Whether you want to secure sensitive information or stop kids access inappropriate apps, you might want to keep certain apps private. After iOS 18 updates, this problem can be easily solved.
In this blog, we will introduce how to hide your apps with specific steps. Besides, you will also know how to unhide and lock them. Follow this comprehensive guide to enhance your privacy.
How to Hide Apps on iPhone?
Method 1: How to Hide Apps on iPhone via Home Screen?
If you have updated to the latest system, one of the iOS 18 features is to keep apps private with your face ID.
- Go to your home screen and select the app you want to hide.
- Press and hold the app until a menu shows up.
- Tap “Require Face ID” and then press ” Hide and Require Face ID” again. After verifying your identity, you need to click “Hide App”. Now this app has disappeared from your home screen.
For users who haven’t updated to iOS 18, you can just press and hold the app. On the menu, click “Remove App” and next tap “Remove from Home Screen”.
Method 2: How to Hide Apps on iPhone with Screen Time?
Screen time can not only manage children’s device usage but also control what apps can they access. So you can make some apps invisible on the iPhone.
- Press the gear icon to open settings.
- Scroll down to select “Screen time” and tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions”.
- Activate the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” option. This feature can keep your kids away from dangerous and sensitive content.
Method 3: How to Hide Apps on iPhone from the Search Bar?
If you have downloaded too many apps and the homepage is also cluttered, you can still find an app in the app library. Just navigate to the Home Screen, then keep swiping left to pass all the screen pages. Now you have found the app library.
Generally, all you need to do is enter an app’s name on the search bar. This app will automatically show up. If you want to conceal apps from the search results, just follow the instructions.
- Launch the Settings app and scroll down to find the “Siri & search” option.
- Select the app you want to hide on your iPhone and tap on it.
- On the “While Searching” section, click “Show apps in search” to disable it.
Method 4: How to Hide Apps on iPhone with Shortcuts?
With the Shortcuts app, you can easily manage multiple tasks and make them automate. In addition, you can also use it to disguise the app you want to conceal. After renaming and changing the icon, no one will know what this app initially be like.
- Open the shortcuts app and tap the + icon.
- Select “Add action” and click “Scripting” in the “Categories” tab.
- Press “Open app” and tap “App” to select the app you want to keep private.
- Rename the shortcut and choose an icon. When you are ready, just tap “Done”.
- Then you can share it and tap “Add to home screen.”
Tip:
If you also want to add an extra player to your online privacy, try connecting to LightningX VPN. It can mask your IP address and keep you anonymous. Follows a zero log policy, only you know what you did online. All your data are guarded by strong encryption protocols.
Additionally, if you can’t download some apps on your iPhone, just use LightningX VPN to unblock restrictions. It covers over 50 countries, you can easily access TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, or other apps. Get the free trial and enjoy your browsing.
Where to Find the Hidden Apps on iPhone?
If you want to remove the apps back to the home screen, here we will also help you unhide the apps on the iPhone.
Use the App Library: Just keep scrolling until you reach the last page, and you will find the App Library. Enter the name in the search bar to find the app.
Via Settings: You can go to Settings > Apps, and locate to “Hidden Apps” option. Now you need to verify your identity with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.
Bonus Tips: How to Lock Apps on iPhone?
Apart from hiding the apps, you can also keep apps out of sight by locking them. However, be aware that some pre-installed apps can’t be locked including Clock, Settings, and Calculator.
- Go to the Home Screen and select the app you want to lock.
- Press and hold the app. When a quick menu appears, click “Require Face ID/Touch ID/Passcode”.
- Then tap the option again and authenticate your identity with Face ID/Touch ID/Passcode.
FAQs about How to Hide Apps on iPhone
Q: Can all apps be hidden on an iPhone?
The answer is no. You can only hide the third-party apps you downloaded. The built-in apps with iOS 18 or later like Camara can’t be hidden.
Q: How to hide a page of apps on my iPhone?
To begin with, you can arrange all the private apps on the same home screen page.
- Then press the wallpaper until the app icons start shaking.
- Click the dots icon at the bottom of the screen.
- You can see some checkmarks under the thumbnail images of home screen pages. Just press to remove the checkmarks.
- After tapping “Done” or the Home button, the apps of a whole page are successfully hidden.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have introduced several ways how to hide apps on your iPhone. Get started with this easy guide and keep your privacy away from prying eyes.
