iPhone

How to Turn Off Apps Without Deleting Them on an iPhone

December 19, 2024

Managing apps on your iPhone efficiently can preserve battery life, enhance performance, and ensure smooth operation. Knowing how to turn off apps without deleting them on iPhone is crucial for better iPhone settings and battery optimization.

Many users struggle with background app refresh and multi-tasking on iPhone, leading to drained battery and sluggish performance. This article offers practical steps to deactivate unwanted apps temporarily.

By the end, you’ll grasp vital iPhone app management techniques, such as disabling apps, managing app permissions, and leveraging the Control Center, ensuring that your iPhone runs seamlessly. Prepare to optimize your iOS system preferences, improve system resources, and enhance your user experience.

Dive in, and you’ll learn how to simplify your app interactions, from freezing apps to configuring notification settings, all without losing important data or uninstalling apps.

How To Turn Off Apps Without Deleting Them On iPhone: Quick Workflow

To turn off apps on your iPhone without deleting them, you can utilize two main methods: offloading apps and closing apps. Here’s how to do both effectively:

Offloading Apps

Offloading an app removes the app itself while keeping its data intact, allowing you to free up storage space without losing any information. Here’s how to offload an app:

Open Settings: Tap on the Settings app on your iPhone.
Go to General: Scroll down and select “General.”
Select iPhone Storage: Tap on “iPhone Storage” to see a list of installed apps.
Choose the App: Find and tap on the app you wish to offload.
Offload the App: Select “Offload App” and confirm your choice. This will remove the app but keep its documents and data saved on your device.

When you want to use the app again, simply tap its icon on your home screen, and it will reinstall with all your data intact

Closing Apps

If you want to simply stop an app from running in the background, you can close it without deleting it. Here’s how to close apps based on your iPhone model:

For iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and later)

Access App Switcher: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
Close Apps: Swipe left or right to find the app you want to close, then swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.

For iPhones with a Home Button (iPhone 8 and earlier)

Access App Switcher: Double-click the Home button.
Close Apps: Swipe left or right to locate the app you wish to close, then swipe up on its preview.

This action stops the app from running in the background but does not delete it from your device

Additional Options

Screen Time Limits: You can set limits for specific apps using Screen Time settings, which can help manage usage without deleting or offloading them
Restrict Background Activity: You can also restrict an app’s background activity by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, and adjusting settings for individual apps

Temporarily Disabling Apps on iPhone

maxresdefault How to Turn Off Apps Without Deleting Them on an iPhone

Methods to Temporarily Disable Apps

Offloading apps is a lifesaver when storage is tight but you don’t want to lose your app data. No need to delete the app entirely. Offloading keeps your data intact while freeing up space.

How to Preserve App Data While Freeing Up Storage

Navigate to Settings.
Tap on General.
Go to iPhone Storage.
Select the app you want to offload.
Tap Offload App.

Bam! App data is kept, storage freed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Offloading Apps

Open Settings.
Go to General.
Tap on iPhone Storage.
Find and select the app.
Tap Offload App.

It’s like a spring clean for your phone without the mess.

Force Quitting Apps

Stop an app’s activity immediately. Especially handy for unresponsive apps or to save battery.

Differences in Steps for Newer and Older iPhone Models

Newer Models (iPhone X and later): Swipe up from the bottom and pause. Swipe up on the app card to quit.
Older Models: Double-click the Home Button. Swipe up on the app’s preview to quit.

Quick, easy, effective.

Benefits of Force Quitting

Saves battery, prevents overheating, and ends annoying app glitches. For an immediate stop, nothing beats force quitting.

Turning Off Background App Refresh

Restricting background activity can do wonders for your battery and data usage.

Reducing Battery and Data Usage

Go to Settings.
Tap General.
Select Background App Refresh.
Choose off or Wi-Fi only.

Customized depending on your needs.

Instructions for Customizing Refresh Settings

Open Settings.
Select General.
Tap Background App Refresh.
Choose the preferred option: Off, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi & Mobile Data.

Tailor these settings to conserve energy and data.

Restricting App Permissions

Limit permissions to protect privacy and reduce unnecessary app functions.

Privacy Implications of App Permissions

Apps often need permissions for features, but over-granting can compromise privacy. Turn off unessential permissions to retain control.

Disabling Permissions for Location, Camera, and More

Open Settings.
Tap Privacy.
Select the permission type (Location, Camera, etc.).
Toggle off permissions for specific apps.

This ensures apps only access what they need and nothing more.

