How to Hide Apps on iPhones

If you’re wondering how to hide apps on iPhones, you’re not alone. Whether it’s for privacy, less clutter, or simply keeping certain apps out of sight, Apple offers several ways to control where, and if, an app appears. Recent iOS versions have expanded these options, so you don’t have to delete apps just to keep them out of view. However, the availability of such configurations may vary depending on your device and iOS version.

This blog walks you through the different ways to hide apps on iPhones and explains when each method works best. You’ll also learn a few practical tips to help you manage privacy, organisation, and everyday use more effectively. First, let’s explore the reasons why users may choose to hide certain apps before moving on to step-by-step methods.

Reasons to Hide Apps on Your iPhone

There are plenty of practical reasons why iPhone users choose to hide certain apps, such as:

• Privacy protection: For some, hiding apps is all about privacy, as it keeps banking apps, health trackers, or personal messaging apps out of sight when handing their phone to someone else.
• Cleaner Home Screen: Many people prefer a neat and clean display. Hiding apps is a simple way to reduce clutter and make the Home Screen easier to navigate.
• Better Focus and Screen Habits: Hiding apps can also help with focus. By removing distractions like social media or games from your immediate view, it becomes easier to stay on task during work or study hours.
• Parental Control and Shared Use: In shared households or for better parental supervision, hiding apps adds an extra layer of control, especially when children regularly use the same device.

In short, learning how to hide apps on iPhones isn’t just about secrecy. It’s about creating a cleaner, more organised, and personalised user experience.

Understanding iPhone App Visibility

On iPhone, apps can appear in multiple places, such as your Home Screen, the App Library, Spotlight Search, and Siri suggestions. You’ll also find app activity reflected within settings like Screen Time or Battery usage. Hiding an app doesn’t remove it from your device. It simply limits where and how the app appears, making it harder for users to open it accidentally.

It’s also worth noting that most pre-installed Apple apps can’t be fully hidden using the built-in features. While some can be removed from the Home Screen or restricted using Screen Time, only those downloaded from the App Store offer the most flexibility when it comes to hiding options. That being said, let’s look at the different ways of hiding apps on your iPhone.

Method 1: Hide Apps Using the Hidden Folder (Available on Select iOS Versions)

Newer iOS versions, starting with iOS 18, allow certain apps to be placed into a locked, hidden folder that requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to access. This feature is device and version-dependent, so it may not appear for all users or all apps.

Here’s how to hide apps on iPhones using this method (if supported on your device):

• Find the app you want to hide on your Home Screen or in the App Library
• Long-press the app icon until the menu appears
• Tap Require Face ID (or Require Touch ID / Passcode)
• Select Hide and Require Face ID (or the equivalent option)
• Authenticate and choose Hide App

Once hidden, the app will be removed from the Home Screen and placed in a locked Hidden folder.

Where to Find the Hidden Apps

Swipe right past all Home Screens to open the App Library, then scroll to the Hidden folder at the bottom. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to view and open the apps inside. If you don’t see this option, your iPhone or iOS version doesn’t support this feature.

Method 2: Remove Apps from Home Screen (Quick and Simple)

If you just want an app off your Home Screen, but don’t mind it still being searchable, this is the easiest option. All you have to do is:

• Press and hold the app icon
• Tap Remove App
• Select Remove from Home Screen

The app remains installed and is still visible in the App Library and Search, but it is no longer on your Home Screen. This method reduces visual clutter but doesn’t fully conceal the app.

Method 3: Hide Entire Home Screen Pages

This method works well if you have entire pages you rarely use:

• Press and hold an empty space on the Home Screen to enter edit mode
• Tap the dots at the bottom representing Home Screen pages
• Uncheck the pages you want to hide
• Tap Done

The apps remain installed in this method too; you’re simply hiding the entire page from view. If needed, you can re-enable these pages later, at any time.

Extra Tips for Privacy (Siri & Search)

To make apps even less visible, you can stop them from appearing in Search and Siri suggestions. To do this:

• Go to Settings > Siri & Search
• Select the app
• Toggle off Show App in Search and Show App Suggestions

This prevents hidden or removed apps from appearing unexpectedly in searches.

How to Unhide Apps?

Now that you’re familiar with how to hide apps on iPhones, what if you wish to restore them? How do you bring a hidden app back? Well, the steps are simple:

• Open the App Library
• Scroll to and tap the Hidden folder
• Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
• Long-press the app and tap Don’t Require Face ID / Touch ID / Passcode
• Move it back to your Home Screen if needed

Things to Know before You Hide Apps

Learning how to hide apps on iPhones gives you more control over privacy and organisation. Whether you want to keep certain apps out of sight or simply clean up a crowded Home Screen, there’s a method to suit different needs. That being said, if you’re planning to hide apps on your iPhone, you still need to consider the following points:

• Hidden apps may still appear in Battery usage, Screen Time data, or App Store purchase history if someone checks the device settings.
• Hidden or removed apps can still send notifications unless alerts are manually disabled or restricted via Screen Time.
• Some options may behave differently after iOS updates. So, if a particular feature isn’t available, check if your device is running the latest iOS version.

Buy Your Next iPhone the Smarter Way with Mobile Guru

The iPhone offers a high degree of flexibility when it comes to removing apps from public view or using new privacy features as they become available. If you’re taking control of how your iPhone works, it’s also worth being just as thoughtful about where you buy it. Choosing a refurbished iPhone from Mobile Guru lets you enjoy premium Apple features without paying full retail prices. Rest assured, every device we sell is thoroughly tested for functionality.

Furthermore, all devices are clearly graded and backed by a 24-month warranty, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or replacing an older phone, Mobile Guru makes it easier to buy an iPhone that suits your needs, budget, and everyday use, without compromising on quality. Browse the latest refurbished iPhones here and make a choice that’s practical and worthwhile in the long run.

If you’ve got any questions, please reach out to us today. You can call us on 1300 362 017 or send us an email at hello@mobileguru.com.au.