Revolutionary Tips: How to Hide Apps on App Library iOS 16

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, iOS 16 has introduced a plethora of exciting features, including the powerful App Library. While the App Library offers a streamlined way to organize your apps, you might find yourself wanting to hide certain apps for privacy or aesthetic reasons. This blog post will guide you through the process of how to hide apps on App Library iOS 16, empowering you to curate a personalized and clutter-free home screen experience.

Understanding the App Library

Before diving into hiding apps, let’s understand the App Library’s purpose. Essentially, it’s a dynamic space that automatically sorts your apps into categories like “Recently Added,” “Games,” “Productivity,” and more. This organization eliminates the need for endless scrolling through your home screen, making app discovery more intuitive.

The Power of Hiding Apps

Hiding apps on the App Library offers several benefits:

• Privacy: Keep sensitive or personal apps away from prying eyes.
• Organization: Create a cleaner and more focused home screen experience.
• Personalization: Tailor your device to your specific needs and preferences.

Method 1: Utilizing the “Remove from Home Screen” Feature

This method is the most straightforward way to hide apps from your home screen and App Library:

1. Locate the App: Find the app you wish to hide on your home screen.
2. Tap and Hold: Press and hold the app icon until it starts jiggling.
3. Remove from Home Screen: Tap the “minus” (-) icon that appears in the top-left corner of the app.
4. Confirm Removal: A pop-up will ask if you want to remove the app from the Home Screen. Confirm by tapping “Remove.”

Note: This method only hides the app from your home screen and App Library. The app will still be accessible through Spotlight Search or the App Library’s “All Apps” section.

Method 2: The “Off-Screen” Trick

This clever trick allows you to hide apps from your home screen without removing them entirely:

1. Create a New Folder: On your home screen, tap and hold an empty space to enter “jiggle mode.” Then, tap the plus (+) icon to create a new folder.
2. Move the App: Drag the app you want to hide into the newly created folder.
3. Rename and Hide: Rename the folder to something inconspicuous, like “Utilities” or “Extras.” Then, move the folder to the last page of your home screen.
4. Minimize Visibility: If you want to make the folder even less visible, consider adding other apps that you rarely use to the folder.

This method keeps the app accessible while effectively hiding it from your main home screen view.

Method 3: The Folder-Within-a-Folder Technique

If you want to hide apps even further, this method involves creating a hidden folder within another folder:

1. Create a Base Folder: Follow the steps in Method 2 to create a base folder on your home screen.
2. Create a Hidden Folder: Inside the base folder, create another folder.
3. Move Apps: Move the apps you want to hide into the hidden folder within the base folder.
4. Rename and Hide: Rename the hidden folder to something generic, like “Tools” or “Utilities.” Then, move the base folder to the last page of your home screen.

This method effectively creates a double layer of hiding, ensuring that the apps are nearly invisible to casual observers.

Method 4: The “App Library Only” Approach

For apps you only need occasionally, you can keep them solely in the App Library:

1. Remove from Home Screen: Follow the steps in Method 1 to remove the app from your home screen.
2. Access in App Library: The app will now only be accessible through the App Library. You can find it in the “All Apps” section or by searching for it in the App Library’s search bar.

This method is ideal for apps you use rarely, keeping your home screen clutter-free without completely removing them.

Method 5: The “Delete and Reinstall” Option

This method is best for apps you no longer need:

1. Delete the App: Tap and hold the app icon until it starts jiggling. Then, tap the “minus” (-) icon and confirm deletion.
2. Reinstall (Optional): If you decide to use the app again, you can easily reinstall it from the App Store.

While this method permanently removes the app from your device, it’s a good option for apps you no longer use or need.

Beyond Hiding: Customizing Your App Library Experience

Once you’ve mastered hiding apps, you can further personalize your App Library:

• Reordering Categories: You can rearrange the order of categories within the App Library to suit your preferences.
• Adding Widgets: Add widgets to your home screen to provide quick access to essential information.
• Using Spotlight Search: Utilize Spotlight Search to quickly locate apps and files, regardless of their location.

The Final Touch: A Personalized Home Screen

By strategically hiding apps and customizing your App Library, you can create a home screen that reflects your unique needs and preferences. A clutter-free and personalized home screen fosters a more efficient and enjoyable user experience.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I hide system apps like the Clock or Calendar?

A: No, you cannot hide system apps. These apps are essential for the functioning of your device and cannot be removed or hidden.

Q: Will hiding an app affect its functionality?

A: No, hiding an app does not affect its functionality. The app will still run as normal, even if it’s hidden from your home screen or App Library.

Q: Can I hide apps from the App Library‘s “All Apps” section?

A: No, you cannot hide apps from the “All Apps” section. This section displays all the apps on your device, regardless of whether they are hidden from your home screen or App Library.

Q: What if I accidentally delete an app?

A: If you accidentally delete an app, you can easily reinstall it from the App Store. If you have an active iCloud backup, you can also restore the app from your backup.

Q: Can I hide multiple apps at once?

A: While there’s no direct way to hide multiple apps simultaneously, you can use the “Remove from Home Screen” method on multiple apps in succession. You can also create folders and move multiple apps into those folders for a more organized approach.