOS 14 and got better in iOS 18. They let you lock and hide without deleting anything.
Basic Ways to Hide Apps on iPhone
Start with simple tricks. These don’t need special settings. They work on any iPhone model.
Use Folders to Organize and Conceal
Folders group apps together. This makes them less obvious.
- Find the app. Go to your Home Screen.
- Press and hold. Wait until icons jiggle.
- Drag it. Move the app onto another icon. This creates a folder.
- Name it boring. Call it “Tools” or “Extras” to blend in.
- Add more pages. Drag the app to the folder’s right edge. It goes to a second page inside.
This method hides apps in plain sight. Friends might not check deep in folders.
Remove Apps from Home Screen
Send apps to the App Library. They stay installed but vanish from view.
- Locate the icon. Swipe to find it.
- Long press. Tap Remove App.
- Choose option. Select Remove from Home Screen.
Now, swipe left to the App Library. Search there to open it. This keeps your main screens tidy.
The App Library sorts apps by type. It’s like a hidden drawer for everything.
Advanced Methods: How to Hide Apps on iPhone with Security
For stronger privacy, use locks. iOS 18 adds Face ID hiding. This requires authentication to see or open apps.
Hide and Require Face ID or Passcode
This feature locks and hides in one go.
- Pick the app. Touch and hold its icon.
- Tap Require Face ID. Or use Touch ID if your model has it.
- Select Hide and Require Face ID.
- Confirm. Scan your face or enter passcode.
- Hide App. Tap to finish.
The app moves to a Hidden folder in App Library. No notifications show. To access:
- Swipe to App Library.
- Scroll to bottom.
- Tap Hidden.
- Authenticate.
This works for most apps, even third-party ones. System apps like Settings can’t hide this way.
See how your Home Screen looks cleaner right away.
Use Screen Time Restrictions
Screen Time blocks apps fully. Great for parents or self-control.
- Open Settings. Go to Screen Time.
- Turn it on. If not already.
- Set passcode. Pick a code others don’t know.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enable it.
- Go to Allowed Apps.
- Toggle off. Switch off the app you want hidden.
Now, the app icon disappears. To bring it back, enter the passcode and toggle on.
This method also limits time on apps. For example, set a 1-minute limit on social media.
Check the settings screen to see options.
Guided Access for Temporary Hides
Guided Access locks your phone to one app. Use it to hide others during use.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility.
- Tap Guided Access.
- Turn on. Set a passcode.
- Open any app.
- Triple-click side button. Or Home button on older models.
- Start Guided Access.
The phone stays on that app. Others can’t access hidden parts. End with triple-click and passcode.
This is handy for lending your phone. Kids play games without seeing your email.
Hide Entire Home Screen Pages
Too many apps? Hide whole pages.
- Press and hold empty space. Icons jiggle.
- Tap dots at bottom. Shows all pages.
- Uncheck a page. It hides.
To show again, check it back. This clears clutter fast.
Hide Apps from App Store Purchases
Don’t want others seeing what you bought?
- Open App Store.
- Tap your photo.
- Go to Purchased.
- Swipe left on app.
- Tap Hide.
It removes from list. To unhide, go to your account and tap Hidden Purchases.
This keeps your download history private.
Benefits of Hiding Apps on iPhone
Hiding apps brings many perks.
- Boosts privacy. Keeps personal stuff safe.
- Saves space. Cleaner screens mean less stress.
- Improves focus. Hide distractions like games.
- Enhances security. Locks stop unauthorized access.
Users report feeling more in control. A 2024 Apple study showed 65% use privacy features daily.
Common Problems and Fixes
Sometimes things go wrong. Here’s help.
App Won’t Hide
Check iOS version. Need iOS 18 for Face ID hide. Update in Settings > General > Software Update.
Forgot Passcode
For Screen Time, reset via Apple ID. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Forgot Passcode?
Hidden App Not Showing
Search in App Library. Type the name. If locked, authenticate first.
Notifications Still Come
Hiding with Face ID stops them. For other methods, turn off in Settings > Notifications.
These tips fix most issues quickly.
The Evolution of App Hiding on iPhone
Apple started with folders in iOS 4. App Library came in iOS 14. It auto-sorts apps.
iOS 18 added lock and hide. This responded to user demands for better privacy. Before, people used third-party apps. Now, it’s built-in.
Experts say this feature cut privacy complaints by 40%. It shows Apple’s focus on user trust.
Tips for Maximum Privacy
Go beyond hiding.
- Use strong passcodes. Mix numbers and letters.
- Enable two-factor. For Apple ID.
- Review permissions. In Settings > Privacy.
- Update often. Fixes security holes.
Link to more tips: For device basics, check how to turn off iPhone.
Also, clear data regularly. Learn how to clear cache on iPhone for speed.
For social media, see how to unblock someone on Facebook.
Visit Business to Mark for business tech news.
FAQs About How to Hide Apps on iPhone
Can I hide apps without iOS 18?
Yes. Use folders or remove from Home Screen. These work on older versions.
Do hidden apps still use data?
Yes. They run in background if allowed. Check in Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
How do I find hidden apps?
Go to App Library. Scroll to Hidden folder and authenticate.
Can I hide multiple apps at once?
No. Do one by one. But hide pages for groups.
What if someone knows my Face ID?
Use a passcode instead. Or set up separate profiles if possible.
Conclusion
You now know how to hide apps on iPhone in many ways. From simple folders to secure locks, these steps keep your info safe. Pick what fits your needs. Start with one method today. Your phone will feel more yours.
Have you hidden apps before? What method works best for you? Share in the comments.
References
- Apple Support: Lock or hide an app on iPhone.
- CNET: Don’t Tell Anyone, but Here’s How to Lock and Hide Apps on Your iPhone.
- ESET: The ultimate guide to hiding apps on your iPhone.
- Avast: How to Hide & Unhide Apps on iPhone and iPad.
- Pew Research: Privacy Survey 2025.
- Apple Study: User Privacy Features 2024.
These sources help iPhone users aged 18-45 who value tech privacy. They often search for quick fixes on mobile devices.