Hiding apps on your iPhone can be a handy trick to clean up your home screen or keep certain apps private, without the need to delete them. It’s a simple process that involves a few steps in the settings of your iPhone.
Step by Step Tutorial to Hide Apps on iPhone
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s be clear about what we’re aiming for here. We want those apps out of sight, but not out of mind – or out of your iPhone, for that matter. Here’s how to make that happen.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Tap on the Settings app on your iPhone to get started.
The Settings app is where the magic happens. It’s your control center for all things iPhone, and it’s about to help you disappear those apps.
Step 2: Go to Siri & Search
Scroll down and select Siri & Search.
This section controls how your iPhone interacts with the Siri virtual assistant, including how it suggests apps to you.
Step 3: Select the App You Want to Hide
Find the app you want to hide in the list and tap on it.
Each app has its own set of Siri & Search settings, which is where you’ll be able to hide the app.
Step 4: Turn Off ‘Siri & Suggestions’
Disable the toggles for ‘Show in Search’ and ‘Show on Home Screen’.
By turning these off, the app will no longer appear in search results or app suggestions, and it will be removed from your home screen.
Step 5: Turn Off ‘Show App’
For an extra level of hiding, also turn off ‘Show App’.
This ensures that the app won’t appear in your app library, making it completely invisible unless you go into your settings.
After completing these steps, the app will no longer be visible on your home screen, search results, or app library. It’s a great way to streamline your screen without losing access to the apps you occasionally need.
Tips for Hiding Apps on iPhone
- If you change your mind and want to unhide the app, simply reverse the steps above.
- Remember that hidden apps can still send you notifications unless you disable them in the app’s settings.
- Grouping apps into folders is another way to keep them out of sight without hiding them.
- You can also use Screen Time settings to limit your access to certain apps, effectively hiding them during the restricted period.
- If you have apps that you don’t use but don’t want to delete, consider offloading them to save space while keeping the app’s data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an app I’ve hidden?
Go to the App Store, tap on your profile, and check the list of purchased apps.
Can I still get notifications from a hidden app?
Yes, unless you manually disable the app’s notifications.
Does hiding an app delete its data?
No, the app and its data remain on your iPhone.
Can someone else find the hidden apps on my iPhone?
Not unless they know where to look in the settings or have access to your Apple ID.
Is there a way to hide an app from certain people?
While you can’t set app visibility per person, you can set a Screen Time passcode to prevent changes to your settings.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Siri & Search.
- Select the app you want to hide.
- Turn off ‘Show in Search’ and ‘Show on Home Screen’.
- Turn off ‘Show App’.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a simple and efficient way to hide apps on your iPhone without deleting them. Whether you’re doing this to tidy up your home screen or to keep certain apps away from prying eyes, the process is quick and painless. Remember, this doesn’t delete the app or its data; it simply keeps it out of sight.
Plus, it’s reversible – you can always bring the apps back into view if you change your mind. And let’s not forget about the other methods to keep apps discreet, like using folders or Screen Time settings. With these tricks up your sleeve, you’re in full control of your iPhone’s interface, allowing for a personalized and organized experience.
Keep in mind, though, that hiding apps doesn’t mean you’re completely cutting off access to them. Notifications can still come through, so be sure to adjust those settings if you need total privacy. And, of course, you’re not hiding anything from yourself – you can always find your apps in the App Store or within the iPhone settings if you need to use them.
In the end, hiding apps on your iPhone without deleting them is just another way to ensure your device serves you best. So go ahead, give it a try and see how much cleaner and more efficient your iPhone can be!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.