How to Hide Apps on iPhone Like a Pro

Hiding apps on your iPhone isn’t just about keeping your device neat—it’s also about maintaining privacy, protecting sensitive data, and controlling what others can see. As iOS evolves so in the UK, where data security is a growing concern, this is more important than ever. Apple continues to offer new tools for managing apps and controlling your privacy. In 2025, with iOS 17 and beyond, there are multiple ways to hide apps effectively without resorting to complex third-party tools or hacks.

Here’s how to hide apps like a pro using the built-in features of iOS, no shortcuts needed.

1. The App Library: A Hidden Goldmine for Decluttering

iOS has a powerful feature called the App Library, and it’s the easiest way to hide apps without actually deleting them. Since its introduction in iOS 14, the App Library is an underutilised tool that automatically organises your apps into categories, keeping everything easily accessible but out of sight.

Why It Works:

Instead of overloading your home screen, you can store apps in the App Library and access them whenever needed—without cluttering up your device. It’s simple, effective, and Apple-approved.

How to Use It:

1. Tap and hold the app you want to hide.
2. Select Remove App, then choose Remove from Home Screen.
3. The app will remain installed but be hidden from the home screen, now only visible in the App Library.
4. To access the app, swipe left to reach the App Library and search for it by name.

This method is ideal for apps you don’t use often but want to keep around.

2. Use Folders for a More Tidy Approach

Folders are another way to hide apps from plain sight, especially if you’re dealing with multiple apps you’d rather not display. You can stash several apps in a folder and even move it to a secondary home screen page.

Why It Works:

Folders are fast, practical, and allow you to organise apps in a way that looks intentional. By moving folders to less obvious pages, you reduce the likelihood someone will stumble upon apps you prefer to keep private.

How to Create a Hidden Folder:

1. Select two apps you want to hide.
2. Drag one app on top of the other to create a folder.
3. Rename the folder to something generic, like “Tools” or “Misc.”
4. Move the folder to the second page of your home screen, or even deeper into the third or fourth page.

This keeps your apps accessible yet discreet, perfect for casual use without cluttering the main screen.

3. Leverage Screen Time for More Control

For users who want an extra layer of privacy, iOS’s Screen Time feature allows you to restrict access to specific apps. Not only can you hide apps from your home screen, but you can also lock them with a passcode.

Why It Works:

If you’re serious about protecting your apps, Screen Time restrictions offer full control. This method can completely block apps from showing up on the device, perfect for sensitive content like finance or health apps.

How to Set Up App Hiding:

1. Open Settings and go to Screen Time.
2. Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it on.
3. Select Allowed Apps and disable the toggle next to any app you want to hide from the home screen.
4. To access those apps again, you’ll need to re-enable them through Screen Time settings.

By hiding apps through Screen Time, you can ensure that apps remain hidden until you choose to unlock them.

How to Hide, Lock and Unhide Apps on iPhone Like a Pro (FULL VIDEO)

4. Disable Siri Suggestions and Search Results

Siri suggestions and search results are convenient, but if you don’t want certain apps showing up when you search or ask Siri, you can disable these recommendations.

Why It Works:

This method reduces the visibility of apps in search results and Siri, making them effectively invisible when you’re not looking for them—perfect for apps you don’t need others to know you’re using.

How to Disable App Suggestions:

1. Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
2. Find the app(s) you want to hide.
3. Turn off Show App and Show in Search.

This keeps apps out of Siri’s search history and the Spotlight search results.

5. Hide Pre-Installed iOS Apps You Don’t Use

Apple bundles several apps with iPhones, but not all are necessary for everyone. iOS lets you hide pre-installed apps, so they’re not cluttering your home screen. The apps are still on your device, but you won’t have to deal with them visually.

Why It Works:

This is a quick way to tidy up your home screen without deleting or uninstalling apps you might still need.

How to Hide Pre-installed Apps:

1. Tap and hold the app you want to hide.
2. Select Remove App, then choose Remove from Home Screen.
3. The app will disappear from your home screen and move to the App Library, where it remains installed but out of sight.

For apps like News, FaceTime, or Maps, this is a quick way to declutter without taking up space on your main screen.

6. Third-Party Apps for Extra Privacy (If You Need It)

For those seeking even greater control, third-party apps offer additional privacy features, such as the ability to hide apps in a secure vault. Apps like App Hider or Secret Apps allow you to lock apps with a passcode or biometric authentication.

Why It Works:

If you’re dealing with particularly sensitive apps (like banking apps, password managers, or social media), third-party apps can provide another layer of protection that Apple’s native tools don’t offer.

How to Use It:

1. Download a reputable app-hiding app from the App Store.
2. Set up a secure password or use Face ID/Touch ID.
3. Add the apps you want to hide into the vault.

This method ensures that even if someone unlocks your phone, they won’t be able to access your hidden apps without your passcode.