With iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, iPhone and iPad users can now hide apps. So, users do not need any third-party apps to hide apps. The built-in method is straightforward and quick to hide apps. It is also straightforward to access hidden apps on iPhone. With Face ID or Touch ID authentication, it is really easy to access hidden apps. In this detailed guide, I will explain how to hide apps on iPhone or iPad. I will also tell you how to access hidden apps.
The steps to hide apps on iPhone and iPad are the same. I am putting iPhone screenshots. But you can use the same way to hide apps and access hidden apps on iPad.
Hide apps on iPhone or iPad
For hiding apps on your iPhone or iPad, you need to upgrade your phone to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.
To hide the app, locate the app icon on the Home Screen or App library. Touch and Hold the app icon until it opens the pop-up menu. Here tap Require Face ID. Then tap Hide and Require Face ID. It will authenticate you using Face ID.
Now it will show a new screen confirming you are ready to Hide the app. Tap the Hide app button.
The app will be completely hidden on your phone. There will be no app icon anywhere on the phone. You will also see no notification from the hidden app.
It is worth noting the feature also lets you hide several system apps, but not all. For example, you cannot hide the Photos app.
How to access the Hidden app
When you hide the app, there will be no app icon. Then how to access the app?
To access the hidden app, go to App Library. Scroll App Library until you see the Hidden Apps section. Tap the Hidden Apps section and it will do a Face ID authentication. After successful authentication, it will show the hidden apps.
Now tap the app icon and it will again do Face ID authentication before providing access to the app.
Now you know how to hide and access hidden apps on your iPhone. It is easy to use and straightforward. Much better, easier, and quicker than using third-party apps to hide apps.
You need to update your phone to iOS 18 to use this feature. Right now, iOS 18 is in developer beta and will be available to all users with the launch of the iPhone 16 series. You can upgrade to the iOS 18 developer beta if you want to try this before it comes to all.
