Hiding apps on iPhone and Samsung devices without deleting them is a useful way to keep your home screen organized and protect your privacy. Whether you want to reduce clutter or keep certain apps discreet, both platforms offer built-in options for hiding apps without permanently removing them.
Key takeaways
- iPhone users can hide apps by using App Library, folders, or Restrictions without deleting the apps.
- Samsung phones offer app hiding features through Secure Folder, Home Screen settings, or third-party launchers.
- Hidden apps remain installed and accessible, just not visible on the main home screen.
- Both platforms allow restoring apps to visibility simply by reversing the hiding steps.
- Hiding apps is ideal for privacy, parental controls, or custom home screen layouts.
How to hide apps on iPhone without deleting them
Using the App Library (iOS 14 and later)
iPhones running iOS 14 or later include an App Library that organizes apps automatically. You can remove apps from your home screen without uninstalling them by following these steps:
- Locate the app you want to hide on your home screen.
- Tap and hold the app icon until the context menu appears.
- Select Remove App.
- In the prompt, choose Remove from Home Screen.
This action hides the app icon from the home screen but keeps the app installed and accessible via the App Library, which can be accessed by swiping right past your last home screen page.
Creating hidden folders or moving apps off the first home screen
If you don’t want to use the App Library, another way is to tuck apps into folders or move them to secondary pages.
- To create a folder, press and hold an app, then drag it onto another app.
- Move apps into folders that you keep on lesser-used home screen pages or off the first visible screen.
- This method doesn’t fully hide apps but keeps them less visible.
Using Screen Time restrictions to hide apps
Screen Time allows you to limit access and hide certain apps:
- Open Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enable it by toggling on the switch.
- Select Allowed Apps and toggle off apps like Safari, Camera, or others you want to hide.
This hides the selected built-in apps from the home screen but has limited impact on third-party apps.
Using Siri Suggestions or Search to access hidden apps
Even if apps are hidden from the home screen, you can launch them via:
- Spotlight Search: Swipe down on the home screen and type the app name.
- Siri: Use voice commands like “Open [App Name]” to launch the app.
How to hide apps on Samsung phones without deleting them
Samsung phones running One UI have several methods to hide apps depending on the model and Android version.
Using the Hide Apps feature in the Home screen settings
Most Samsung devices allow hiding apps directly:
- Long-press on an empty area of the home screen.
- Tap Home screen settings or Settings (gear icon).
- Select Hide apps.
- Choose apps to hide from the list and confirm.
Hidden apps no longer appear on the home screen or in the app drawer but remain installed.
Using Secure Folder to hide apps securely
Samsung’s Secure Folder app lets you install or move apps into a private, protected space:
- Open Secure Folder from your app drawer (set it up if first time).
- Tap Add apps and select apps to move into Secure Folder.
- Apps inside Secure Folder are hidden from the normal home screen and app drawer.
This method requires authentication (PIN, fingerprint, or pattern) to access the hidden apps and provides extra privacy.
Using app folders or multiple home screens
Similar to iPhone, hiding apps behind folders or placing them on additional home screens can reduce visibility without hiding completely.
- Create app folders by dragging one app over another.
- Push folders or apps to several home screen pages to de-prioritize their presence.
Third-party launchers with app hiding features
Certain third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) offer robust app hiding options. These launchers allow hiding apps from app drawers and home screens without uninstalling, but require installing the launcher app and setting it as default.
Comparison: iPhone vs. Samsung app hiding options
| Feature | iPhone | Samsung |
|---|---|---|
| Hide apps from Home Screen | Yes (via App Library & Remove) | Yes (via Hide Apps in settings) |
| Hide apps from App Drawer | N/A (no drawer, App Library) | Yes |
| Use Secure Folder or equivalent | No | Yes (Secure Folder app) |
| Use Screen Time/Restrictions | Yes (limited to built-in apps) | Limited |
| Third-party launcher support | No | Yes |
| Access hidden apps easily | Via App Library or search | Via App drawer, Secure Folder |
| Supports parental controls | Yes | Yes |
FAQ
Can I hide third-party apps on iPhone without deleting them?
Yes, on an iPhone you can remove third-party apps from the home screen without uninstalling by using the “Remove from Home Screen” option. The app remains accessible via the App Library.
How do I find apps I’ve hidden on my Samsung phone?
If you use the Hide Apps feature, you can view hidden apps by going back to Home screen settings > Hide apps and unchecking them. Apps in Secure Folder can be accessed by opening the Secure Folder app.
Will hiding apps free up storage space on my phone?
No, hiding apps does not delete the app or free up storage space. It simply removes the app’s icon from your home screen or app drawer to reduce visual clutter.
Are hidden apps still able to send notifications?
Yes, hidden apps continue to run normally and can send notifications unless you disable notifications separately in settings.
Can I hide default system apps on iPhone and Samsung?
On iPhone, some built-in apps can be hidden through Screen Time restrictions. On Samsung, many system apps can be hidden using the Hide Apps feature or Secure Folder, but some core system apps may not be fully hideable.
How do I unhide or restore apps to the home screen?
On iPhone, find the app in App Library, tap and drag it back to the home screen. On Samsung, go to Home screen settings > Hide apps and deselect apps you want to restore; for Secure Folder, move or reinstall apps outside the folder.
