How to Hide Apps on iPhone

How to Hide Apps on iPhone (iPhone 11 to iPhone 15)

Hiding apps on an iPhone can help maintain privacy and declutter your home screen. Here are various methods to hide apps on iPhones running iOS 14 and later, applicable to iPhone models from 11 to 15.

Managing the visibility of apps on your iPhone home screen can greatly enhance your user experience, whether you want a clutter-free interface or added privacy. With iOS updates, particularly from iOS 14 onwards, Apple has introduced various features to help users hide and show apps effortlessly. These features are applicable to models ranging from iPhone 11 to iPhone 15.

1. Using the App Library (iOS 14 and Later)

The App Library automatically categorizes your apps and provides a way to hide them from the home screen without deleting them.

1. Long Press on the App Icon:
   • Press and hold the app icon you want to hide until a menu appears.
2. Remove App from Home Screen:
   • Tap “Remove App” from the menu.
   • Select “Move to App Library.” This removes the app from the home screen but keeps it in the App Library.

2. Using Screen Time Restrictions

Screen Time can be used to restrict access to certain apps.

1. Open Settings:
   • Go to the Settings app.
2. Access Screen Time:
   • Tap “Screen Time,” then “App Limits.”
3. Set App Limits:
   • Tap “Add Limit,” select the app category or specific app you want to hide, and set a time limit of 1 minute.
4. Activate Downtime:
   • Go back to the Screen Time menu, tap “Downtime,” and schedule it to be “Always On.” This will hide the app outside of the 1-minute usage window.

3. Using Folders

You can hide apps by burying them in folders.

1. Create a Folder:
   • Drag one app icon over another to create a folder.
2. Add Apps to the Folder:
   • Drag the app you want to hide into the folder. To further obscure it, place the app on the second or third page of the folder.

4. Using Siri & Search Settings

Disable the app from appearing in search results and Siri suggestions.

1. Open Settings:
   • Go to the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Siri & Search:
   • Scroll down to find the app you want to hide and tap it.
3. Disable Search and Suggestions:
   • Turn off “Show App in Search” and “Show Suggestions.”

5. Using Parental Controls

Parental controls can be used to hide certain types of apps, such as social media or games.

1. Open Settings:
   • Go to the Settings app.
2. Access Screen Time:
   • Tap “Screen Time,” then “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
3. Enable Restrictions:
   • Toggle “Content & Privacy Restrictions” to on.
4. Restrict Apps:
   • Tap “Allowed Apps” and toggle off the apps you want to hide.

References

1. Apple Support: Use the App Library to find your apps
2. Apple Support: Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
3. MacRumors: How to Use App Library on iPhone
4. CNET: 11 iOS 14 tips and tricks for your iPhone

These methods provide a variety of ways to hide apps on your iPhone, enhancing privacy and organization.