Adding a hidden app on your iPhone can be a useful trick if you want to keep certain apps private or out of sight from prying eyes. Whether it’s a sensitive app or one that you simply don’t want others to know about, hiding an app can help you maintain your privacy. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to add a hidden app on your iPhone.
Step 1: Locate the App You Want to Hide
Go to your iPhone’s home screen and find the app that you want to hide. Take note of its current location, as you will need this information in the following steps.
Step 2: Enter Edit Mode
Press and hold any app icon on your home screen until the icons start wiggling. This puts your iPhone in edit mode, where you can rearrange, delete, and hide apps.
Step 3: Move the App to a New Folder
Drag the app that you want to hide onto another app to create a folder. This will automatically create a new folder containing both apps.
Step 4: Rename the Folder
Tap on the newly created folder to open it. Then, tap and hold the folder’s name until it enters into edit mode. Rename the folder to an inconspicuous name that will not draw attention.
Step 5: Move the App to the Second Page of the Folder
Press and hold the app icon within the folder, and drag it to the right side of the folder’s first page. This will move the app to the second page of the folder, making it less visible.
Step 6: Exit Edit Mode
Press the home button once or swipe up from the bottom on iPhone X or newer models to exit the edit mode. The app you wanted to hide should now be tucked away in a folder, making it less noticeable to others.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Maintains privacy by hiding sensitive or unwanted apps. | 1. Apps can still be found through Spotlight search. |
| 2. Allows for a clean and organized home screen without clutter. | 2. Hidden apps may still appear in Recently Added section of the App Library. |
| 3. Easy to implement and reverse the hidden app settings. | 3. The hidden app is still accessible if someone knows how to navigate through folders. |
Video Tutorial: What app hides apps on iPhone?
Why is app not showing on iPhone?
There are several possible reasons why an app may not be showing on an iPhone. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
1. Check the home screen: Sometimes, apps may accidentally be moved or placed in a different folder. Swipe left or right on the home screen to ensure all app pages and folders have been checked. If the app is missing, it may have been unintentionally moved or hidden.
2. Search for the app: Swipe down on the home screen to access the search bar, and enter the name of the app. This will quickly search your device for the app, even if it’s not visible on the home screen.
3. Reset the home screen layout: If the app is still not showing, it’s possible that the home screen layout has been customized and the app is on a different screen or hidden in a folder. To reset the home screen layout, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset Home Screen Layout." Keep in mind that this will reset your home screen to the initial default layout and arrange your apps in alphabetical order.
4. Check app restrictions: If the app’s icon is still not visible, it’s worth checking if the app is restricted using Screen Time or parental controls. Go to "Settings" > "Screen Time" > "Content & Privacy Restrictions" and ensure that the app you’re looking for is not restricted. If it is, adjust the settings accordingly to allow access to the app.
5. Reinstall the app: If the app is still not showing, it’s possible that the app was accidentally deleted. Open the App Store, search for the app, and reinstall it. This should bring back the app’s icon to the home screen.
6. Update iOS: Sometimes, app visibility issues can occur due to software glitches. Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS (e.g., iOS 16) by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" and installing any available updates. Updating the software can help resolve compatibility issues and improve app visibility.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, there might be a more specific problem with the app or the device itself. It could be worth reaching out to the app’s developer or contacting Apple Support for further assistance.
Is there a secret folder on iPhone?
Yes, there is a hidden folder feature on an iPhone that allows users to hide and protect certain files and photos. Here are the steps to access and use the secret folder:
1. Open the Files app on your iPhone. If you can’t find it on your home screen, swipe down and search for "Files" in the search bar.
2. Tap on the "Browse" tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Scroll down and locate the "On My iPhone" section. Tap to open it.
4. If you have already created a secret folder, you will find it under the "On My iPhone" section. If not, you can create a new folder by tapping on the three dots icon in the top-right corner and selecting "New Folder."
