In today’s digital age, our iPhones hide apps have become extensions of ourselves, filled with countless apps that serve various purposes. While many of these apps are essential, some might be considered less so, or perhaps you simply want to declutter your home screen. 

Fortunately, iOS offers several methods to hide apps effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to conceal your apps and maintain a clean and organized iPhone interface.   

Understanding the Difference Between Hiding and Deleting

Before we dive into the methods, it’s crucial to clarify the distinction between hiding and deleting an app.

• Hiding an app: This means removing the app icon from your home screen, but the app and its data remain on your device. You can still access it through the App Library or by searching for it.   
• Deleting an app: This permanently removes the app and its data from your iPhone. If you reinstall the app later, you’ll need to re-download it and set it up again.

Method 1: Hiding Apps Using the App Library

Introduced in iOS 14, the App Library is a centralized location for all your apps. It’s a great way to declutter your home screen while still keeping all your apps accessible.   

Steps:

• Press and hold an empty space on your home screen until the apps start jiggling.
• Tap the dots at the bottom of the screen to view all your home screen pages.   
• Remove the page containing the apps you want to hide by deselecting the circle at the bottom of the page.   
• Tap Done in the top right corner.   
• The apps on that page will no longer appear on your home screen but will still be accessible in the App Library.   

Method 2: Hiding Individual Apps

If you prefer to hide specific apps instead of entire pages, follow these steps:

• Press and hold the app icon you want to hide until a menu appears.   
• Tap Remove App.   
• Choose Remove from Home Screen.   
• The app will disappear from your home screen but remain in the App Library.   

Method 3: Using Third-Party App Hiders (Caution Advised)

While Apple provides built-in methods to hide apps, some third-party apps claim to offer additional features like password protection. However, using such apps might compromise your device’s security. It’s essential to exercise caution and research any third-party app before downloading and using it.

Finding Hidden Apps

If you’ve hidden an app and can’t remember where it is, here’s how to find it:

• App Library: Swipe rightmost on your home screen to access the App Library. To locate a specific app, use the search box at the top.
• Spotlight Search: Swipe down from the home screen to access Spotlight Search. Type the app’s name to find it.   

Additional Tips for App Management

• Create Folders: Group related apps into folders to keep your home screen organized.   
• Utilize Widgets: Use widgets to access app information without opening the app itself.
• Offload Unused Apps: If you have limited storage, offload unused apps to free up space. The app data remains, and you can redownload it later.   

FAQs About Hiding Apps on iPhone

General Questions

Can I hide built-in apps like Clock or Calendar?

Unfortunately, you cannot hide built-in apps on your iPhone.

Will hiding an app affect app updates?

No, hiding an app will not affect app updates. The app will still receive updates in the background, and you’ll be notified when there’s a new version available.

Is there a way to completely hide an app from my iPhone?

The only way to completely remove an app and its data is to delete it. Hiding an app simply removes it from your home screen, but the app and its data remain on your device.

Can I hide apps using Siri?

No, Siri cannot hide apps.

What happens to app notifications when an app is hidden?

You will still receive notifications for hidden apps, but the app icon won’t show any badge.

App Library and Home Screen Questions

How do I find hidden apps?

To find hidden apps, you can use the App Library or Spotlight Search. Swipe rightmost on your home screen to access the App Library. You can also swipe down from the home screen to access Spotlight Search and type the app’s name.

Can I hide an entire page of apps?

Yes, you can hide an entire page of apps by pressing and holding an empty space on your home screen, tapping the dots at the bottom to view all your home screen pages, and then deselecting the page you want to hide.

Can I rearrange hidden apps in the App Library?

Unfortunately, you cannot rearrange apps within the App Library. The App Library automatically organizes apps into categories.

Security and Privacy Concerns

Are there any security risks associated with hiding apps?

Hiding apps using the built-in iOS methods doesn’t pose any security risks. However, using third-party app hider apps might compromise your device’s security. It’s recommended to avoid these apps.

Can someone see my hidden apps if they have access to my iPhone?

Yes, anyone with access to your iPhone can see your hidden apps by accessing the App Library or using Spotlight Search.

Conclusion

By mastering the art of hiding apps on your iPhone, you can reclaim control over your device’s home screen, enhance privacy, and improve overall user experience. Whether you prefer to declutter your space or protect sensitive information, the methods outlined in this guide provide effective solutions.

Remember, while hiding apps can be beneficial, it’s essential to balance organization with accessibility. The App Library offers a convenient way to manage your apps without completely removing them from sight. For added security, consider using strong passcodes or biometric authentication to protect your device. By combining these strategies, you can create a personalized and secure iPhone environment tailored to your specific needs.

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