Apple

How to hide apps on an iPhone

Olivia T

• 2 min read
How to hide apps on an iPhone

Smartphones are a ubiquitous part of many people’s lives. Whether it’s mobile banking or online dating, there are a range of things you can use them for that might contain sensitive information.

If you have an iPhone and want to know how to hide your apps, we’re here to help. This guide will show you how to protect apps from prying eyes, enabling you to go about your day with peace of mind.

Thinking of changing your iPhone, too? Explore our collection of Apple handsets, featuring modern and classic models to suit various budgets.

Can all apps be hidden on an iPhone?

No, only apps that you download from the App Store can be hidden. Any app that came pre-installed with your iPhone is visible at all times.

Remove from the Home screen

One of the simplest ways to hide an app is by removing it from your Home screen. This won’t remove the app from your device, it just means it won’t be visible as soon as you unlock your phone. The app will appear in the App Library when swiping to the right.

  1. Press and hold on the app you want to hide
  2. Tap ‘Remove app’
  3. Following this, press and hold again then tap ‘Remove from Home screen’

If you have a folder of apps, you can follow the same steps instead of having to hide each one individually; simply press and hold on the folder.

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An additional step you can take is to hide apps from search, so they don’t appear when browsing through your iPhone’s menus.

  1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings menu
  2. Tap ‘Siri & search’
  3. Choose the app you want to hide and press the ‘Show app in search’ toggle

Use a hidden folder

You can also add apps to a hidden folder, which can then be viewed at the bottom of the App Library. Any hidden apps can be viewed by going to Settings > Apps > Hidden Apps.

  1. Find the app you want to hide on the Home screen
  2. Press and hold the app until the Quick Actions menu appears
  3. Tap one of the options that appears e.g., Require Face ID, Touch ID etc.
  4. Tap Hide and Require Face ID/Touch ID/Passcode
  5. Authenticate using the security option you chose, then press ‘Hide app’

Unhide an app

If at any point you want to unhide an app, this can easily be done via the following steps.

  1. Go to the Home screen and swipe to the App Library
  2. Select the Hidden folder and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode
  3. Press and hold the app you want to unhide
  4. Select ‘Don’t require Face ID/Touch ID/Passcode

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With these steps, you can quickly and easily hide any app you don’t want others to see. If you’ve picked up a new iPhone or want to help others set up their handset, our step-by-step guide will help you move your old data across in no time.