Want to hide an app from your home screen without uninstalling it? Whether it’s a banking app, a game you’re not ready to admit you play, or something you want out of sight, both Android and iPhone give you ways to do this.
Short Answer: On iPhone, you can hide apps by removing them from the Home Screen (they stay in App Library) or using Screen Time restrictions. On Android, you can hide apps using your launcher’s built-in hide feature or by disabling them in Settings.
How to Hide Apps on iPhone
Method 1: Remove from Home Screen (Keep in App Library)
This is the easiest option. The app stays installed and accessible via App Library — it just won’t appear on any Home Screen page.
- Long-press the app icon on your Home Screen
- Tap Remove App
- Select Remove from Home Screen (not Delete App)
📸 SCREENSHOT NEEDED: iPhone long-press menu showing ‘Remove App’ and ‘Remove from Home Screen’ option
To find the app again, swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to open App Library, then search for the app name.
Method 2: Use Screen Time to Restrict an App
If you want an app hidden and protected by a passcode (useful for parental controls or self-control):
- Go to Settings → Screen Time → App Limits
- Add a limit for the specific app and set it to 1 minute per day
- Enable Block at End of Limit and set a Screen Time passcode
The app icon will grey out with a lock when the limit is hit. Only someone with the Screen Time passcode can open it.
Method 3: Create a Hidden Folder
You can bury an app in a folder and move that folder to a back Home Screen page that you rarely swipe to. Not a true hide, but effective for casual use.
How to Hide Apps on Android
Method 1: Use Your Launcher’s Built-In Hide Feature
Most Android launchers (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, OnePlus OxygenOS) have a built-in app hiding feature in the launcher settings.
Samsung (One UI):
- Long-press empty space on the Home Screen
- Tap Home screen settings
- Select Hide apps
- Select the apps to hide and tap Apply
📸 SCREENSHOT NEEDED: Samsung One UI ‘Hide apps’ screen in Home screen settings
Other Android launchers: Look for a Hidden Space or Hide apps option in the launcher’s settings (usually accessed by pinching the home screen or long-pressing blank space).
Method 2: Disable the App in Settings
For system apps or apps you want completely hidden (removed from app drawer too):
- Go to Settings → Apps
- Find the app and tap it
- Tap Disable (available for some apps)
Disabling removes the app from your app drawer and stops it from running. You can re-enable it the same way.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Launcher
If your launcher doesn’t have a hide feature, try Nova Launcher. It lets you hide any app from the drawer via Nova Settings → App & Widget Drawers → Hide Apps.
Quick reference:
iPhone → Long-press → Remove from Home Screen | Samsung → Home screen settings → Hide apps | Stock Android → Nova Launcher → Hide Apps
FAQ
Does hiding an app delete it?
No. Hiding only removes it from view. The app stays installed and all its data is preserved. You can always unhide it and everything will be exactly as you left it.
Can hidden apps still receive notifications?
Yes, unless you also disable notifications for that app in Settings. Hiding the icon doesn’t affect notifications.
How do I unhide apps on iPhone?
Open App Library (swipe left past all home screen pages), find the app, then long-press it and choose Add to Home Screen.
How do I unhide apps on Samsung?
Long-press the home screen → Home screen settings → Hide apps → deselect the app → tap Apply.
Quick checklist:
- ✅ iPhone: Long-press app → Remove from Home Screen (keeps it in App Library)
- ✅ Samsung: Home screen settings → Hide apps
- ✅ Android: Nova Launcher for launchers without built-in hide feature
- ✅ Check notification settings separately — hiding doesn’t mute alerts
Get Nova Launcher ↗ ↗Best Android Launchers
Conclusion
Both iPhone and Android make it easy to hide apps without deleting them. iPhone’s App Library approach is the cleanest — one tap and it’s gone from view, ready in App Library when you need it. On Android, your launcher settings are usually the quickest route. For more ways to customize your phone, see our guide on Android tips and tricks.