To unhide an app on your iPhone (iOS 18 or later), open the App Library(swipe left past your last Home Screen page), scroll to the Hidden folder, authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID, then long-press the app and tap "Don’t Require Face ID" or "Add to Home Screen". This restores the app to your Home Screen and disables its hidden status.
Starting with iOS 18, Apple lets you hide apps for extra privacy. When hidden, apps vanish from your Home Screen, search results, and notifications. They’re moved to a locked folder in your App Library. If you’ve hidden an app and want it back, here’s exactly how to unhide apps on iPhone.
What Happens When You Hide an App?
Hiding apps isn’t just about making them invisible. Here’s what changes:
- No Home Screen access: The app disappears from all Home Screen pages.
- No notifications: You won’t get alerts, calls, or messages from hidden apps.
- Locked content: The app requires Face ID/Touch ID to open or reveal.
- App Library only: Hidden apps live in a special locked folder in your App Library.
Note: Only third-party apps or Apple apps downloaded from the App Store can be hidden. Pre-installed apps (like Messages or Camera) can’t be hidden.
Before You Start: Check Your iOS Version
You’ll need iOS 18 or newer to hide/unhide apps. Here’s how to check:
- Open Settings > General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If you see "iOS 18" or later, you’re ready.
If you haven’t updated yet, go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the latest iOS. For more iPhone setup tips, see our Ultimate iPhone User Guide.
How to Unhide Apps on iPhone Step by Step
Follow these steps to restore hidden apps to your Home Screen.
Step 1: Open the App Library
- Swipe left on your Home Screen until you reach the App Library (the last page with categorized apps like "Social" or "Entertainment").
Step 2: Find the Hidden Folder
- Scroll to the very bottom of the App Library.
- Tap the "Hidden" folder (it will only appear if you’ve hidden apps).
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Step 3: Unhide the App
- Long-press the app you want to restore.
- Choose one of two options:
- "Don’t Require Face ID": Removes the lock AND unhides the app. It will reappear on your Home Screen.
- "Add to Home Screen": Returns the app to your Home Screen but keeps it locked (you’ll still need Face ID to open it).
Once done, the app will instantly return to your Home Screen. Need help organizing unhidden apps? Learn to customize your iPhone Home Screen.
Troubleshooting: What If the Hidden Folder Doesn’t Appear?
- No apps are hidden: The folder only shows up if you’ve hidden at least one app.
- iOS version outdated: Confirm you’re on iOS 18 (see instructions above).
- Restart your iPhone: Hold the Side button + Volume Down (iPhone 16/15) or Side button (older models) until the Apple logo appears. For restart help, read how to shut down or force restart any iPhone.
Locking vs. Hiding Apps: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Locking Apps | Hiding Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | App stays on Home Screen. | App removed from Home Screen. |
| Access | Requires Face ID/Touch ID to open. | Requires authentication to view/unhide. |
| Notifications | Shows alerts. | No notifications or calls. |
| Location | Appears in search/Spotlight. | Hidden from search/Spotlight. |
Tip: Lock an app if you want quick access but extra security. Hide it for total privacy.
Why Hide Apps? Key Use Cases
- Privacy: Hide apps like banking, messages, or photos when sharing your phone.
- Focus: Temporarily remove distracting apps (social media, games).
- Parental control: Restrict access to apps for children.
For more privacy strategies, see how to block spam calls on iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do hidden apps go?
Hidden apps move to a locked "Hidden" folder in your App Library (swipe left past your last Home Screen). They disappear from search, notifications, and all Home Screens until you unhide them.
2. Can I hide built-in apps like Messages or Safari?
No. Only apps downloaded from the App Store—including Apple apps like Pages or GarageBand—can be hidden. Pre-installed apps (Photos, Mail, etc.) cannot be hidden.
3. Will unhiding an app delete my data?
No. All your app data (logins, settings, files) stays perfectly safe. Unhiding simply makes the app visible again on your Home Screen.
4. Why am I not getting notifications from a hidden app?
Hidden apps stop sending notifications by design. To receive alerts again, unhide the app using the steps above.
5. What if the "Hidden" folder doesn’t appear in my App Library?
- You haven’t hidden any apps yet, or
- Your iPhone isn’t running iOS 18+. Update it in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Still missing? Try restarting your iPhone.
Conclusion
Unhiding apps on your iPhone (iOS 18 or later) is simple once you know where to look:
- Swipe to App Library → Scroll to the Hidden folder.
- Authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID.
- Long-press the app → Tap "Don’t Require Face ID" or "Add to Home Screen".
This instantly restores the app to your Home Screen—no data loss, no hassle. Hiding apps is a powerful privacy tool for banking, messaging, or social media apps you don’t want others to access. For more iPhone organization tips, explore our guide to customizing your Home Screen.
Remember: Hidden apps are always recoverable. If an app stays missing, it might be uninstalled—check the App Store’s "Purchased" list.