In this article, we will show you how to hide apps on iPhone using the App Library, creating folders, Screen Time, and Siri Shortcuts to keep your apps private and organized.

If you’re someone who values privacy or simply wants to tidy up your iPhone’s home screen, you might be wondering how to hide apps on iPhone.

Whether you want to keep certain apps out of sight from prying eyes or just want a cleaner look, there are simple ways to do it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods for hiding apps on your iPhone.

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Why Hide Apps on Your iPhone?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about why you might want to hide apps on your iPhone. Here are a few common reasons:

1. Privacy Concerns: You may have certain apps that you don’t want others to access, such as social media, banking, or personal notes.
2. Cleaner Home Screen: If you’re trying to declutter your iPhone and make it more organized, hiding unused apps can help.
3. Minimize Distractions: Some people choose to hide distracting apps to help with focus and productivity.

No matter your reason, hiding apps is a smart and practical way to gain more control over your device.

How to Hide Apps on iPhone

1. Use the App Library

Apple introduced the App Library in iOS 14, which allows you to hide apps from your home screen but keep them easily accessible. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find the App: On your home screen, locate the app you want to hide.
2. Enter Jiggle Mode: Tap and hold the app icon until it starts wiggling (or tap “Edit Home Screen”).
3. Remove from Home Screen: Tap the minus (-) sign in the top-left corner of the app icon, then select Remove from Home Screen. The app will still be in the App Library, just not on your home screen.
4. Access the App: To find the hidden app, swipe left past your last home screen page, and you’ll find it in the App Library under its respective category.

This method allows you to keep apps accessible but out of sight.

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2. Create App Folders

Another simple way to hide apps on your iPhone is by organizing them into folders. You can hide apps in a folder and then place the folder on a page out of sight.

1. Create a Folder: Tap and hold any app icon until it starts wiggling. Drag the app over another app you want to group it with, and a folder will automatically be created.
2. Add More Apps: You can continue dragging apps into the folder.
3. Move the Folder to the Back: Once you’ve created the folder, you can move it to the last page of your home screen to keep it out of view.

This method doesn’t technically hide apps but does help you organize them and make them less noticeable.

3. Use Screen Time to Hide Apps

Screen Time is another built-in iPhone feature that can help you hide apps. With this method, you can restrict certain apps so they don’t appear on your home screen.

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Set Up App Limits: Tap App Limits > Add Limit and choose the app category or specific apps you want to hide.
3. Block the App: After adding the limit, you can tap Block at End of Limit to restrict access to that app. Once the time limit is reached, the app will be hidden and inaccessible.

This is a great option for parents who want to manage app usage for their children, or for anyone looking to reduce distractions.

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4. Use Siri Shortcuts to Hide Apps

If you’re comfortable with a more advanced solution, using Siri Shortcuts to hide apps is a unique method. With Siri Shortcuts, you can create custom shortcuts that make apps harder to find.

1. Open the Shortcuts App: If you don’t have it already, download the Shortcuts app from the App Store.
2. Create a Shortcut: Tap the + icon in the top-right corner and select Add Action.
3. Choose the App: Choose Scripting, then tap Open App and select the app you want to hide.
4. Hide the App: Tap the three dots in the top-right corner, then select Add to Home Screen. You can add a blank icon or an icon that looks like something else to disguise the app.

This method requires a bit of creativity but can be effective for hiding apps without leaving traces.

5. Use Third-Party Apps (With Caution)

If you’re willing to experiment with third-party apps, some apps can help you hide apps on your iPhone. However, these apps often require additional configuration, and some may even pose privacy or security risks. Always check reviews and use caution when downloading third-party apps.

Tips for Hiding Apps on iPhone

• Consider Password Protection: If you’re hiding sensitive apps, such as banking or messaging apps, it might be wise to set up additional security measures like Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to prevent unauthorized access.
• Use Widgets to Keep Your Home Screen Organized: Widgets are a great way to keep useful information at your fingertips without cluttering your home screen with too many apps.
• Take Advantage of the Search Feature: Instead of keeping apps on your home screen, use the search feature (swipe down from the middle of the home screen) to quickly access any app you’ve hidden or removed from your home screen.

See Also: 5 Ways to Record a Phone Call on iPhone

Conclusion

Whether you’re trying to protect your privacy or simply want a clutter-free home screen, hiding apps on your iPhone is easy with the right methods. From using the App Library to creating custom shortcuts, there are plenty of ways to keep your apps hidden or neatly organized. So, take control of your iPhone and customize it the way you want!

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