Hiding apps on your iPhone 13 is a pretty straightforward process. All you need to do is tap and hold the app you want to hide until it wiggles, move it to the App Library by dragging it to the right, and release it. The app will no longer appear on your Home Screen but can still be accessed through the App Library. Simply swipe left on your home screen to the App Library, and it will be there, organized in a folder or as a standalone app.
After completing this action, the app you hid will no longer be immediately visible on your iPhone’s Home Screen. This can help you declutter your screen, keep your phone organized, or keep certain apps private from prying eyes.
Introduction
Have you ever wanted to keep some apps on your iPhone 13 out of sight, whether to declutter your home screen or keep things private? You’re not alone. Many iPhone users find themselves in situations where they need to hide certain apps. Whether it’s a game you’re addicted to, a dating app you don’t want your friends to see, or work apps you don’t need distracting you at home, there’s a valid reason to hide apps on your iPhone 13. This article will guide you on how to do just that, ensuring your home screen displays only what you want it to.
Hiding apps is not about being secretive; it’s about controlling your digital environment. It’s relevant to anyone who values privacy, organization, or simply wants to tailor their iPhone’s interface to suit their needs better. Plus, with the ever-increasing number of apps we use daily, it’s essential to manage the real estate on our screens effectively.
How to Hide Apps on iPhone 13
Before we dive into the steps, let’s discuss what you’ll achieve by following them. Hiding apps on your iPhone 13 helps to maintain a clean and organized Home Screen and keeps less frequently used apps from cluttering your space. Additionally, it can provide a layer of privacy for apps you don’t want others to see immediately.
Step 1: Locate the App you want to Hide
Long press the app until it starts wiggling.
The apps begin to wiggle to indicate that they’re in the editable mode, where you can move or delete them.
Step 2: Move the App to the App Library
Drag the app to the right, off your Home Screen, and into the App Library.
The App Library is a space that organizes all of your apps into categories automatically and is located at the end of your Home Screen pages.
Step 3: Release the App
Let go of the app when you’re in the App Library to drop it there.
The app will no longer be visible on your Home Screen but will still be accessible through the App Library anytime you need it.
Pros
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
Declutter Home Screen | Hiding apps can lead to a more organized and less cluttered Home Screen, making it easier to find the apps you frequently use. |
Maintain Privacy | If there are apps you don’t want others to see at a glance, hiding them can provide an extra layer of privacy. |
Focus Management | By hiding distracting apps, you can help manage your focus, keeping productivity apps front and center. |
Cons
Drawback | Explanation |
---|---|
Accessibility | While hidden, apps are not as quickly accessible, potentially causing slight inconvenience when you need to use them. |
Forgetting Apps | There’s a risk of completely forgetting about hidden apps, including any notifications they might send. |
Overorganization | You might end up spending too much time organizing and re-organizing apps, which could be counterproductive. |
Additional Information
When hiding apps on your iPhone 13, remember that doing so doesn’t delete the app or its data. It simply removes the app icon from the home screen. If you want to use the app again, you can either search for it using the search function (swipe down on the home screen) or find it in the App Library. Another tip is to remember that you can hide entire pages of apps on your iPhone. If you have a page full of apps you rarely use, you can hide the whole page instead of moving each app individually.
Furthermore, for those who are concerned about privacy, note that hiding an app does not remove its permissions or access to your data. If privacy is your main concern, you may want to look into the app’s settings or consider deleting it altogether. Lastly, organizing your apps into folders on your home screen is another way to keep things tidy without necessarily hiding them.
Summary
- Long press the app until it wiggles.
- Drag the app to the App Library.
- Release the app in the App Library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hiding an app delete its data?
No, hiding an app does not delete its data; it simply removes the app’s icon from the home screen.
Can I still receive notifications from a hidden app?
Yes, you will still receive notifications from apps that are hidden.
Is it possible to hide multiple apps at once?
You cannot hide multiple apps at once by dragging; however, you can hide an entire page of apps at once.
How do I unhide an app?
To unhide an app, simply locate it in the App Library and drag it back to the home screen.
Can I hide apps from the App Library?
No, the App Library is where all apps are housed, and you cannot hide apps from there.
Conclusion
Mastering how to hide apps on your iPhone 13 is a simple yet powerful way to maintain control over your digital space. Whether for privacy or organization, the process is quick and easily reversible. Remember, though, hiding apps is just one way to manage your iPhone’s interface.
Folders, notification settings, and regular app reviews are other strategies to consider for keeping your phone’s home screen exactly how you want it. It’s all about finding the balance that works best for you and your lifestyle. Happy organizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.