Introduction

As iPhones become increasingly integrated into every aspect of our daily lives, the number of apps downloaded to our phones also increases. But what happens when certain apps need to be kept private or hidden from view? Fortunately, there are seven easy ways to hide apps on iPhone, ensuring maximum privacy. Let’s take a closer look at each of these methods.

Using the App Library

Introduced in iOS 14, the App Library is a feature that organizes all installed apps into categories, decluttering the home screen. Hiding apps through the App Library is a great way to keep them out of sight while maintaining access when needed.

To hide an app using the App Library:

1. Swipe left to access the App Library.
2. Tap the search bar at the top and type in the name of the app you want to hide.
3. Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
4. Select the “Remove App” option.
5. Select the “Remove from Home Screen” option to keep the app in the App Library.

Some benefits of using the App Library include decluttering the home screen and keeping rarely used apps from taking up valuable space.

Using the Hide Feature

Another easy way to hide apps on iPhone is by using the “Hide” feature, which allows the app to remain on the home screen but not be visible.

To hide an app using the Hide feature:

1. Enter Edit mode by pressing and holding any app on the home screen until all icons start to wiggle.
2. Tap the app you want to hide and select “Edit” from the menu that pops up.
3. Select “Delete App” and confirm the action.
4. The app will disappear from the home screen, but a search for the app will still bring it up in results.

The benefits of using the Hide feature include ease of access to the app while still keeping it hidden from view.

Using the Search Feature

If you need to quickly hide a specific app on your iPhone, using the Search feature may be the easiest option.

To hide an app using the Search feature:

1. Swipe down from the center of the home screen to access the Search bar.
2. Type in the name of the app you want to hide.
3. Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
4. Select the “Remove App” option.
5. Select the “Remove from Home Screen” option to keep the app hidden from view.

The benefits of using the Search feature include the ability to quickly find and hide specific apps.

Using Restrictions

The Restrictions feature on iPhone allows users to limit access to certain apps and functions on their device. By creating a passcode to access Restrictions, users can ensure their apps remain hidden even if someone else has access to their phone.

To access Restrictions and hide apps:

1. Go to “Settings” and tap “Screen Time.”
2. Select “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
3. Select “iTunes & App Store Purchases.”
4. Select “Deleting Apps” and choose “Don’t Allow.”
5. To hide apps, select “Allowed Apps” and turn off the toggle for each app you want to hide.

Benefits of using Restrictions include the ability to hide apps that may not be safe for children.

Using a Third-Party App

There are many third-party apps available that offer additional privacy features for hiding apps on iPhone. Some of the most popular options include App Hider, Hide My Apps, and Private Photo Vault.

To hide apps using a third-party app:

1. Download the third-party app of your choice from the App Store.
2. Follow the instructions provided by the app to hide apps using the app’s features.

One benefit of using a third-party app is the additional security features offered by these apps, such as passcode protection and App Store masking.

Using a Folder

Creating a folder and moving multiple apps to the folder is an easy way to hide apps on iPhone. By keeping the folder out of view on secondary home screens or in non-prime locations, apps can remain hidden yet easily accessible.

To create a folder and hide apps:

1. Enter Edit mode on the home screen.
2. Select the apps you want to hide and drag them on top of each other to create a folder.
3. Give the folder a name and move it to a secondary home screen or non-prime location on the home screen.

The benefits of using a folder to hide apps include the ability to quickly hide multiple apps at once and keeping them easily accessible when needed.

Using Siri Suggestions

Lastly, disabling Siri Suggestions can keep private apps from showing up in search results or the lock screen.

To disable Siri Suggestions:

1. Go to “Settings” and select “Siri & Search.”
2. Turn off the toggles for “Suggestions in Search” and “Suggestions on Lock Screen.”

The benefit of using Siri Suggestions is the added privacy of keeping private apps hidden from view.

Conclusion

As iPhones become increasingly integrated into every aspect of our lives, the need for privacy becomes more important. Seven easy ways to hide apps on iPhone have been discussed, including using the App Library, Hide feature, search feature, Restrictions, third-party apps, folders, and Siri Suggestions. Each method has its own benefits and choosing which one works best for individual needs is important. With these methods, keeping private apps hidden and secure is easy to achieve.