Who hasn't had an app that they wanted to keep away from prying eyes? Whether for security reasons, privacy, Company or simply to have a cleaner home screen, hiding apps on an iPhone is a very useful solution. However, achieving this can seem complicated, especially if you are not familiar with iOS features. In this article, we explain in detail and in detail how to hide apps on your Apple device using different methods.
Hide apps This doesn't mean removing them completely, but rather disabling their direct visibility in places like the home screen or searches. Apple offers different ways to achieve this, including through the latest updates such as iOS 18, which integrates advanced options related to the privacyBelow we break down all the methods that work depending on which version you have.
How to hide an app from the home screen
One of the easiest and quickest methods is to move the app to the App Library:
- Press and hold the app you want to hide.
- From the pop-up menu, select Delete app.
- Choose the option Remove from home screen. The app will continue to be available on the Application library or using the search bar.
Use folders to hide apps
If you prefer to organize your apps in folders, you can use them to hide those applications that you do not want to have visible:
- Create a new folder or choose an existing one, preferably with a generic name like “Utilities.”
- Drag the app you want to hide into that folder.
- If the folder has more than one page, place the app on a secondary page so that it is not visible to the naked eye.
This method is effective for maintaining a low profile, although it does not guarantee privacy complete.
Disable the search app
Even if you hide the app from the home screen or a folder, it may still appear in the search engine. Spotlight. To avoid it:
- Accede to Configuration and at the very bottom it enters Apps.
- Locate the app in question, enter the option Search and disable options like Show the app in Search y Show content in Search.
With these settings, the app will not be accessible from quick searches, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Hide apps with iOS 18
If you have iOS 18 installed, you have a new feature that offers more protection. You can now hide apps completely and lock them so that they are only accessible through biometric authentication or a code:
- Press and hold the app you want to hide until the context menu appears.
- Choose Require Face ID o Hide and Require Face ID.
- To access the app, go to the Hidden Apps Library and authenticate with Face ID or your passcode.
Hide purchases in the App Store
If you're part of a family that shares apps, you can also prevent your purchases are visible to others:
- Open the App Store and tap your account icon in the top right corner.
- Choose Apps and locate the app you want to hide. If you have a family set up you will have to enter my apps.
- Swipe left on the app and select Hide.
This doesn't remove the app from your history, but it will hide it and prevent other members of your family account from downloading it.
The options for hiding apps on an iPhone are numerous and will depend on your specific needs. From moving them to the App Library to resorting to advanced iOS 18 tools, you can be sure that there is a suitable solution to keep your privacy intact. If what you need is a more universal method, combining several of these steps will be the best strategy.
