Current iPhones can hide many downloaded apps behind Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode. Hiding an app is stronger than merely removing its icon from the Home Screen, but it does not make every trace of the app invisible throughout iOS.
Hide an App
- Find the app on the Home Screen.
- Touch and hold its icon.
- Tap Require Face ID, Require Touch ID, or Require Passcode.
- Choose the option to hide the app and require authentication.
- Authenticate when requested.
The app moves to the Hidden folder in App Library. Some built-in Apple apps cannot be hidden this way.
Remove an App From the Home Screen Without Hiding It
- Touch and hold the app.
- Tap Remove App.
- Choose Remove from Home Screen.
The app remains installed and normally visible in App Library. This is useful for decluttering, but it is not the same privacy feature as hiding an app.
What Hiding an App Does Not Hide
Apple notes that the app’s name can still appear in some places, including Screen Time, Battery usage, and App Store purchase history. People with access to those areas may therefore be able to determine that the app is installed or was obtained.
How to Open a Hidden App
- Go to App Library.
- Tap Hidden.
- Authenticate.
- Tap the app you want to use.
If your goal is parental or device-use control rather than personal privacy, Screen Time restrictions may be more appropriate than hiding an app.
Hidden vs. Locked Apps
You can also require authentication to open a supported app without hiding it. That is useful when you still want the icon visible but want Face ID, Touch ID, or the passcode required before the app opens. Choose the less disruptive option that matches your privacy goal.