How To Hide Apps On iPhone (Step-by-Step Guide)
Hiding apps on your iPhone is a smart way to protect your privacy, reduce screen clutter, or keep certain apps away from prying eyes. Whether you want to hide social media apps, dating apps, or built-in Apple apps, iOS offers several easy and effective methods.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to hide apps on iPhone using proven techniques that work on the latest iOS versions.
Why Do iPhone Apps Get Hidden?
Users may decide to conceal apps on their iPhones for a variety of reasons, such as:
Safeguarding private or delicate applications
Keeping kids from using specific applications
Maintaining a tidy and orderly Home Screen
Cutting down on social media app distractions
1. Use the App Library to Hide Apps
All installed apps on your iPhone are automatically stored in the App Library, which allows you to delete apps from the Home Screen without actually uninstalling them.
Steps:
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Long-press the app you want to hide
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Tap Remove App
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Select Remove from Home Screen
The app will still be accessible in the App Library (swipe left past your last Home Screen).
Best for: Quickly hiding apps without deleting data.
2. Hide Apps Inside Folders
Using folders is one of the easiest ways to make apps less visible.
Steps:
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Drag one app onto another to create a folder
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Move the app you want to hide to the second or third folder page
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Rename the folder to something generic like “Utilities” or “Extras.”
Pro Tip: Apps placed deeper in folders are less likely to be noticed.
3. Use Screen Time to Hide Apps (Most Secure Method)
You may fully conceal apps from search, the Home Screen, and Siri recommendations using Screen Time.
Procedure:
Navigate to Settings > Screen Time
Select Content & Privacy Restrictions or App Limits.
Set a passcode and enable screen time.
Select the particular app or the app category.
Limit it to one minute.
The app vanishes if the passcode is not entered after the limit is reached.
Ideal for: Safely concealing apps and blocking access.
4. Disguise Integrated Apple Applications
Numerous pre-installed Apple apps, including FaceTime, Mail, Music, and Safari, can be removed.
Procedure:
Hold down the Apple app.
Click “Remove App.”
Choose “Delete App.”
Note: While some essential apps cannot be eliminated, Screen Time can still be used to limit their use.
5. Hide Apps from iPhone Search & Siri Suggestions
Even if apps are hidden, they may still appear in search results.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Siri & Search
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Select the app you want to hide
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Turn off:
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Show App in Search
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Show on Home Screen
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Suggest App
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This ensures the app stays completely hidden.
6. Use Third-Party App Lock Apps (Optional)
While iOS does not allow full app locking, some third-party apps can help hide photos, files, or browsing activity.
Examples:
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App Hider
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Private Photo Vault
Always download apps from the App Store and check reviews.
Is It Possible to Hide All Applications on an iPhone?
Although Apple prohibits programs from being completely invisible, combining these techniques can make apps very hard to locate. The best level of privacy is achieved by using Screen Time + App Library + Search limitations.
FAQs: Is it possible to conceal apps without erasing them?
Indeed. Apps remain accessible in the App Library even after being removed from the Home Screen.
Are alerts still sent by hidden apps?
Yes, unless you’ve disabled notifications under Settings > Notifications.
Can I keep apps hidden from kids?
Of course. The greatest way to implement parental controls is through screen time.