Hiding an app on your iPhone can be handy if you’re looking to declutter your home screen or keep certain apps away from prying eyes. Whether you’re trying to tidy up or keep something private, you can easily hide apps without deleting them. This guide will walk you through simple steps to make your apps invisible.
How to Hide an App on iPhone
Follow these steps to hide your apps effectively, keeping them out of sight and out of mind while still accessible when needed.
Step 1: Find the App You Want to Hide
Locate the app you want to hide on your home screen.
When you’ve got your app in sight, you’re halfway there. Make sure you’re on the home screen and not in a folder where the app might already be hiding.
Step 2: Press and Hold the App Icon
Tap and hold the app icon until a menu appears or it starts to wiggle.
A long press is your best friend here. Wait for the app to either start wiggling or for a menu to pop up. This means you’re in the right mode to make some changes.
Step 3: Tap “Remove App”
Choose "Remove App" from the menu or tap the minus sign if the app is wiggling.
Don’t worry, you won’t lose the app. Tapping "Remove App" gives you options like deleting it or simply removing it from the home screen.
Step 4: Select “Remove from Home Screen”
Select “Remove from Home Screen” to hide the app but keep it in your App Library.
This is the key step. By choosing "Remove from Home Screen," the app isn’t gone forever. It’s safely tucked away in your App Library, ready when you need it.
Step 5: Access Your App in the App Library
Swipe left on your home screen until the App Library appears and find your app there.
Your apps are sorted neatly in the App Library. This is your go-to spot when you want to use the app you’ve hidden.
After completing these steps, your app will no longer be visible on your home screen, but you can easily find and use it from the App Library whenever you need it.
Tips for Hiding an App on iPhone
- Consider using folders to group similar apps and reduce clutter further.
- Use the App Library to organize your apps—it’s available starting iOS 14.
- Remember that hiding an app doesn’t lock it—consider setting up a passcode for extra privacy.
- Keep track of hidden apps so you don’t forget where they are.
- Regularly review your hidden apps to ensure you still need them and update if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide apps from the App Library?
No, while you can remove apps from the home screen, the App Library will always show all your apps.
Will hiding apps save storage space?
No, hiding apps only removes them from view; it doesn’t delete any data or free up space.
Can I use Spotlight Search to find hidden apps?
Yes, Spotlight Search will still show hidden apps, even if they’re not on your home screen.
Is there a way to make an app completely invisible?
Not entirely. You can hide it from the home screen, but it will remain accessible in the App Library and via search.
Do hidden apps still send notifications?
Yes, hiding an app doesn’t stop notifications. You can manage notifications in the settings if needed.
Summary of Steps
- Find the App
- Press and Hold
- Tap “Remove App”
- Select “Remove from Home Screen”
- Access in App Library
Conclusion
Hiding an app on your iPhone is a simple yet effective way to manage your digital space. While it doesn’t delete the app or its data, it helps maintain a tidy home screen and offers a degree of privacy. Whether you’re a neat freak or just someone who prefers a minimalistic look, this feature is a handy tool in your tech arsenal.
In today’s world, where our phones are loaded with countless apps, knowing how to hide an app on an iPhone can be as liberating as cleaning out a cluttered closet. You know it’s there, just tucked away neatly. As a next step, you might want to explore more iOS features that can help organize your device, like customizing the App Library or setting up Focus modes for better concentration.
Now that you’ve mastered this little trick, why not share the knowledge? Whether you’re a tech guru among friends or just learned this yourself, pass it along. You never know who might need a little digital decluttering in their life.