Many users wonder if there’s a way to keep their apps hidden on their phones without deleting them. Luckily, Apple provides multiple options to ensure your private apps remain out of sight. Some users prefer removing app icons from the home screen, while others take extra steps to prevent them from appearing in search results.
With the latest iOS updates, additional privacy features make it even easier to secure sensitive applications. So, when you ask, "how do you hide apps on iPhone," the good news is that there are multiple solutions according to different needs. Thus, this guide will explain to you explore various techniques to keep your apps hidden from your smartphone.
In this article
Part 1. Is It Possible To Hide Apps on iPhone?
Keeping certain apps hidden is a great way to maintain privacy, especially when sharing your device. This Apple app hide feature was recently introduced in the latest iOS 18 update that allows users to lock or hide applications. When you lock the app, you need to enter your Face ID or a passcode to open it. Plus, you should remember that hidden apps won’t appear in search results, Siri suggestions, or notifications.
It’s also important to note that when you lock or hide an app, the setting applies only to that specific device. The status doesn’t sync with iCloud, so other connected devices won’t automatically hide or lock the same app. For users under Family Sharing, children under 13 cannot lock or hide apps, while teens aged 13 to 17 can do so. Along with that, parents can still monitor downloads and screen time usage.
Part 2. Why Should You Hide Your Apps on iPhone?
Before moving toward the solution, you should first explore the benefits of hiding your smartphone’s apps. Below, we will discover several reasons why you should hide apps on your iPhone:
- Protect Information: Many apps store confidential data, including banking details or personal documents. That’s the reason you should disguise it to ensure that private data remains secure.
- Prevent Access: Social media and other messaging apps may contain private conversations or personal content. Thus, hiding these applications reduces the risk of outside access.
- Enhance Device Organization: Sometimes, too many icons on the home screen can make navigation difficult. Instead of scrolling through multiple pages, you can keep only important apps visible by hiding others.
- Avoid Deletion: Since certain apps hold important data, deleting them by mistake could cause issues. That’s why you should disguise such apps to prevent them from any mishaps.
Part 3.Ways To Learn How I Can Hide an App on iPhone
As discussed above, Apple offers multiple ways to conceal applications without deleting them. Although each method has different approaches, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Thus, the following section will help you learn how to hide an app on your iPhone with ease.
Way 1. Utilize the Robust App Lock Feature of the Dr.Fone App for iOS
Although the phone's in-built options offer basic features, advanced tools provide greater flexibility. For those looking for an efficient solution, the Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS) stands out as the best choice. This tool simplifies app hiding while maintaining smooth device performance.
Unlike standard security features, it provides both Locked Mode and Private Mode, allowing users to control app visibility. The Locked Mode restricts access to selected apps by requiring authentication. Alternatively, Private Mode completely hides apps and makes them invisible from prying eyes.
These options allow users to choose privacy levels based on their preferred needs. Along with that, it lets users lock or unlock specific apps within a customizable 800-meter radius. This means apps can automatically become inaccessible at work or in public places and ensure privacy.
Step-by-Step Manual To Hide Apps on Your iPhone Efficiently via Dr.Fone App
Users can even restrict access to apps during specific hours on chosen days. Therefore, follow the instructions below to learn how to disguise an app on an iPhone using this dedicated app:
Step 1. Access Dr.Fone App To Hide Your Apps
After installing the app, enter its main screen and press the “AI Toolbox” button. Next, head to the "Discover" section and select the "App Lock" feature to continue. Afterward, hit the “Please Add a Group First” button and choose the desired apps you want to hide using “Select Apps.”
Step 2. Choose Privacy Mode According to Your Need
Upon choosing the apps, you need to tap the “Save” option. Now, it's time to decide between “Private Mode” and “Locked Mode.” The first option will hide the apps, and the second will limit access to them.
Step 3. Add Specific Restriction in the App
Following this, tap the "Restrict Zone" option if you want to secure the apps according to location or time. Upon seeing the map, use the map for a few seconds to select a zone center and modify the radius to 200m, 400m, or 800m. Lastly, hit the “Save” button to save all the changes for privacy.
Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS)
Enhanced App Security: Lock/Hide Apps Based on Time and Location
- Lock apps to prevent accidental deletions or downloads.
- Hide apps from the home screen for enhanced privacy.
- Face ID/PIN code protection for secure access.
- Supports iOS 16 and above.
Way 2. Use the Lock and Hide App Feature of iOS 18
Apart from the above method, you can disguise your preferred apps from your phone using inbuilt features. iOS 18 includes a Lock and Hide App feature that allows users to secure their applications easily. The following steps will help you discover if you're wondering how to hide an app on your iPhone:
Instruction. To inaugurate, navigate to your phone’s main display and tap the “App” for a few seconds that you want to hide. Upon viewing a pop-up, tap “Require Face ID” and choose the “Hide and Require Face ID” option. Now, hit the “Hide App” button to hide it from your phone.
Way 3. Remove the App Icon From the Home Screen
Another simplest way to hide an app is by removing its icon from the home screen. Unlike app hiders for iPhones, this method doesn’t require an outsider tool or app. Plus, the app remains accessible through the App Library or Spotlight Search, but it won’t appear on the main screen. Thus, let’s explore how to remove an app icon while keeping it functional:
Instruction. Commence by pressing on the “App” icon for a few seconds that you want to hide. Afterward, just press the "Remove App" and select the "Remove from Home Screen” option to finish the task.
Way 4. Stop the App From Appearing in Search and Suggestions
Moving forward, removing an app from the home screen helps, but it can still appear in search results. To ensure complete privacy, you need to disable its visibility in Spotlight Search and Siri Suggestions. Along with that, this method prevents the app from showing when someone types in the search bar. Thus, follow the steps below to learn how to hide an app on iOS:
Step 1 Initiate, navigate to your phone's settings and scroll down to access the "App" section. Afterward, choose the application you want to hide and move forward.
Step 2. Upon entering the specific app settings, tap the “Search” option and disable the “Show App In Search” toggle to stop it from appearing in search and suggestion.
Conclusion
To conclude, hiding applications is important for maintaining privacy and keeping sensitive information secure. With iOS 18’s built-in features, users can easily hide apps without extra tools. Therefore, for advanced security, you should consider a third-party solution that offers better control. If you’re looking for how to disguise an app on an iPhone, the Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS) is a top choice.
Along with that, it provides Locked Mode and Private Mode to ensure complete app protection. Unlike basic inbuilt options, it even allows location-based and time-based app locking. So, you must install the Dr.Fone app today so you can keep your apps hidden and your private data safe from interfering eyes.
Daisy Raines
staff Editor
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