How to Hide App on iPhone: Easy 2025 Methods for iOS 18+ (With Face ID Lock)

How to hide app on iPhone 2025: Native iOS 18+ Face ID lock & Hidden folder, remove from Home Screen, Screen Time limits & folder tricks—step-by-step with screenshots.

Want to keep dating apps, banking, or photos private when handing your iPhone to friends or kids? In iOS 18 and later (including 2025 updates), Apple finally lets you hide app on iPhone with a secure Hidden folder protected by Face ID—plus classic tricks like folders and Screen Time. This complete guide shows how to hide app on iPhone using the best native methods, no third-party apps needed.

Whether for privacy, decluttering, or parental control, these steps work on iPhone XR and newer.

The Best Native Way: Hide & Lock Apps with Face ID (iOS 18+ – 2025 Feature)

Apple's built-in hiding moves apps to a Hidden folder in App Library, requiring Face ID/Touch ID/passcode to access.

Steps:

Long-press the app icon on Home Screen.
Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID/passcode).
Choose Hide and Require Face ID.
Authenticate—the app vanishes from Home Screen and search.
To access: Swipe left to App Library > scroll to bottom > tap Hidden folder > authenticate.

Apps stay hidden from Siri suggestions and notifications too (optional toggle).

Official Apple Support: Lock or hide an app on iPhone.

Quick CTA: Try it now—long-press any app and select Hide and Require Face ID!

Classic Method: Remove from Home Screen (Works on All iOS Versions)

Simple declutter trick—no lock, but removes from view.

Long-press app icon.
Tap Remove App > Remove from Home Screen.

App moves to App Library (swipe left on last page)—still searchable unless combined with other methods.

Use Screen Time App Limits (Password-Protected Hiding)

Great for parental control or self-discipline.

Settings > Screen Time > App Limits.
Add Limit > choose app/category.
Set to 1 minute > enable Block at End of Limit.
Require passcode.

App grays out after limit—needs passcode to access.

For full hiding: Use Content & Privacy Restrictions to block apps entirely.

Apple Guide: Use Screen Time.

Addicted to Your iPhone or iPad? How to Set Limits With Apple's ...

Folder Trick: Bury Apps Deep (Quick & Reversible)

Old-school but effective.

Long-press app > drag onto another to create folder.
Drag to last Home Screen page.
Add multiple pages inside folder (iOS allows 135+ apps per folder).
Name innocently like "Utilities".

Combine with removing from Home Screen for extra privacy.

How to Unhide or Find Hidden Apps

Reverse anytime:

Hidden folder method: App Library > Hidden > long-press app > Add to Home Screen.
Screen Time: Remove limit in settings.
App Library search: Type app name (unless locked).

No data lost—apps stay installed.

For more iPhone privacy, check our How to Lock Your SIM Card on iPhone:

Hiding apps on iPhone in 2025 is secure, simple, and built-in—no jailbreak needed.

Start now: Long-press an app and try Hide and Require Face ID!

Which method fits your needs—full lock or simple folder? Comment below! Share with friends who lend their phone, and subscribe for weekly iOS hacks. Privacy mastered—your iPhone, your rules!