iPhone

How to Hide Recently Added Apps on iPhone

December 13, 2024

Struggling to manage your iPhone’s Home Screen clutter? Learn how to hide recently added apps on your iPhone with a few simple steps. This guide will show you the hidden settings in iOS’s App Library and Privacy Settings to control your iPhone’s app organization.

With the latest iPhone models and iOS features, you can streamline your app visibility and maintain a clean, user-friendly interface.

As an app developer, I understand the importance of customizing your device to suit your personal and professional needs. By following this guide, you’ll master the art of concealing new apps from your Home Screen without losing access to them.

You’ll discover methods like utilizing the App Library, tweaking iPhone settings, and leveraging Screen Time restrictions. By the end of this article, you’ll effectively manage your iPhone’s Home Screen layout and keep those recently installed apps out of sight.

How to Hide Recently Added Apps on iPhone: Quick Workflow

Use Folders to Hide Apps

Create a Folder:
- Tap and hold an empty space on your Home screen to enter edit mode.
- Drag the app you want to hide onto another app to create a folder.
- Add any other apps you wish to hide into this folder.
- Tap and hold the folder until the icons vibrate, then drag the folder to the last page of your Home screen.

Remove from Home Screen

Hide from Home Screen:
- Swipe left on your Home screen until you reach the App Library.
- Find the recently added app, tap and hold its icon.
- Select “Remove App” and then choose “Remove from Home Screen.” The app will still be accessible in the App Library but won’t appear on your Home screen.

Adjust Siri & Search Settings

Modify Search Settings:
- Open Settings and select Siri & Search.
- Choose the app you want to hide and toggle off options like “Show App in Search” and “Show Content in Search.” This prevents the app from appearing in search results.

Hide Entire Pages of Apps

Hide App Pages:
- Long press on an empty area of your Home screen.
- Tap the dots at the bottom of the screen to view all pages.
- Uncheck the circle under the page you want to hide, then tap Done. This will hide the entire page, but apps will remain in the App Library.

Purchase History Management

Hide Purchase History:
- Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, then go to Purchased.
- Swipe left on any app you wish to hide and tap Hide. This helps maintain privacy regarding your downloaded apps.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and hide recently added apps on your iPhone while keeping them accessible when needed.

Basic Methods for Hiding Apps on iPhone

maxresdefault How to Hide Recently Added Apps on iPhone

Hiding Apps from the Home Screen

Removing individual apps from the home screen is a straightforward process. Just tap and hold the app icon until a context menu appears. Select Remove App, then choose Remove from Home Screen. The app will still exist in the App Library, just not on your home screen.

Using the App Library to access hidden apps is practical. Swipe left until you reach the last page on your iPhone, bringing up the App Library. Here, apps are organized into categories, making them easy to find without cluttering your home screen.

Tips to keep apps accessible without cluttering the home screen include using search features. Swipe down on the home screen and type the app name into the search bar. This allows for quick access without the need for the app icon on the screen.

Using the App Library for Hidden App Access

Explanation of the App Library feature: Introduced in iOS 14, the App Library automatically organizes all your apps into neat categories. This is a significant improvement for managing apps discreetly.

Steps to locate hidden apps in the App Library: Open the App Library by continuing to swipe left past your last home screen page. Either browse the automatically organized folders or use the search bar at the top to find a specific app.

Advantages of App Library for managing hidden apps: It declutters your home screen while keeping apps accessible. Apps can be out of sight but still within reach, enhancing both organization and privacy.

Creating Folders for Hiding Apps

Setting up folders as an easy way to conceal apps involves grouping similar apps together. Tap and hold an app until it wiggles, then drag and drop it onto another app to create a folder. Name the folder something generic to avoid drawing attention.

Tips on moving folders to the last home screen page: Once a folder is created, you can drag it to the edge of the screen to move it to subsequent pages. Positioning these folders on the final home screen page helps keep them out of sight.

