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**

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 & Features** 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. Note: The app will remain on your device but only appear in the App Library.

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

Can hiding an app on the iPhone prevent tracking or data collection from that app?

What is the difference between offloading and hiding an app on iOS?

Does hiding apps via Screen Time restrictions improve privacy?

Will hidden apps still receive updates?

Does hiding system apps like Messages or Safari have any effect on iPhone security?

隐私

How to hide apps on iPhone for better privacy and security

Control how your data appears and to whom

Benjamin Nemeroff

Casey Ford 博士（PhD）技术审阅员

2025年3月24日1 分钟读完

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

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

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

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

Apps on hidden pages remain installed and accessible via search.

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

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