Wondering if someone has hidden apps on your iPhone or if you accidentally did it yourself? iPhones let users hide apps through settings, restrictions, and folders—making them hard to find if you don’t know where to look.
This updated guide shows you step-by-step how to find hidden apps on iPhone using built-in tools like App Library, Spotlight Search, Siri, and Screen Time settings—no jailbreaking or third-party software required.
Why Are Apps Hidden on iPhones?
iOS allows users to hide apps for:
- Privacy (messaging, financial apps)
- Parental controls
- Decluttering the home screen
- Security reasons
Understanding how apps are hidden helps you know where and how to uncover them.
Method 1: Use Spotlight Search to Reveal Hidden Apps
- Swipe down on the home screen.
- Type the name of the app.
- If it appears under “Applications,” it’s still on your device.
🟢 Great for quick discovery if the app is removed from Home Screen but still installed.
Method 2: Check App Library
- Swipe left until you reach the App Library.
- Use the search bar or scroll through folders.
- Long-press to “Add to Home Screen” if it’s hidden.
✅ This works even for apps that don’t show up on Spotlight Search.
Method 3: Unhide Apps via Screen Time Restrictions
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Tap Allowed Apps
- Make sure switches like Safari, Camera, FaceTime, etc., are turned ON
🔐 Useful if system apps are hidden due to restrictions.
Method 4: Check Folders & Hidden Pages
- Hidden apps may be buried in deep folders.
- Apps may be on hidden home screen pages (tap and hold → Edit Home Screen → view dots → unhide pages).
Method 5: Use Siri to Open Hidden Apps
- Say: “Hey Siri, open [app name]”
- If it opens, the app is installed—even if not visible anywhere.
Bonus Tip: Reset Home Screen Layout
This resets icons to default and unhides everything:
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout
⚠️ Will remove custom folders and placements.
Pro Tips to Keep in Mind
- Hidden apps still use storage and data.
- iOS 17 & newer versions offer more privacy control.
- Deleted apps can be checked in App Store > Profile > Purchased > Not on this iPhone.
FAQ: Finding Hidden Apps on iPhone
Q: Can apps be hidden from search completely?
A: Yes, using Screen Time or Offloading, they may not appear unless reinstalled or re-enabled.
Q: Is it possible to find hidden apps without third-party tools?
A: Absolutely! This guide covers 100% built-in methods.
Q: What if nothing works?
A: Use Reset Home Screen or check iCloud app backup list.