Combining multiple folders for layered concealment: For added privacy, nest folders within folders. Place a less-used app on the outermost layer and hide other apps inside. This layered approach makes it less likely anyone will stumble upon your hidden apps.

Advanced Methods for Enhanced Privacy

Using Siri & Search to Hide Apps from Search Results

First, let’s tackle Siri & Search settings. Ensuring apps don’t show up in searches or Siri suggestions is crucial for privacy.

Steps to disable app appearance in search results:

Open Settings, scroll down, and select Siri & Search.
Scroll to the specific app you want to hide.
Toggle off Show App in Search and Show Suggestions.

These steps ensure your hidden apps won’t pop up in search or Siri suggestions.

Turning off content suggestions and app learning behaviors:
Navigate within the same Siri & Search settings. Switch off Learn from this App. This stops Siri from using data from the app to make suggestions.

Customizing search settings for specific privacy needs:
Tailor which apps are visible in searches based on your needs. Not every app needs to be hidden, only those you want out of sight.

Disabling Notifications for Hidden Apps

To maintain privacy, it’s vital to prevent hidden apps from sending notifications.

Preventing hidden apps from displaying notifications:

Go to Settings -> Notifications.
Find the app you want to hide.
Toggle off Allow Notifications.

Blocking notifications from hidden apps ensures they won’t draw any unwanted attention.

Step-by-step guide to modify notification settings:

Opening the specific App Settings.
Turning off types of alerts: Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners.
Setting Notification Grouping to Off.

These actions mute all forms of notifications for the specified apps, maintaining your private space.

Importance of silencing notifications for privacy continuity:
Notifications can betray the presence of hidden apps. They pop up at inconvenient times, revealing apps you’d rather keep concealed. Silence them to keep your app usage private.

Hiding Apps with Shortcuts

Shortcuts are an advanced trick. You can replace original app icons with custom shortcuts.

Creating shortcut icons to replace original app icons:

Open the Shortcuts app.
Tap the + icon, then Add Action.
Search for Open App.
Select the app you want to hide, and tap Next.
Rename the shortcut and tap Add to Home Screen.

Customizing icons and names to disguise app purpose:
When adding to your home screen, tap the app icon and choose Choose Photo or Choose File for a custom icon. Rename the shortcut to something inconspicuous.

Removing original app icons while keeping shortcut access:

Find the original app icon, tap and hold until it starts wiggling.
Select Remove App, then Remove from Home Screen.
Managing the “Recently Added Apps” Folder

Understanding the Recently Added Apps Folder

This section covers iOS 14’s “Recently Added” feature, which you probably noticed on your iPhone home screen.

It’s essentially a spotlight for apps you’ve just downloaded. Convenient? Sure. Annoying? Definitely, for those who prefer a cleaner look.

Common frustrations and limitations:

Clutter accumulates quickly.
Not easy to control visibility.
No direct way to hide the folder itself.

Minimizing the Impact of Recently Added Apps

To move new apps off the main screen, tap and hold on an app. When options appear, select Remove App and choose Remove from Home Screen.

Boom—it’s no longer right there in your face.

Combining Recently Added apps in folders:

Create a folder by dragging one app icon over another.
Name it something generic, like Utilities.
Move the folder to a less prominent spot, possibly the last home screen page.

This tactic keeps things tidy and reduces visibility.

Waiting for the Folder to Self-Clear

Here’s the deal: The “Recently Added” folder isn’t permanent. Apps gradually cycle out.

How the Recently Added folder automatically clears over time:

Apps stay for about a month, then move into regular categories in the App Library.

How to manage app addition frequency to control folder contents:

Avoid adding too many apps at once.
Periodically use the App Store download history for re-downloads without crowding the folder.
Complete Privacy Solutions: Hiding App Purchase and Download History

Removing App History from App Store Purchases

One way to maintain privacy is by hiding your app download history from the App Store. Here’s how:

Steps to hide app downloads from purchase history:

Open the App Store.
Tap your profile icon at the top-right corner.
Select Purchased.
Find the app you want to hide.
Swipe left on the app you wish to hide and tap Hide.

