How to Hide Apps on iPhone Without Deleting Them

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To hide an eligible app without deleting it, use iPhone's built-in hide and authentication option. For automatic privacy at a chosen place or time, Focus Lock offers location and scheduled hiding for selected apps.

1. 01

   Decide how much privacy you need

   Removing an icon, hiding an app behind authentication, and using a location or time rule are different options. Choose based on whether you want less visible clutter or a protected app.

2. 02

   Hide an eligible app with iPhone

   Touch and hold a supported downloaded app, choose Require Face ID or the available authentication option, then choose to hide it. Apple places hidden apps in the Hidden folder in App Library. Some apps cannot be hidden this way.

3. 03

   Remove an icon without deleting the app

   Touch and hold the app, choose Remove App, then Remove from Home Screen. This keeps it installed and available in App Library; it does not protect the app or necessarily remove it from search.

4. 04

   Hide selected apps at a location or time

   Focus Lock offers a Location Privacy Lock for a chosen area and scheduled hiding for selected apps. The location rule requires location access and Screen Time authorization. Apps are intended to reappear after you leave the area or the schedule ends, unless another active rule applies.

5. 05

   Check what stays visible

   Review notification previews, account activity, and App Store purchase history separately. Location detection may be delayed and app visibility can vary with iOS and device settings, so test your setup on your own device.