how to hide apps on iphone

Introduction

Do you want to keep some of your apps private or simply declutter your home screen? Hiding apps on your iPhone can be a handy way to keep certain apps out of sight. Whether you’re a privacy-conscious individual or you just prefer to keep things organized, this article will guide you through the process of hiding apps on your iPhone.

Using App folders

One way to hide apps on your iPhone is by using app folders. App folders allow you to group multiple apps together in a single folder, which can be easily accessed by tapping on the folder icon. To create an app folder, follow these steps:

Long press on any app icon on your home screen until they start to wiggle.
Drag and drop one app icon onto another app icon to create a folder.
You can rename the folder by tapping on the folder name and typing a new name.
To hide an app within a folder, simply drag the app icon to the rightmost or leftmost screen within the folder. This will move the app to another page within the folder, effectively hiding it from the main screen.

Using App Library

If you have updated your iPhone to iOS 14 or later, you can take advantage of the App Library feature to hide apps. The App Library automatically organizes all your installed apps into categorized folders, making it easier to access them. Here’s how to use the App Library to hide apps:

Swipe right on your home screen until you reach the App Library.
Scroll down until you find the category folder that contains the app you want to hide.
Tap and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
Select “Remove App” from the menu.
Choose the option “Remove from Home Screen” to hide the app.

Restrictions and Guided Access

iOS provides additional features that allow you to apply restrictions and set up guided access to further control app visibility and access. Here’s how to use these features:

Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Tap on “Screen Time” and then select “Content & Privacy Restrictions”.
Enable the restrictions and set a passcode.
Scroll down and tap on “Allowed Apps”.
Toggle off the apps you want to hide.

Additionally, you can use the “Guided Access” feature to lock your iPhone into a single app and restrict access to other apps. To enable Guided Access, follow these steps:

Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Tap on “Accessibility” and then select “Guided Access”.
Toggle on “Guided Access”.
Open the app you want to lock.
Triple-click the side or home button to start Guided Access.

Conclusion

Hiding apps on your iPhone can help you maintain privacy and keep your home screen organized. Whether you choose to use app folders, the App Library, or apply restrictions and guided access, these methods provide you with the flexibility to hide apps as per your preference. Experiment with these options to find the most suitable method for your needs and enjoy a clutter-free iPhone experience.