This keeps your download history discreet, especially useful if you share your Apple ID with someone else.

Importance of hiding app history for added privacy:

Keeping your download history hidden ensures that those who have access to your account can’t see every app you’ve downloaded. This is critical for maintaining a clean slate and avoiding unwanted questions or judgment.

Limitations and tips for maintaining a clean history:

Hiding apps removes them from the purchased list but doesn’t delete them from your device.
Regularly review your download history to keep it clean.
Be mindful of family sharing settings, as hiding an app might not hide it from family members.

Additional Tips for Ensuring Comprehensive App Privacy

To make sure your app updates don’t affect app visibility:

Ensuring app updates do not affect app visibility:
- When an app updates, it shouldn’t reappear on the home screen if hidden properly.
- Navigate to Settings -> App Store, ensure Automatic Updates is toggled off if you want more control.

Best practices for managing app visibility across different devices:

Keep your iCloud settings consistent across all your iOS devices.
If you hide apps on one device, ensure they’re also hidden on other shared devices.
Use Screen Time settings to restrict access by going to Settings -> Screen Time and setting app limits.

FAQ on How To Hide Recently Added Apps On iPhone

How can I hide recently added apps on my iPhone?

Use the App Library. Swipe left until you reach it. Tap and hold the app, then select “Add to Library” to remove it from the Home Screen. This keeps your new app accessible without cluttering your main screens.

Can I hide apps without deleting them?

Absolutely. Just move them to folders or use the App Library. Press and hold the app icon, select “Remove from Home Screen,” and it stays installed without taking up visual space.

Where do hidden apps go on iPhone?

Hidden apps move to the App Library. Swipe left through your Home Screens until reaching the App Library, where categorized folders automatically organize all your apps, including the ones you’ve hidden.

How do I find recently added apps after hiding them?

Access hidden apps through the App Library. Newly installed apps usually appear in the “Recently Added” folder. Alternatively, swipe down on the Home Screen and type the app’s name in Spotlight Search.

Can you hide apps on iPhone without using third-party apps?

Yes, you can hide apps directly through your iPhone settings. Utilize the App Library or create folders. No need for third-party applications to manage your app icons.

Is there a way to completely hide apps from appearing in searches?

Yes. Go to Settings > Siri & Search. Scroll down, select the app, and toggle off the “Show App”. This hides the app from searches and suggestions, making it more discreet.

How do I hide apps in the App Library itself?

You can’t hide apps in the App Library; it displays all installed apps. To keep apps more concealed, organize them into folders or turn off their presence in Siri & Search settings.

Why are recently added apps showing up on my Home Screen?

By default, iOS adds newly installed apps to the Home Screen. Change this by going to Settings > Home Screen and selecting “App Library Only,” ensuring new apps bypass the Home Screen.

Can hiding apps improve my iPhone’s performance?

Hiding apps won’t directly improve performance but can streamline your Home Screen setup, helping you focus and find apps faster. A cleaner interface reduces mental clutter.

How do I make sure recently added apps are private?

For added privacy, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. Turn off the switch for any apps you want to limit visibility. This prevents others from accessing them easily.

Conclusion

Understanding how to hide recently added apps on iPhone provides greater control over your device’s interface, privacy, and organization. To hide these apps, utilize the App Library. Swipe left until you reach it, press and hold the app, and select “Add to Library.” This moves the app without uninstalling it.

To keep apps out of Spotlight Search, navigate to Settings > Siri & Search and disable “Show App in Search.” This step ensures that hidden apps remain invisible in search results.

App Library organization also aids in managing app clutter. Create specific folders or use the feature to maintain a cleaner Home Screen, enhancing overall usability and accessibility.

Maintaining app privacy is simple with Screen Time settings. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to limit app visibility, ensuring your recently installed apps stay private.

By following these steps, you’ll master the art of managing your iPhone’s app layout, guaranteeing a more efficient and personalized user experience.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.