5. Once you have a folder, you can move files, documents, photos, or any other content by tapping on the file and holding it. Then, drag it into the secret folder you created.
6. To view your secret folder, simply go back to the "Browse" tab and locate the "On My iPhone" section again. Your folder will appear there.
By utilizing this hidden folder feature, you can keep certain files or photos private and secure them from being easily accessed by others.
It is important to note that while this feature provides an added layer of privacy, it is not completely foolproof. Someone with knowledge about this hidden folder feature might still be able to access your secret folder. For more advanced and secure file hiding, it is recommended to use third-party apps that provide encryption and additional security features.
How do I open view hidden apps?
To open and view hidden apps on an iPhone running iOS 16, follow these steps:
1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on "App Library".
3. In the App Library settings, you’ll find a section labeled "Hidden Apps". Tap on it.
4. You will see a list of apps that are currently hidden on your device.
5. To unhide an app, tap on the plus (+) icon next to its name. This will move the app from the hidden apps list to your home screen or app library.
6. Once you’ve unhidden the desired app, you can find it by swiping left on your home screen or by searching for it using the Spotlight search feature.
7. To hide an app again, simply follow the same steps, but instead of tapping the plus icon, tap the minus (-) icon next to the app’s name in the Hidden Apps list.
Keep in mind that hiding an app simply removes it from your home screen, but it remains installed on your device. Hidden apps can still be accessed through the App Library or via search.
Note: The steps described above specifically apply to the iOS 16 and later versions. If you’re using an older iOS version, the procedure might vary slightly.
Why can’t I find an app on my iPhone?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to find an app on your iPhone. Here are some possible explanations and steps to address the issue:
1. App not installed: Firstly, ensure that the app you are looking for is actually installed on your device. Swipe left or right on your home screen to check if it is present. If not, you may need to download and install it from the App Store.
2. App hidden in folders: It’s possible that the app you are searching for is located within a folder on your home screen. Look for folders that may contain similar apps or check all your home screen pages thoroughly.
3. Search bar functionality: Utilize the search bar on your iPhone’s home screen by swiping down. Type in the name of the app and see if it appears in the search results.
4. Restrictions or parental controls: If you have enabled restrictions or parental controls on your device, certain apps may be hidden or restricted from being displayed on your home screen. To check this, go to "Settings" > "Screen Time" > "Content & Privacy Restrictions" and ensure that the app you are looking for is allowed to be displayed.
5. App Store region restrictions: Some apps may be region-specific and may not be available in your country’s App Store. Check the App Store for your country and confirm if the app is compatible and available.
6. App not compatible with iOS version: It’s possible that the app you are searching for is not compatible with the iOS version installed on your device. Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update." Update your iOS if necessary and see if the app becomes available.
7. App removed from App Store: It’s also possible that the app has been removed from the App Store by the developer or Apple. In this case, it will no longer be available for download or reinstallation.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to reach out to the app’s developer or Apple Support for further assistance.
How do I put hidden apps back on my home screen?
To put hidden apps back on your home screen, follow these steps (assuming you’re using the latest iOS version, iOS 16):
1. Open the App Library: Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the last page, where the App Library is located. The App Library is a collection of all your installed apps organized into categories.
2. Search for the app: Either scroll through the App Library to find the app you want to unhide, or use the search bar at the top and type the app’s name.
3. Long-press on the app icon: Once you locate the app, long-press (press and hold) on its icon.
4. Select "Add to Home Screen": A pop-up menu will appear with different options. Look for and select the option that says "Add to Home Screen."
5. Choose the location on your home screen: You can select where you want to place the app icon on your home screen. Swipe left or right to navigate between pages, and then tap on the desired location.
6. Tap "Done" or place more apps if necessary: Once you’ve chosen the location for the app, tap "Done" to complete the process. If you want to unhide more apps, repeat the process from step 2.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily put any hidden app back on your home screen and access it whenever you need it.