We’ve all been there – you hand your iPhone to a friend or family member, only to wonder later if they hid any apps as a prank. Or maybe you’re a parent wanting to check what apps your child might have tucked away. Whatever your reason, finding hidden apps on an iPhone isn’t always straightforward.
In this friendly guide, I’ll walk you through:
✅ 4 ways apps can be hidden on iPhone
✅ Step-by-step methods to uncover them
✅ How to prevent apps from being hidden
✅ What to do if you find suspicious apps
Let’s uncover those hidden apps together!
How Apps Can Be Hidden on iPhone
Before we start searching, it helps to understand the different ways apps can disappear from view:
- Removed from Home Screen (but still installed)
- Hidden in App Library (iOS’s automatic organization)
- Buried in folders (sometimes multiple layers deep)
- Using Screen Time restrictions (less common)
Method 1: Check App Library
The App Library (introduced in iOS 14) automatically organizes all your apps. Even if an app is removed from your home screen, it’s still here.
Steps to find hidden apps in App Library:
- Swipe left past your last home screen
- At the top, use the search bar to look for specific apps
- Browse categories like “Social” or “Utilities”
- Look for apps you don’t recognize
Pro Tip: Apps with a small cloud icon next to them are installed but offloaded (not currently taking up space).
Method 2: Search Your Entire iPhone
The Spotlight search is the quickest way to find any installed app.
How to search:
- Swipe down on any home screen
- Type the name of the app you’re looking for
- If it appears in results but not on your home screen, it’s hidden
Method 3: Check Through Settings
This method never fails – all installed apps appear here.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Scroll down to App Store
- Tap your Apple ID profile at the top
- Select Purchased
- Choose “Not on this iPhone” to see apps that have been downloaded before
Method 4: Look for Hidden Folders
Some people hide apps by burying them deep in folders.
How to uncover them:
- Press and hold an empty space on your home screen
- Tap the dots at the bottom to see all home screens
- Carefully check each folder
- Look for folders with generic names like “Utilities” or “Extras”
Special Case: Screen Time Restrictions
Some apps can be hidden through Screen Time settings.
To check:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Select Allowed Apps
- Make sure no apps are toggled off here
What to Do If You Find Hidden Apps
If you discover apps you didn’t expect:
- For kids’ devices: Have a conversation about appropriate app usage
- On shared devices: Discuss boundaries with other users
- If you suspect malware: Delete immediately and run a security scan
How to Prevent Apps From Being Hidden
To keep better track of apps:
- Regularly review your App Library
- Set up Screen Time restrictions for family devices
- Use parental controls if needed
- Periodically search for apps as shown above
Final Thoughts
Finding hidden apps on iPhone isn’t about snooping – it’s about maintaining control over your device and ensuring family safety. With these methods, you’ll never have to wonder what apps are lurking out of sight again.
Have you ever found surprising hidden apps? Share your experiences in the comments! And if this guide helped you, consider sharing it with others who might benefit.
