To find hidden apps on an iPhone, you can use several methods depending on how the apps were hidden:
1. Check the Hidden Folder in the App Library (iOS 18 and later)
- Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to open the App Library.
- Scroll down and tap the Hidden folder at the bottom.
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to access it.
- Tap any app to open it or long-press and select Don’t Require Face ID to unhide it back to the App Library or Home Screen
2. Use Spotlight Search
- Swipe down from the middle of the Home Screen to open Search.
- Type the name of the app you want to find.
- If the app is installed (even if hidden), it will appear in the results.
- Tap the app icon to open it
3. Check Hidden Home Screen Pages
- Touch and hold an empty area on the Home Screen.
- Tap Edit Pages or the dots near the bottom.
- Uncheck any hidden pages to make those apps visible again
4. Use Siri to Open Hidden Apps
- Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or pressing the side button.
- Say “Open [app name].”
- Siri will open the app if it is installed, even if hidden
5. Review Purchase History in the App Store
- Open the App Store and tap your profile icon.
- Go to Purchased to see all apps downloaded with your Apple ID, including those removed from the device.
- You can reinstall any missing apps from here
6. Check Screen Time Restrictions
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Make sure apps are not restricted or hidden by parental controls
Additional Tips
- If apps are hidden in folders, try opening folders and dragging apps out to the Home Screen.
- If you want to restore your Home Screen layout to default (which unhides apps), go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout
These methods cover all common ways apps can be hidden on an iPhone and how to find or unhide them effectively.