Advanced Techniques for Disabling Apps

Using Guided Access to Focus on a Single App

Limit your iPhone to a single app, blocking other functions temporarily. Ideal for focus in education, work, or parenting.

Navigate to Settings.
Tap Accessibility.
Choose Guided Access.
Toggle it on and set a passcode.

Applications for Education, Work, and Parenting

Guided Access is perfect for keeping on task—whether it’s a child’s homework, concentrated work time, or educational activities.

Limiting App Usage with Screen Time

Screen Time helps control the time spent on individual apps, adding an extra layer of restriction.

Setting Time Limits for Individual Apps

Go to Settings.
Tap Screen Time.
Select App Limits.
Choose the app and set a time limit.

Keep track and manage how long each app can be used daily.

Using Screen Time for Parental Control

Screen Time isn’t just for you—it’s also a powerful tool for managing your kid’s app usage. Set limits to ensure balanced screen time.

Hiding Apps on iPhone

Basic Techniques for Hiding Apps

Removing App Icons from the Home Screen

Moving app icons off your main home screen is straightforward. Keep your home screen clutter-free but the apps accessible.

Steps for Removing and Restoring Apps via the App Library
- Touch and hold the app icon.
- Tap Remove App.
- Select Remove from Home Screen.

Apps shift to the App Library, lurking out of sight but readily available.

Creating Inconspicuous Folders

Consolidate apps into cleverly named folders to hide them in plain sight. Simple and effective.

Grouping Apps Under Neutral Names
- Touch and hold an app.
- Drag it onto another to create a folder.
- Name the folder something neutral like “Utilities.”

Fold them away neatly, making them hard to spot.

Moving Hidden Apps to Secondary Pages Within Folders
- Open the folder.
- Drag the app to the right to create a new page within the folder.

Layered hiding, making apps even harder to find.

Advanced Methods for Hiding Apps

Disabling Notifications for Hidden Apps

Stop hidden apps from sending notifications. Silence is golden.

Preventing Apps from Alerting Users
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Notifications.
- Select the app.
- Toggle off Allow Notifications.

No buzz, no banner, just peace.

Turning Off Siri Suggestions for Specific Apps

Prevent Siri from suggesting hidden apps. Less exposure, more privacy.

Using Screen Time to Hide Pre-installed Apps
- Open Settings.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps.
- Toggle off apps like Safari or Mail.

Hidden from the home screen, gone from sight.

Steps for Hiding Default Apps Like Safari or Mail

Utilizing Screen Time’s Content & Privacy Restrictions works wonders here. Toggle off and hide effortlessly.

Restoring Hidden Apps via Screen Time Settings
- Open Settings.
- Go to Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps.
- Toggle app back on.

Reverts back, no data lost.

Hiding the Entire Home Screen

Shift all icons off the home screen for a minimalist look. Use the App Library for streamlined access.

Temporarily Concealing Multiple Apps
- Touch and hold an empty area on your Home Screen.
- When apps jiggle, tap the dots at the bottom.
- Deselect the page you want to hide.

Organizing Apps for Enhanced Privacy and Accessibility

Using Folders and Shortcuts for Organization

Creating and Naming Folders for Better Categorization

Folders can be a game changer when it comes to organizing your iPhone. Categorize apps, and name folders in ways that don’t give away their contents.

Examples of Neutral Folder Names

Miscellaneous
Tools
Utilities
Extras

Neutral names, simple and discreet.

Organizing Apps Based on Usage Patterns

Rearrange your apps based on how often you use them. Put daily essentials in one folder, occasional apps in another.

Using Shortcuts for App Substitution

Shortcuts can do more than you might think. They can help you disguise apps, providing an extra layer of secrecy.

Creating Custom Shortcuts to Disguise App Functionality

Imagine creating a shortcut that looks like a calendar but opens up your hidden photo vault.

Examples of Creative Shortcut Implementations

Calendar icon that opens Notes.
Weather icon linked to a secure browser.
Maps icon connected to a finance app.

This way, nobody knows what’s actually behind that icon at first glance.

Managing App Purchases and Downloads

Cleaning Up the App Store Purchase List

The App Store keeps track of everything. But what if you want to be discreet about your downloads?

Removing Evidence of Downloaded Apps

Open App Store.
Tap on your profile picture.
Select Purchased.
Swipe left on the app, and hit Hide.

Gone from prying eyes, however still retrievable if needed.

Ensuring Sensitive Apps Remain Private

Some apps are better kept under wraps, especially those dealing with personal or sensitive information.

Utilizing Third-Party Tools for App Organization

Various apps can help keep your sensitive information secure, adding layers of privacy.

