As an iOS developer, you may have apps that are not ready for release or that you don’t want others to access. In such cases, it is important to know how to conceal these apps from prying eyes. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to hide apps on your iOS device, along with tips and tricks to make sure they remain hidden.

The Importance of Hiding Apps

Before we dive into the steps involved in hiding apps on iOS, let’s first understand why you might want to do this. There are several reasons why developers may need to conceal their apps:

• Testing and development: Developers often have multiple versions of an app in various stages of development. By hiding these apps, they can ensure that users only see the final version and not get confused by work-in-progress or older versions.
• Secure your device: If you are working on sensitive information within an app, you may want to hide it from others who have access to your device. This can help prevent data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Prevent accidental deletion: Accidentally deleting an app can be a frustrating experience. By hiding apps, you can avoid this happening and ensure that all your apps are always available when you need them.
• Maintain privacy: Sometimes, you may want to keep certain apps hidden from others, such as personal finance or health-related apps. This can help maintain your privacy and prevent others from seeing sensitive information.

Steps to Hide Apps on iOS

Now that we have discussed the reasons why you might want to hide apps on iOS let’s dive into the steps involved in doing so:

Step 1: Create a New Folder

The first step is to create a new folder where you will store all the apps that you want to hide. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the “Files” app on your iOS device.
2. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select “New Folder”.
4. Name the folder as per your choice.

Step 2: Move Apps to the New Folder

Once you have created a new folder, you need to move all the apps that you want to hide into this folder. To do this, follow these steps:

5. Open the “Home” screen on your iOS device.
6. Press and hold on an empty space on the screen until all the icons start shaking.
7. Drag and drop the app you want to hide into the new folder you created in Step 1.
8. Repeat this process for all the apps that you want to hide.

Step 3: Hide Apps from Home Screen

Now that you have moved the apps to the new folder, you need to hide them from the home screen. To do this, follow these steps:

10. Open the “Settings” app on your iOS device.



11. Scroll down and tap on “General”.
12. Tap on “Hidden Apps”.
13. Toggle the switch next to “Show Hidden Apps” to off position.
14. Your apps are now hidden from the home screen.

Step 4: Disable App Store Updates

By default, iOS devices will automatically update apps in the background. This can cause some of your hidden apps to become visible on the home screen if they have updates available. To prevent this, you need to disable app store updates for the apps that are hidden in the new folder. To do this, follow these steps:

15. Open the “App Store” app on your iOS device.
16. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
17. Tap on “My Apps”.
18. Select the app that you want to hide from updates.
19. Toggle the switch next to “Automatic Updates” to off position.
20. Repeat this process for all the apps that are hidden in the new folder.

FAQs

Now that we have covered the steps involved in hiding apps on iOS, let’s answer some frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I hide system apps?

A: Unfortunately, you cannot hide system apps on an iOS device as they are required for the proper functioning of the operating system.

Q: Is it safe to hide apps on iOS?

A: Yes, it is safe to hide apps on iOS as long as you follow the steps outlined in this guide and make sure that no one else has access to your device.

Q: Can other users see hidden apps on my device?

A: No, if you have followed the steps correctly, other users will not be able to see hidden apps on your device. However, if someone gains access to your device or knows your passcode, they may be able to view hidden apps.

Q: Can I recover hidden apps on iOS?

A: Yes, you can recover hidden apps on iOS by following these steps:

25. Open the “Settings” app on your iOS device.
26. Scroll down and tap on “General”.
27. Tap on “Hidden Apps”.
28. Toggle the switch next to “Show Hidden Apps” to on position.
29. Your hidden apps will now be visible on the home screen.

Q: Can I hide apps from specific users?

A: Unfortunately, there is no built-in feature in iOS that allows you to hide apps from specific users. However, you can use third-party apps like “Find My Friends” or “Life360” to monitor who has access to your device and ensure that they do not see hidden apps.

Q: Can I hide apps on iOS 12?

A: Yes, you can hide apps on iOS 12 by following the steps outlined in this guide.

Summary

In conclusion, hiding apps on iOS is a simple process that can help keep your sensitive information safe and maintain your privacy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily conceal your apps from prying eyes and prevent accidental deletion or unauthorized access to your device. So, if you have any apps that you want to keep hidden, give these steps a try and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your information is secure.