Hiding apps on an iPhone has become both easier and more secure with recent updates to iOS, making it possible for users to protect their privacy and keep sensitive apps out of sight. Whether the intent is to declutter the home screen, safeguard confidential information, or simply avoid prying eyes, Apple offers robust features for app concealment as part of iOS 18 and newer. This article explores each official method, clarifies their differences, and guides users step-by-step through mastering control over app visibility on the iPhone.
Why Hide Apps on iPhone?
People choose to hide apps for a range of reasons:
- Privacy: Keeping finance, health, dating, or private messaging apps secure from snoops.
- Declutter: Streamlining the home screen by hiding rarely used or embarrassing apps.
- Security: Preventing children, friends, or family from accessing certain apps, like social media or personal files.
Apple’s latest update empowers users to lock, hide, and manage apps right out-of-the-box—no need for third-party software or risky workarounds.
Using the Hide & Require Face ID Feature
With iOS 18, Apple introduced a new privacy layer that lets users hide apps and require Face ID or Touch ID for access. This method truly locks down visibility, preventing unauthorized searches, notifications, or Siri recommendations for the hidden app.
Steps to Hide an App with Face ID:
- Go to the Home Screen and locate the app you want to hide.
- Long-press the app icon until the quick actions menu opens.
- Tap “Require Face ID” (or “Touch ID” for older devices).
- In the subsequent menu, select “Hide and Require Face ID.” Your device will ask for biometric authentication—proceed to confirm the action.
- The app will instantly disappear from the home screen, search results, notifications, and Siri Suggestions. It moves to a dedicated “Hidden” folder within the App Library.
Accessing Hidden Apps:
- Swipe to the App Library, scroll to the bottom, and open the “Hidden” folder (indicated by an eye-with-a-strikethrough icon).
- Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to view hidden apps.
Unhiding Apps:
- In the Hidden folder, long-press the app and select “Don’t Require Face ID.” The app will reappear on the home screen and throughout iOS and notifications.
Classic Methods: Remove App from Home Screen
For users without Face ID, or those preferring a simpler approach, Apple retains legacy strategies for concealing apps, which can supplement the Face ID method or serve as standalone privacy tools.
Removing an App from the Home Screen:
- Long-press on the app icon until the menu appears.
- Tap “Remove App.”
- Select “Remove from Home Screen.” This hides the app icon but keeps the app accessible through the App Library on the last page of the home screens.
Limitations: The app can still be found in the App Library and via Spotlight Search. Notifications from the app will continue unless individually disabled.
Hide Apps using Folders
Another way to keep apps out of sight is by hiding them within folders:
How to Hide Apps in Folders:
- Drag the desired app onto another app to create a folder.
- Bury the app in the second or third page inside the folder, minimizing visibility.
This method doesn’t prevent search or notifications but camouflages apps on the home screen.
Conceal Entire Home Screen Pages
For users wanting to hide many apps at once, hiding entire home screen pages is an option:
Steps:
- Long-press the dots at the bottom of the home screen until all pages zoom out.
- Uncheck the pages to hide them; apps on unchecked pages are accessible only from the App Library.
Restoring Hidden Pages: Repeat the process and re-check the pages; apps reappear on the home screen.
Hide Apps in Search and Siri Suggestions
To prevent apps from showing up in search:
Steps:
- Open Settings and navigate to “Siri & Search.”
- Select the app to be hidden.
- Toggle off “Show App in Search” and associated options.
Using Screen Time Restrictions
iPhone users can leverage Screen Time settings for additional privacy:
Steps:
- Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Select “Allowed Apps” and toggle off the desired apps to hide them temporarily.
This can block app access entirely, making them invisible until the restriction is lifted.
Additional Tips for Privacy
- Notifications: For sensitive apps, it’s wise to disable notification previews in Settings > Notifications.
- App Store Purchases: Hide purchased apps from Family Sharing by customizing settings in the App Store.
- Firmware Updates: Features may depend on iOS version; updating ensures the latest privacy tools are available.
Limitations
- System apps such as Settings, Messages, or Maps cannot be hidden using Face ID or most methods. Only third-party apps from the App Store are supported for advanced hiding.
- The Hidden folder cannot be deleted or password-protected separately.
Conclusion
Hiding apps on an iPhone has evolved from simple home screen tricks to sophisticated privacy controls. With Face ID locking, App Library management, folders, restricted pages, search exclusion, and Screen Time settings, users now have extensive control over who sees what on their device. Stay updated with iOS features for enhanced privacy, and use these methods to keep your digital life discreet and organized.