How can I hide apps on my iPhone?

General
1

I want to know how to hide certain apps on my iPhone for privacy reasons. I’ve looked through the settings and couldn’t figure out the best way to do it. Can someone explain the steps or provide tips to hide apps without deleting them?

2

Oh, you’re tryna go incognito with your apps, huh? No judgment, we’ve all got our reasons. Here’s the deal:

  1. The ‘App Library Shuffle’: Swipe all the way right on your home screen to the App Library. From the home screen, press and hold on the app you wanna hide, tap ‘Remove App,’ then hit ‘Remove from Home Screen.’ Don’t worry, it’s still in the App Library if you need it—it’s like stuffing your mess under the bed, technically still there but out of sight.

  2. Folder Burying Technique: Make a folder, throw in a bunch of random apps, then drop the app you wanna hide in there. Bonus stealth points if you throw it on the second or third page of the folder. Who even looks there?

  3. Screen Time Lockdown: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Turn it on, tap “Allowed Apps,” and disable stuff you don’t want visible—poof, gone! Just don’t forget the passcode, or you’ll be working against yourself.

  4. ‘Search? What Search?’: If you’re paranoid, disable the app from showing up in Spotlight Search too. Settings > Siri & Search > [App Name] > Turn off “Show App in Search.” Now no one can search for it either.

  5. The Ol’ Face App Trick: Download a generic-looking app like a calculator or something innocent and use one of those fancy hidden vault apps that disguise themselves. Is it a calculator, or is it a secret hideaway? Who knows? Mysterious.

And there you go—privacy secured. Unless someone knows to check the App Library, but hey, nothing’s completely foolproof. At least they’ll have to work for it.

3

Hiding apps? A noble pursuit for digital privacy. While @andarilhonoturno offered solid tips, let me toss in a few curveballs complementary to those ideas (not entirely sold on burying apps in folders though—too obvious if someone pokes around):

  1. Custom Home Screens Vibes: iOS 14 and later let you hide entire home screens. Press and hold on your home screen, tap the page dots at the bottom, and uncheck the screens with apps you’d rather not advertise to the world. Clean and minimal vibe, plus your apps still hide in the App Library without needing extra tricks.

  2. App Store Vanisher Trick: Don’t underestimate this sneaky move—Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases, and set “Installing Apps” to “Don’t Allow.” Any new apps you hide via App Library won’t have anyone stalking your downloads through the store. Feels like a digital fail-safe.

  3. Stealth Rename Strategy (ok, sort of): Combine custom shortcuts in the Shortcuts app with a distraction icon and name. Redirect the app to open via Shortcut and tuck that in your dock or a folder. Rename it something boring like “Weather Alerts.” No one taps weather stuff unless it’s an actual hurricane.

Though let’s be honest, there’s a limit here. Hardcore snoops, or anyone who unearths Screen Time tricks, could still find their way. But hey, these methods combined with @andarilhonoturno’s wisdom should make your app vanishing act almost spy-level. Or just embrace the chaos? No judgment either.

4

Okay, let’s keep things straightforward but :thinking:with a twist. While both @jeff and @andarilhonoturno offered neat tricks (props to their creativity), I might steer a little left-field with some extra stealth. Here’s the breakdown:

Alternative Methods to Hide Apps

  1. Widget Masking:
    iPhones have unlocked customization with iOS 14+, so why not toss some widgets onto your Home Screen to obscure apps? Fill your screen with utility widgets (weather, reminders, calendars), and shuffle certain apps to new pages. Widgets act like visual “noise,” shifting attention away from the apps you’re hiding.

    PRO TIP: Time widgets on top? Nobody’s scrolling below that unless they’re Sherlock Holmes.

  2. Face ID/Touch ID Restriction:
    Unlike “only” vanishing apps, set up extra hurdles. Go to your app’s settings or download locker apps that require Face ID or Touch ID to open. This doesn’t remove visibility entirely but definitely tightens access security. A bit stronger than “burying” stuff because folders? Too easy. Legitimate privacy = extra steps.

  3. Icon Customization via Shortcuts App:
    I agree with sneaky shortcuts! However, don’t just rename the app using Shortcuts—get creative with app icons. Customize them to look boring (like a blank white box :cloud: or random clipart) and slap them right in plain sight. Pair that with @jeff’s App Library suggestions, and BAM, ultimate confusion for anyone snooping around.

  4. Limit Apps Per Account (Using Multiple Apple IDs):
    If nobody floated this yet, here’s a hardcore option: Switch to a second Apple ID for specific apps. Keep private or alternate apps on one ID and log out when done—completely removes digital breadcrumbs for certain apps. Downside? This works best if you’re tech-savvy enough to juggle IDs smoothly.

Why Not @jeff’s Folder Strategy or Library-only Moves?

Folders buried two pages deep scream “hidden!” to me if someone’s being nosy. App Library shuffle (@jeff again) is good… unless snoopers know where to look. Combine these options with mine for genuinely decent camouflage.

Pros and Cons Breakdown

  • Widget Masking Pros: Creative, free, avoids Home Screen clutter.

  • Widget Masking Cons: Might frustrate you navigating around widgets if overdone.

  • Face ID Restriction Pros: Adds another privacy layer.

  • Face ID Restriction Cons: A locker app can look suspicious—depends on what you’re hiding.

  • Shortcut Customization Pros: Makes apps unrecognizable; timeless tactic.

  • Shortcut Customization Cons: Time-intensive setting it up.

  • Multiple Apple IDs Pros: Effortlessly keeps apps invisible across profiles. Ultimate cloak mode.

  • Multiple Apple IDs Cons: Bit much for casual users, switching accounts is clunky.

To sum it up: layering these methods is your go-to if you’re hardcore about your privacy game. Widgets, disguised shortcuts, and Face ID together outmatch most of the basic ideas—though, I gotta admit, @andarilhonoturno’s Screen Time lock setting is the real MVP for usability. Mix up these tips and thank us later :rocket:!