Hiding the News app in iOS is a simple process that involves using the Screen Time feature. Just go to Settings, tap Screen Time, choose Content & Privacy Restrictions, enter your Screen Time passcode, select Allowed Apps, and toggle off the News app. After doing this, the News app will no longer appear on your home screen.
Once the News app is hidden, it won’t be accessible from the home screen, search or Siri suggestions. However, it is not deleted and can easily be restored if needed.
Introduction
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the constant flow of news updates popping up on your iPhone? Or perhaps you’re trying to minimize distractions and spend less time scrolling through headlines? Whatever your reason, hiding the News app on your iOS device might just be the solution you’re looking for.
But why would someone want to hide the News app? Well, in today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in an endless cycle of news consumption. This can not only consume valuable time but can also lead to increased stress and anxiety. If you’re a parent, you might be concerned about the kind of news your children are exposed to. Or maybe you just prefer getting your news from other sources. Whatever the case, iOS provides a way to manage your app visibility to suit your preferences, and that includes the option to hide the News app.
Let’s dive into how you can achieve this and take control of what you see on your iPhone or iPad.
How to Hide the News App in iOS
Before we proceed to the steps, remember, hiding the News app doesn’t delete it or your subscription if you have one. It merely removes it from view.
Step 1: Open Settings
Go to the Settings app on your iOS device.
In the Settings menu, you will find various options to control your device’s functionality, including Screen Time, which is key to hiding the News app.
Step 2: Tap Screen Time
Select the Screen Time option.
Screen Time tracks the amount of time you spend on apps and allows you to set limits. It also controls the content and privacy settings.
Step 3: Choose Content & Privacy Restrictions
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
This section is crucial for setting up various restrictions on your device, including which apps can be used.
Step 4: Select Allowed Apps
After entering your passcode, choose Allowed Apps.
Allowed Apps is where you can control which apps are permissible for use on the device.
Step 5: Toggle Off the News App
Find the News app on the list and toggle the switch to the off position.
Turning off the switch next to the News app will hide it from your home screen and other parts of the iOS interface.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Reduced Distractions | By hiding the News app, you’re less likely to be distracted by the constant influx of news notifications and headlines. This can help you focus on other tasks and reduce screen time. |
| Controlled Content Exposure | For parents, hiding the News app can limit children’s exposure to potentially inappropriate content or distressing news stories. |
| Customized User Experience | Hiding the News app allows users to tailor their iOS interface to their preferences, leading to a more personalized and streamlined user experience. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inaccessibility | Once hidden, accessing the News app requires reversing the process, which could be inconvenient for some users. |
| Potential Loss of Information | Hiding the News app might result in missing out on important news updates unless other sources are regularly checked. |
| Confusion for Multiple Users | If the device is shared, other users might be confused or frustrated when they can’t find the News app. |
Additional Information
Hiding the News app is a reversible action. If you ever decide you want to bring it back, it’s as simple as following the steps above and toggling the switch back on. Additionally, hiding the app won’t affect your existing preferences or subscriptions within the News app; everything will remain intact when you choose to unhide it.
It’s also worth noting that hiding the News app doesn’t delete the data it has used or free up significant storage space on your device. So, if you’re looking to clear up space, you might want to look into other methods, such as offloading unused apps or clearing cache files.
Remember, the key to effectively using any feature on your iOS device is understanding how it fits into your lifestyle. Hiding the News app could be particularly useful during times when you’re looking to disconnect from the digital world and engage more with the physical world around you. It could also be a part of a broader approach to managing screen time and ensuring that technology serves you, rather than distracts you.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap Screen Time
- Choose Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Select Allowed Apps
- Toggle Off the News App
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hiding the News app delete my saved articles?
No, hiding the News app won’t delete your saved articles or subscriptions. Everything will be as you left it when you unhide the app.
Can I still receive news notifications if the app is hidden?
No, once the News app is hidden, you will not receive notifications from it.
Is it possible to hide the News app without a Screen Time passcode?
No, you need to set up a Screen Time passcode to access the Content & Privacy Restrictions where the option to hide apps is located.
Can I hide other apps the same way as the News app?
Yes, you can hide other Apple-provided apps using the same steps.
Does hiding the News app improve my iPhone’s performance?
Hiding the News app doesn’t have a significant impact on your device’s performance. It simply removes the app from view.
Conclusion
Hiding the News app on your iOS device can be a strategic move to declutter your digital space, focus on what’s important, and even protect younger users from unwanted content. It’s a simple process that involves a few taps within the Screen Time settings, and the best part is, it’s all reversible.
So, whether you’re taking a temporary break or looking to permanently change your news consumption habits, the control is in your hands. Remember, technology is a tool, and it’s up to you to decide how it fits into your life. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep optimizing your iOS experience.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.