I occasionally prefer to keep some iPhone applications hidden from inquisitive eyes. especially if I want to hide my private applications or if my siblings or better half start to show an increased interest in monitoring the apps I use. Face/Touch ID is effective at preventing illegal access, but it’s not always the best method for protecting private apps. And it’s because of this that I’m searching for ways to conceal iPhone apps with iOS 14 or later. If your experience is anything like mine, you would adore learning these (sort of) life-saving tricks for hiding iOS apps.
Tips and Tricks to Hide Apps on iPhone (2020)
I have compiled both the tried-and-true and the brand-new tips for hiding iOS apps in this article. Finding trustworthy methods that can assist in hiding iPhone apps is the main focus.
Take a look at a few straightforward tactics to help you decide which of these approaches to utilise to hide your apps. Priority one: Consider the threat level. Second, decide how much you want to hide the app.
For instance, use the technique that allows complete control if you believe that your personal apps are more likely to be compromised. However, if all you require is a straightforward technique to hide an app, choose a simple yet efficient trick. With that said, let’s get going!
1. Use Screen Time to Hide Apps on Your iPhone
Certain iOS apps can be kept hidden with the help of Screen Time (formerly known as Restrictions), which has been around for a while. Therefore, you should utilise the built-in parental control to hide apps on your iOS device whether you are dealing with a mischievous child or a cunning sibling.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to complete the task. Turn on the option for Content & Privacy Restrictions at this time. Next, select Allowed Apps.
Several stock apps, including Camera, Mail, FaceTime, Fitness, Health, Siri & Dictation, Wallet, iTunes Store, and others, should be visible on this screen. To conceal an iPhone app, simply deactivate the toggle next to it. After that, end the setting. The modification will take effect right away. If you ever wish to make these iPhone apps visible again, go back to these settings and activate the corresponding toggles.
What if you wish to use Screen Time to conceal other iOS apps, even those from third parties? You can certainly accomplish it as well. Just keep in mind that you can hide apps based on the age ratings. For instance, you can decide to hide all iPhone applications with a rating of 17 or those with a rating of 12. Go to Settings app -> Screen Time -> Content & Privacy Restrictions to complete the task. Make sure the Content & Privacy Restrictions toggle is turned on.
Select Apps after tapping on Content Restrictions. Then, choose the age rating based on your requirements.
Additionally, you have the option of fully banning apps from running on your iPhone. When you choose it, all iOS apps save for a few crucial ones like Settings, Phone, Messages, etc. will be hidden. I would advise you to use this approach only in extreme circumstances where you want a stronger protection for your apps.
2. Remove iPhone Apps from Home Screen
With iOS 14, you have the option to have apps only appear in the App Library and remove them from the home screen. Even though there are better ways to conceal apps, I would still advise you to give it a shot in case you’re searching for a quick hack to keep some apps hidden.
Simply press and hold the app icon and select Remove App from the popup menu to remove the app from the home screen. Select Remove from Home Screen next. To download new apps straight into the App Library, go to the Settings app, pick App Store, and then choose App Library Only.
3. Hide Purchased Apps in the App Store
Have you ever had the urge to keep your downloaded apps hidden from view in the App Store? If so, you’ll be happy to know that iOS has a method for hiding purchased apps from view in the App Store.
Please be aware that hiding an app from view in the App Store removes it from the list of purchases. If you utilise Family Sharing, it won’t show up in your family members’ purchases or be available for redownload by them. The software will still appear in your purchase history, though.
Open the App Store on your iPhone and go to Profile -> Purchased -> My Purchases to complete the task. To view all the apps that are not compatible with this particular iPhone, touch the Not on this iPhone tab after finding all the purchased apps on the All menu.
Find the app you want to hide now, swipe from the right side to the left, and then tap the “Hide” button. That’s basically it! The app won’t appear in your list of purchases moving forward.
Open the App Store and tap on your profile to reveal the app if you ever wish to. To access your hidden purchases, tap on your name or Apple ID. You should now be able to see every downloaded programme. To redownload the app, locate it and then press the download button.
4. Hide Apps from Siri Suggestions
Siri monitors your usage and makes app recommendations appropriately. As a result, you can rapidly access apps when you need them. Even while I think this tool is fairly useful, some people might wish to take control of it out of worry for their privacy. Go to Settings app > particular app > Siri & Search if that applies to you. Turn off the switches for “Suggest App” and “Show App in Search” under the “On Home Screen” section.
It’s important to remember that you have the choice to block App suggestions and even stop the personal assistant from displaying content in searches.
5. Hide iPhone Apps Using Folders
Using folders to hide apps is nothing new. And perhaps most of you are already acquainted with it. However, the reason I brought it up is that it continues to be a dependable method for convincing children that a specific programme is hidden. So, keep it in mind if you’re looking for a quick but very effective approach to hide iOS apps.
Simply drag an app onto another app and place it there to make it invisible in the folder. After that, drag that application to another folder page.
Better Ways to Conceal Apps on iPhone
You’re all set! Our essay on how to conceal iPhone apps in iOS 14 or later has come to a conclusion. Despite the fact that iOS lacks an efficient method for concealing particular apps (both first-party and third-party), there are ways to do it. They are also, as far as I can tell, more than useful for keeping your mischievous sibling (or, really, anyone) wondering.
Which of these techniques do you use, by the way, to hide apps on your iOS device? Screen Time versus the conventional folder approach? I’d be happy to learn the tricks that have worked for you.