Hiding a purchased app on your iPhone is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you want to declutter your home screen or keep certain apps private, iOS 17 makes it easy to tuck away those apps you’d rather not have front and center. Read on to learn how to quickly and easily hide a purchased app on your iPhone.
You can also check out this video about how to hide a purchased app on an iPhone for additional information.
iOS 17 How to Hide a Purchased App on iPhone Tutorial
So, you’ve got an app that you want to keep under wraps? No problem! The steps below will guide you through hiding a purchased app on your iPhone. This process will not delete the app or your data; it simply removes the app from your home screen and App Library visibility.
Step 1: Open the App Store
Open the App Store on your iPhone to begin the process of hiding a purchased app.
Once you’re in the App Store, make sure you’re signed in with your Apple ID – that’s the account you used to purchase the app in the first place.
Step 2: Tap on your profile picture
Tap on your profile picture located at the top right of the screen to access your account details.
This will bring up your account information where you can manage different aspects of your App Store experience.
Step 3: Select ‘Purchased’
Scroll down and select ‘Purchased’ to view a list of all apps you’ve bought or downloaded.
Even if an app was free, it’ll show up here because you technically ‘purchased’ it from the App Store.
Step 4: Find the app you want to hide
Browse the list of purchased apps and find the one you want to hide.
If you have a lot of apps, you can use the search bar at the top to quickly find the app in question.
Step 5: Swipe left on the app
Swipe left on the app you want to hide to reveal the ‘Hide’ option.
This action is similar to deleting an email or a message in your inbox. Just a simple swipe to the left!
Step 6: Tap ‘Hide’
Tap the red ‘Hide’ button that appears.
After you do this, the app will no longer appear in your list of purchased apps, nor on your home screen or App Library.
After completing these steps, the app will be hidden from your App Store purchase history and will not be visible on your home screen or App Library. However, the app will still be installed on your device and can be accessed through the iPhone search feature or Siri.
Tips for Hiding a Purchased App on iPhone
- Make sure you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID, the one you used to download the app.
- Hiding an app does not delete the app or any of its data from your iPhone.
- You can still access hidden apps through iPhone search or by asking Siri.
- If you regret hiding an app, you can always unhide it from your App Store account settings.
- Remember that hiding an app does not prevent it from being updated. Updates will still run in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hiding an app delete it from my iPhone?
No, hiding an app does not delete it. The app and its data remain on your device.
Can I still use an app after I hide it?
Yes, you can still use a hidden app by searching for it on your iPhone or asking Siri to open it.
How do I unhide a purchased app?
To unhide a purchased app, go to your App Store account settings and select ‘Hidden Purchases’. From there, you can unhide any apps you’ve previously hidden.
Does hiding an app stop it from being updated?
No, hiding an app will not stop it from being updated. Updates will continue in the background as normal.
Can I hide pre-installed Apple apps?
No, you cannot hide pre-installed Apple apps such as Safari or Messages. However, you can remove them from your home screen if you wish.
Summary
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Select ‘Purchased’.
- Find the app you want to hide.
- Swipe left on the app.
- Tap ‘Hide’.
Conclusion
Hiding a purchased app on your iPhone is a convenient feature for those who want to keep things tidy or maintain some privacy. iOS 17 has streamlined this process, allowing you to effortlessly tuck away apps without deleting them or losing any data. Whether you’re a parent managing your child’s app usage or someone who values a minimalist home screen, the ability to hide apps is a useful tool in your digital arsenal. Plus, rest assured that hidden apps are still there when you need them, accessible through a quick search or Siri’s assistance. So go ahead, hide away – your iPhone, your rules!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.