How to hide apps on iPhone for better privacy and security

Your iPhone holds sensitive information, and not every app needs to be visible to anyone who picks up your device. Whether you’re looking to protect personal data, shield your online activity, or simply declutter, hiding apps is a smart step toward stronger privacy and digital self-defense.

Why hide apps on your iPhone?

Even with iOS’s robust security, visible apps can reveal personal habits, financial tools, or private conversations. Hiding apps can help:

• Safeguard privacy when lending or sharing your phone
• Limit unwanted access to sensitive tools and accounts
• Reduce visual clutter and distractions
• Protect metadata about your app usage from prying eyes

Ways to hide an app on iPhone

1. Use the app Library to remove apps from your home screen

The fastest way to hide apps without deleting them is to use the App Library:

• Tap and hold the app icon until a menu appears
• Select Remove App
• Tap Remove from Home Screen

The app will remain on your device but only appear in the App Library.

2. Hide entire home screen pages

For deeper discretion, you can hide full home screen pages containing chosen apps to conceal:

1. Long-press on an empty home screen area until edit mode activates
2. Tap the page dots at the bottom
3. Uncheck the pages you want to hide
4. Tap Done

Apps on hidden pages remain installed and accessible via search.

3. Use Screen Time Restrictions

You can hide certain apps and restrict access using Screen Time:

1. Open Settings > Screen Time
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
3. Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions
4. Tap Allowed Apps
5. Turn off access to selected apps This is useful for system apps you cannot remove.

4. Hide app purchases from family sharing

Part of a Family Sharing group? Hide app downloads from other members:

1. Open the App Store
2. Tap your profile
3. Tap Purchased
4. Swipe left on any app and tap Hide

This keeps your app history private.

5. Organize apps in folders

While less secure, folder organization adds subtle privacy:

1. Drag one app onto another to create a folder
2. Name the folder something generic
3. Move private apps or files to deeper pages within that folder

Go beyond hiding: Strengthen your digital privacy

Hiding apps is a good start. To fully protect your privacy:

• Use strong passcodes (at least 6 digits for iPhone)
• Regularly update iOS to stay ahead of vulnerabilities
• Control permissions in Settings > Privacy & Security
• Disable background app refresh for apps that don’t need it
• Use network-level privacy tools like NymVPN to defend against traffic analysis and metadata leaks.

Nym’s mixnet technology hides traffic patterns and metadata, making it far harder for observers to track your activity — on your device and beyond. Learn more how Nym’s mixnet protects your metadata.

Final thoughts

Your phone is more than a device: it’s your digital identity and home. Hiding apps protects what matters, but true privacy means defending your data from surveillance at every layer. Take control of your digital footprint. Combine smart device habits with network-level protections, and ensure your privacy isn’t just hidden — it’s truly secured. Nym is here to help you reclaim that control.