Accidentally hiding an app on your iPhone 12 can be quite frustrating, especially if it’s an app you use frequently. Don’t worry though, unhiding them is a breeze once you know how! The process involves using the App Library, which is a new addition to iOS that automatically organizes all of your apps into categories. You’ll need to access this feature to unhide your apps. Let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial to get this done.
Step by Step Tutorial to Unhide Apps on iPhone 12
Before we get started on the individual steps, it’s important to understand what we’re about to do. The App Library is the key to finding and unhiding your apps. Think of it as a hidden treasure chest where all your apps are stored – even the ones that aren’t immediately visible on your home screen.
Step 1: Swipe Left on the Home Screen
Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.
The App Library is always the last page after all your home screens, so keep swiping until you can’t swipe anymore. You’ll know you’re there when you see a search bar at the top and various app categories like ‘Social’, ‘Utilities’, or ‘Creativity’.
Step 2: Find the Hidden App
Use the search bar or browse the categories to find the app you want to unhide.
If you remember the name of the app, type it in the search bar for a quick find. If not, take a moment to look through the categories – it should be in there somewhere.
Step 3: Press and Hold the App Icon
Once you’ve found the app, press and hold its icon until a menu pops up.
This action is also known as a ‘long press’. You don’t need to press too hard – just hold your finger on the app icon for a second or two.
Step 4: Select “Add to Home Screen”
From the menu, select “Add to Home Screen”.
This will immediately unhide the app and place it back onto your home screen. If you have multiple home screens, iOS will add the app to the first available spot.
Step 5: Rearrange Your Home Screen as Desired
Once the app is added back to the home screen, you can rearrange it as you like.
Drag the app to your preferred location. If you want it in the dock (the fixed apps at the bottom of the screen), drag it there. Remember, you can have up to four apps in the dock for quick access.
After completing these steps, your hidden app should now be back in plain sight on your home screen, ready for you to use. No more panic when you can’t find your favorite apps!
Tips for Unhiding Apps on iPhone 12
- Keep your App Library organized by taking advantage of the automatic categorization.
- If you hide an app by accident, the App Library is always the place to find it.
- Use the search bar in the App Library for a faster way to locate hidden apps.
- Remember that you can hide apps again by pressing, holding, and selecting “Remove from Home” if your home screen gets too cluttered.
- Consider grouping apps into folders on your home screen to reduce the need for hiding and unhiding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unhide multiple apps at once?
No, you need to unhide each app individually by following the steps provided.
What if I can’t find the app in the App Library?
Ensure you’re swiping all the way to the last page of your home screen to reach the App Library. If you still can’t find it, use the search bar to look for the app by name.
Can I prevent apps from automatically going to the App Library?
Yes, you can change your settings to keep newly downloaded apps on your home screen instead of in the App Library.
Is it possible to completely remove the App Library?
No, the App Library is a permanent feature introduced in iOS 14 and cannot be removed.
Will unhiding apps affect my data within the apps?
No, unhiding apps will not affect any data or settings within the apps themselves.
Summary
- Swipe left on the home screen to access the App Library.
- Find the hidden app using the search bar or by browsing categories.
- Long press the app icon until a menu pops up.
- Select “Add to Home Screen” from the menu.
- Rearrange the unhidden app on your home screen as desired.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a simple guide on how to unhide apps on your iPhone 12. Whether you’re a new iOS user or you’ve just never had to retrieve a hidden app before, this method is straightforward and quick. The App Library is a handy feature that not only helps keep your home screen tidy but also ensures you never truly lose an app. Just remember, if an app disappears, it’s likely just hidden, not gone forever. Happy un-hiding, and enjoy making the most out of your iPhone 12!
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.