Finding mysterious apps on your iPhone can be annoying when you need to locate them. Whether you accidentally hid an app or deliberately stashed it somewhere in pursuit of a cleaner home screen, iOS 18 makes it easy to both identify and unhide apps — once you know where to look. This comprehensive guide focuses on managing hidden apps on your iPhone running iOS 18.
What Happens When You Hide Apps on iPhone
When you hide an app on your iPhone, it isn’t deleted. The app remains on your device but gets relocated to a special Hidden folder in the App Library. All of your app data, settings, and information remain untouched. Hidden apps will still run background services when necessary. You can disable notifications for these apps, unless you disable notifications individually.
How to Access Hidden Apps on iPhone iOS 18
It’s easy and fast to open apps that are hidden without actually unhiding them first. Here is how to access your hidden apps:
Step 1: Move your finger across the screen from right to left, starting at your home screen, to get to the App Library.
Step 2: Look for “Hidden” files and folders near the end of the list and scroll to them.
Step 3: Once you click on the Hidden folder, you can now see the content.
Step 4: Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
Step 5: Tap any of the apps to open them directly from within the Hidden folder.
This method enables you to use hidden apps without the need to switch them back to your home screen.
How to Unhide Apps on iPhone iOS 18
Ready to move your apps back to the home screen? Here’s how you can unhide apps on your iPhone:
Method 1: Through App Library
Step 1: Swipe to the right of your last home screen page to find the App Library.
Step 2: Look for the Hidden folder and click on it.
Step 3: You will then have to unlock the folder with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Step 4: Tap and hold on the app you want to unhide.
Step 5: If you’d like, select “Don’t Require Face ID” from the shortcuts menu.
Touch and hold the app again and tap “Add to Home Screen.” The app will show on your home screen and continue to be visible.
Method 2: Using Spotlight Search
- To launch Spotlight Search, drag down on your home screen.
- Enter the name of the concealed application for which you want to get access.
- You just need to press and hold the app in the search results.
- From the menu, select “Add to Home Screen”.
This option is suitable when you are aware of the name of the application but are not able to find it in the App Library.
How to Hide Apps on iPhone and iPad Running iOS 18
The process of hiding apps is important because it helps you keep a tidy phone at all times and makes managing your device much easier. Here’s how to hide apps:
Hide Apps from Home Screen
- Tap and hold the app that you want to conceal.
- From the options, select “Remove App”.
- Choose “Remove from Home Screen.”
The app goes to the App Library, but remains installed.
Hide Apps Using App Library
Step 1: Head to the App Library.
Step 2: Press and hold the app you wish to hide.
Step 3: Choose “Hide App” from the given context menu.
Step 4: Verify by tapping “Hide” in the dialogue box.
The application transfers to the Hidden folder, and access is password-controlled.
How to Find Hidden Apps on iPhone: iPhone Models Compared
Here’s how it works the same on all iPhone models with iOS 18:
- iPhone 13 and later: Authenticate with Face ID
- iPhone SE and earlier models with Home buttons: Touch ID or passcode
- iPad using iOS 18: Same instructions with a small interface variation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
App Not in Hidden Folder
If you do not see an app in the Hidden folder, there are always other options:
- Ask Siri and then reinstall: Check if the app needs to be reinstalled.
- Look at Screen Time Restrictions: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. Make sure the app is not disabled here.
- Look in App Library: The app might be inside a category folder, instead of being situated by itself. Browse through App Library categories.
- Spotlight Search: Start typing the name of the app you are looking for.
Can’t Access Hidden Folder
If the Hidden folder does not open:
- Check Authentication: Make sure Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode is working normally.
- Restart iPhone: If the issue is a bug, sometimes restarting helps.
- Update iOS: Look for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
App Disappeared After Unhiding
Occasionally, apps are not visible immediately after you unhide them:
- Open Every Home Screen Page: Just swipe through all your home screen pages.
- Check the App Library: The app may have been placed into the App Library view instead of on your home screen.
- Wait a moment: iOS needs a few seconds to rearrange the layout around your home screen.
Advantages of the Hidden Apps Feature
There are several different benefits to the hidden apps functionality:
- Privacy Protection: Launch sensitive applications without leaving them visible on your home screen.
- Home Screen Cleanup: Hide apps you don’t want to see, but need to keep.
- Parental Control: You can hide inappropriate apps from kids and set time limits on how long your children can use them.
- Work-Life Balance: Hide work applications during personal time, without needing to uninstall them.
Best Practices for Managing Hidden Applications
- Don’t Forget What You Hide: Remember the apps you hide to easily find what’s hidden later.
- Strategic Folder Placement: If you want to organize apps with regular folders, you can place those apps deep within other folders.
- Routine Cleanup: Routinely look at your hidden apps and get rid of what you don’t use.
- Test Access: Make sure you can access hidden apps before hiding important applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the data go away if I unhide an app?
Can I hide system apps such as Safari or Messages?
Do hidden apps send notifications?
How many apps can I hide?
Are my hidden apps secure from others?
Conclusion
The process of hiding apps on iPhone iOS 18 can be confusing if you don’t know how the App Library system works. Whether you want to reveal the apps for convenience or keep them hidden to maintain privacy, these methods offer you full control over the visibility of your apps.
Keep in mind, hiding apps does not impact their performance or your data. Utilize this feature to add some cleanliness and organization to your iPhone experience while still providing convenient access for when you need those apps.
It is all about finding the right balance between organization and accessibility for your needs.