Exploring Apps Like AppLock for Additional Layers of Security

AppLock can hide and password-protect specific apps, offering that extra security you need.

Download and set up AppLock.
Choose the apps you want to lock.
Set your password.

Simple, effective, private.

Comparison of App Management Techniques

Disabling vs. Hiding vs. Deleting Apps

Key Differences Between the Three Methods

Disabling, hiding, and deleting apps on your iPhone each serve specific purposes. Disabling an app keeps the app but prevents it from running. Hiding an app keeps it accessible but out of sight. Deleting an app removes it entirely from your device.

Temporary vs. Permanent Removal

Disabling and hiding are generally temporary measures. You can re-enable or unhide the app whenever you need it. Deleting is a more permanent action; recovering the app involves a re-download from the App Store. This means reconfiguring the app settings and potentially losing app-specific data unless it’s stored in iCloud or another backup service.

Accessibility of App Data and Functionality

Disabling an app maintains all app data on your device. You can bring it back to life whenever you want, with all your information intact. Hiding keeps the app and its data intact but out of sight. Deleting wipes the app from your device, impacting functionality and accessibility of the app data. This method is suitable only when you’re certain you won’t need the data or functionality soon.

Choosing the Right Approach Based on User Needs

Privacy-focused users: Hiding apps can be ideal. You keep the app data intact and out of public view. Sometimes, restricting app permissions can also help maintain privacy.
Performance optimization for frequent app users: Disabling apps, especially those running in the background, can be a good option. It frees up system resources while keeping the app data handy, useful if you need the app occasionally.

FAQ on How To Turn Off Apps Without Deleting Them On iPhone

How can I close background apps on iPhone without deleting them?

To close background apps, double-click the Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on newer models). Swipe left or right to find the app you want to close. Then, swipe up on the app’s preview to remove it from the background.

Does turning off apps improve iPhone battery life?

Yes, turning off apps can improve battery optimization. Background apps often drain system resources and affect performance. By closing them, you reduce unnecessary activity, conserving battery life.

Is there a way to disable apps on iPhone temporarily?

You can disable apps by using iPhone Settings. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Select the app you want to disable and choose “Offload App.” This removes the app but keeps its documents and data for future use.

How do I manage app permissions?

Managing app permissions is crucial for app performance. Go to Settings > Privacy. Here, you can select different data types and manage which apps have access. Adjust permissions based on your needs, ensuring better control over your iPhone app management.

Can I stop an app from running in the background?

To stop an app from running in the background, disable Background App Refresh in Settings. Navigate to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off for specific apps. This limits their activity, conserving battery and improving system resources.

How do I temporarily stop app notifications?

To disable app notifications temporarily, go to Settings > Notifications. Choose the app, then toggle off “Allow Notifications.” This stops alerts without deleting the app, enhancing your user experience.

What should I do if an app is draining my iPhone’s battery?

If an app is draining battery, first check its activity in Settings > Battery. Identify high-usage apps and either disable Background App Refresh or previously mentioned “Offload App.” Consider adjusting notification settings and other permissions to minimize battery drain.

Can I freeze apps on iPhone like on Android?

While iPhones don’t support app freezing directly, you can restrict app activity through App Management settings. Disable background app refresh and limit permissions, as outlined earlier, to achieve similar results and optimize system tools.

Is it possible to turn off apps without affecting notifications?

No, if you turn off an app completely, its notifications also stop. However, managing notifications separately in Settings can sometimes balance app activity and alerts, ensuring important updates reach you without affecting app lifecycle.

How do I stop apps from auto-updating?

To stop apps from auto-updating, go to Settings > App Store and turn off “App Updates” under Automatic Downloads. Manual updating ensures control over your iOS customization, letting you choose when specific apps are updated.

Conclusion

Understanding how to turn off apps without deleting them on iPhone empowers you to enhance your device’s performance and manage your apps more effectively. By utilizing iPhone settings, such as disabling Background App Refresh, adjusting notification settings, and “offloading” apps, you can maintain optimal app functionality without cluttering your home screen or losing important data.

These steps help in:

Conserving battery life by minimizing unnecessary background activity.
Optimizing system resources for smoother performance.
Ensuring better control over app activity and permissions.

By following the methods outlined, you gain a comprehensive approach to app management, which includes understanding your system preferences, managing multi-tasking, and effectively using Control Center. This ensures your iPhone operates efficiently and meets your needs.

Now, you’re ready to control your apps seamlessly, preventing unnecessary drains on resources and maintaining a streamlined, efficient device.

Author
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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.