Different ways to hide apps on iPhone: Here’s how I do this quickly

Unpopular opinion: I think that, more than ever, these days, having privacy on your phone is essential (including apps).

My guide will show you how to hide an app on iPhone, using a variety of different methods, from putting them in a hidden apps folder to organizing them into groups or hiding them in the app store.

How to remove apps from the Home screen

Sometimes, there are times when I want to get rid of an app from the home screen but not delete it — for instance, if I need to take time off social media.

How to move a single app without deleting it:

1. Touch and hold the app icon on the home screen.
2. Tap Remove App.
3. Tap Remove from the Home Screen.

The app you’ve chosen to hide will still be in the App Library.

To find them again, all you need to do is find it in the App Library (swipe left until you reach it), tap and hold the app, and you’ll see the option to add it to the Home Screen. Tap this to restore.

Scroll across to the app library on your home screen, find the app you’ve moved, and then follow the steps outlined above to locate it. Simply swipe left to access the hidden apps section.

Move a page of apps without deleting them

If you want to hide the entire page, follow the steps below:

1. Touch and hold an empty area on the Home Screen
2. Tap the sliding dots at the bottom of the page.
3. Tap and hold a page to reorder it
4. Tap Done.

How to hide apps so they don't show up in search

So, what do you do if you want to hide apps on your iPhone in such a way that they don’t appear on so they don't appear in search results?

Here’s how to hide apps and make them unsearchable:

1. Tap and hold the app you want to hide.
2. Choose Require Face ID.
3. Then, choose Hide and Require Face ID.
4. Tap Hide App.

This stops the app from appearing in your phone's search results and means that only you know where the secret apps on iPhone are located.

How to hide apps from Siri suggestions

Siri Suggestions on your iPhone are super intuitive and make running your day-to-day life easier in many circumstances. However, when it comes to recommending apps, there are situations in which they might not be needed. You can turn them off quite easily.

How to hide apps from Siri Suggestions:

1. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Apps.
2. Choose the app and turn off Suggest App.

Hide purchases from the App Store

I think another great way of hiding an app you’d rather keep private is by doing it from the Apple App Store itself.

To hide purchases from the App Store:

1. Open the App Store and go to your profile.
2. Tap Apps > Choose the app you want to hide
3. Swipe left til you see the word “Hide” and tap it.

Hide iPhone apps using Folders

I can hide iPhone apps by placing them in a folder and then storing that folder in a hidden location within the App Library. It’s also simple to hide groups of apps in a folder by removing the folder from the home screen.

To hide a folder of apps:

1. Long the folder.
2. Choose Remove Folder.
3. Tap Remove From Home Screen.

Also, check out how to create folders on an iPhone to easily organize space.

How to hide apps using the App Library

To hide an app with the App Library:

1. Go to App Library
2. Choose the app you want to hide and long-press it.
3. Choose Require Face ID > Hide and Require Face ID.

Which apps you can and can’t hide?

Any apps that come pre-installed can’t be hidden. However, they can be locked, which means that if need be, they will only be accessible to me.

Apps you can’t hide on iPhone:

• Camera
• Calculator
• Clock
• Contacts
• Find My
• Maps
• Photos
• Messages
• Shortcuts
• Settings

Why hide apps on your iPhone?

Many people wonder: Is there a way to hide apps on iPhone? Especially when they want to deal with financial matters or other personal issues on their phone. Hiding apps on your iPhone is necessary sometimes. Everyone will have their reasons for wanting to do this, but some of them are:

• Keeping sensitive information secure
• Maintaining privacy when browsing
• Helping with focus, especially during the working day
• Setting limits on the amount of time you can use apps for
• Keeping work and home life separate
• Ensuring your home screen is tidy

Hiding an app keeps it out of sight, so no one else can see or open it unless they can already unlock your phone with Touch ID or Face ID or if they know your passcode.

Where do apps go when you hide them on iPhone?

When you hide an app on your iPhone, it gets sent to a folder named Hidden, which is found at the very bottom of your app library. To access apps once they’re hidden, you must use Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to authenticate.

Once the app is in the Hidden folder, it will no longer appear on your home screen until you move it back there yourself.

Find a smart solution for hidden apps on iPhone

As I’ve shown you, there are lots of different ways in which you can hide apps on iPhone for safe and secure browsing and to keep your data private. From using the Hidden Apps folder to creating your own folders, there is a solution that means you can use your iPhone in the best possible way.

If you’re curious to know more and want to explore AnyTrans for iOS and CleanMy®Phone, they’re available on Setapp, which offers a free 7-day trial. You can try these apps and 250 more, whether you want to find apps to make your iPhone run efficiently or declutter it.