Are you tired of seeing apps on your iPhone's home screen that you rarely use? Do you want a cleaner, more organized look? This guide will show you the simplest way to hide apps from your iPhone's App Store, and keep your home screen looking pristine. We’ll cover everything from basic hiding techniques to managing app organization for a truly streamlined experience.
Understanding App Hiding on iPhone
Before we dive into the how-to, it's important to understand what "hiding" an app actually means. You're not deleting the app; you're simply removing its icon from your home screen and App Library. The app remains installed, its data intact, and you can easily access it again whenever needed.
Key Difference: Hiding vs. Deleting
Hiding an app keeps the app and its data safe. It's perfect for apps you don't use often but might need later.
Deleting an app removes the app and its data completely from your iPhone. You'll need to re-download it from the App Store if you want to use it again. This also means any saved data within the app will be lost.
The Easiest Way to Hide Apps from Your iPhone's Home Screen
The simplest method for hiding apps on your iPhone involves using the App Library. Introduced in iOS 14, the App Library automatically organizes your apps into categories, making it easy to find them even if they're not on your home screen. Here's how to do it:
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Locate the app you want to hide: Find the app icon on your iPhone's home screen.
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Long-press the app icon: Hold your finger down on the app icon until the icons begin to jiggle.
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Remove the app from the home screen: Tap the small "x" that appears in the top left corner of the app icon. This doesn't delete the app, it just removes it from your home screen.
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Confirm removal: Tap "Remove" to confirm you want to remove the app from your home screen.
Accessing Hidden Apps
Don't worry! Your hidden apps haven't vanished. You can easily access them through the App Library.
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Swipe rightmost to the last home screen: This will open your App Library.
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Browse categories or use search: The App Library organizes apps alphabetically within categories. You can also use the search bar at the top to find a specific app.
Further Tips for Organizing Your iPhone
Hiding apps is just one step towards a more organized iPhone. Consider these additional tips:
- Create folders: Group related apps together into folders to further declutter your home screen.
- Use App Library to your advantage: Take advantage of the App Library's automatic organization features.
- Regularly review your apps: Periodically review your apps and delete those you no longer use to free up space and improve performance.
Conclusion: A Tidy iPhone Home Screen
Hiding apps on your iPhone is a simple and effective way to keep your home screen clean and organized. By following these steps, you can easily manage your apps and maintain a streamlined, user-friendly experience. Remember, you're not losing the apps; you're simply making your home screen easier to navigate. Now go forth and enjoy a clutter-free iPhone experience!
