How to Hide an App on iPhone: The Ultimate Guide

I. Introduction

Having personal apps on your iPhone that you don’t want others to see or access is understandable. Perhaps you have a dating app that you don’t want your nosy colleague or family member to see or a finance app that you want to keep secure. Fortunately, hiding apps on your iPhone is easy, and this article will explore different methods of doing so.

II. Using the App Library Feature

If you just want to hide an app from your home screen, App Library is the easiest way to do so, and it’s available on iOS 14 and later versions.

To access the App Library Feature, swipe left on your home screen. The App Library will be the rightmost page.

To hide an app, tap and hold it until it goes into jiggle mode. Tap the “Remove App” option. The app will now be moved to the App Library, where it will be hidden but still accessible by swiping left to the App Library and searching for it.

III. Use of Folders

Folders can be used not only to organize your home screen but also to hide apps from prying eyes.

To create a folder, drag and drop an app on top of another app that you want to group together. Next, rename the folder something generic, like Utilities, or anything else to make it less obvious. You can also add more apps to the folder so that it looks more like a collection of apps rather than a folder with a hidden app inside.

To hide an app within a folder, tap and hold the app icon until it goes into jiggle mode. Drag the app icon to your newly created folder, then tap outside the folder to exit jiggle mode.

IV. Use of Screen Time

iOS 12 and later versions of iPhones have the Screen Time feature, which allows users to set limits on their app usage and hide apps from the home screen.

To access Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time. If already enabled, enter your Screen Time Passcode (or create one) and follow the steps below:

1. Select “App Limits” and tap “Add Limit.”
2. Choose the app(s) you want to hide, then select “Add.”
3. Set the time limit to 1 minute daily or less. It will hide the app(s) from the home screen and only be accessible once the time limit has expired or if you enter your Screen Time Passcode.

V. Use of Jailbreak

Jailbreaking an iPhone means removing software restrictions, allowing users to customize their device beyond Apple’s limitations.

To jailbreak an iPhone:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Install and launch the jailbreak tool, such as unc0ver or Electra.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions until the jailbreak is complete, which will install Cydia, the jailbreak app store.

Once jailbroken, Cydia provides various apps that can help you hide apps on your iPhone better. For instance, you can download AppHide, which allows you to hide apps from the home screen, or Poof, which hides apps by disabling them completely. However, it’s worth noting that jailbreaking an iPhone comes with some risks and may void your warranty, so proceed with caution.

VI. Use of Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps that can help you hide apps, such as Applock, Calculator+, and Private Photo Vault.

To use these apps:

1. Download and install the chosen app from the App Store.
2. Follow the instructions to set up the app, including creating a password or pattern that you’ll use to access the app.
3. Select the app(s) you’d like to hide and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

Although most of these third-party apps have free versions, some features can only be accessed in the premium version, which may include in-app ads or fees.

VII. Use of Touch or Face ID

If your iPhone has Touch ID or Face ID, you can use these features to lock and hide apps from view completely.

To use Touch ID or Face ID to hide apps:

1. Go to the Settings app, followed by Screen Time and Content & Privacy Restrictions.
2. Select “Enter Passcode” and enter your passcode before enabling Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Select “Allowed Apps” and disable any apps you want to hide, then exit “Allowed Apps.”
4. Scroll down to “Game Center” and disable it to remove games from the App Library.
5. Exit the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” menu and go to the Home screen.
6. Place your finger on the Home button to enable Touch ID, or hold your phone up to your face to enable Face ID, and watch as the hidden apps vanish as if by magic!

VIII. Use of Restrictions

Restrictions offer a way to hide apps by disabling the downloading and installation of new apps on your iPhone.

To use Restrictions:

1. Go to the Settings app, tap General, and then tap Restrictions.
2. Select “Enable Restrictions,” enter a four-digit passcode, and re-enter it when prompted.
3. Scroll down and select “Installing Apps,” and turn the slider to the off position.
4. Exit the Restrictions menu, and any apps downloaded from the App Store will no longer appear on the home screen.

IX. Conclusion

Hiding apps on an iPhone is essential for many reasons, and there are various methods available. You can use the App Library Feature, Folders, Screen Time, Jailbreak, Third-Party Apps, Touch or Face ID, and Restrictions to hide apps on your iPhone. In conclusion, the best method for you depends on your specific needs. Consider the amount of time you have, your experience level, and your security concerns before choosing the appropriate method. Remember to use caution when downloading software, especially for jailbreaking, as it can potentially harm your device.