Are you tired of swiping through pages and pages of apps on your iPhone, trying to find that one app you hid a while ago? Fear not! iOS 17 has made it easier than ever to unhide apps on your iPhone. In just a few simple steps, you can have your hidden apps back in plain sight.
Once you’ve completed the process of unhiding apps on your iPhone, they will reappear on your home screen or in your app library, just like they were before you hid them. This allows you to access and use them without having to search for them or remember where you tucked them away.
You can also watch this video about how to unhide apps on your iPhone for more on this topic.
Introduction
Ever found yourself scratching your head, trying to remember where you hid that app on your iPhone? We’ve all been there. With the multitude of apps we download, it’s easy to clutter your home screen with icons you rarely use. To keep things organized, iOS allows you to hide apps. But what happens when you need to use one of those hidden apps again? That’s where knowing how to unhide apps comes in handy.
Unhiding apps on your iPhone is a simple process that can save you a lot of time and frustration. This is especially relevant for those who frequently download apps for a single use and then hide them to reduce clutter. So, whether you are a minimalist, a privacy enthusiast, or just someone trying to keep their phone organized, this article is for you.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Unhide Apps on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand that by following these instructions, all the apps you previously hid will be restored to their original place, either on the home screen or in the app library.
Step 1: Access your App Library
Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.
The App Library is a new addition that came with iOS 14. It automatically organizes all your apps into categories, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Step 2: Search for the hidden app
Use the search bar at the top of the App Library to find the app you want to unhide.
Remember, the app library’s search feature is powerful. It can find any app, even if it’s hidden or tucked away in a folder.
Step 3: Press and hold the app icon
Once you find the app, press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
Pressing and holding the app icon is a common gesture in iOS that often reveals additional options, like deleting an app or sharing it.
Step 4: Select “Add to Home Screen”
From the menu that appears, select “Add to Home Screen.”
This action will immediately unhide the app and place its icon back on your home screen.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Easy Access | Unhiding apps allows for quick and easy access to all your apps, without the need to search through the App Library or folders. |
| Improved Organization | By unhiding apps, you can organize your home screen to better reflect your usage patterns and priorities. |
| Time-saving | Unhiding apps saves time as you don’t have to remember where you hid them, making your workflow more efficient. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cluttered Home Screen | Unhiding too many apps can lead to a cluttered home screen, which can be overwhelming and counterproductive. |
| Accidental Unhides | It’s possible to accidentally unhide apps you intended to keep hidden, which can be frustrating. |
| Limited Customization | While you can unhide apps, iOS 17 still has limited customization options for how apps are displayed on the home screen. |
Additional Information
While the steps above are straightforward, there are a few additional tips and tricks you might find useful. For instance, did you know that you can also unhide apps from within the App Library itself, without using the search function? If you remember which category your hidden app falls under, you can navigate to that category and find your app there.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when you unhide an app, it does not automatically return to its original location. You may need to manually move it to your desired spot on the home screen or within a folder. Additionally, if you frequently hide and unhide apps, you might consider creating a dedicated folder on your home screen for these apps, so they’re always easy to find when you need them.
Lastly, remember that unhiding apps on your iPhone makes them more accessible but also more visible to anyone who may use your phone. If privacy is a concern for you, weigh the pros and cons before deciding to unhide certain apps.
Summary
- Access your App Library by swiping left on your home screen.
- Use the search bar to find the hidden app.
- Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
- Select “Add to Home Screen” to unhide the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will unhiding apps affect their data?
No, unhiding apps will not affect the data within those apps. All your information and app settings will remain intact.
Can I unhide multiple apps at once?
No, currently, you have to unhide apps one at a time on iOS 17.
What happens if I can’t find an app in the App Library?
If you can’t find an app in the App Library, it may have been deleted. Check the App Store to see if you need to re-download it.
Can I hide an app again after unhiding it?
Yes, you can always hide an app again by pressing and holding its icon and selecting “Remove from Home Screen.”
Does unhiding an app bring back its notifications?
Yes, once an app is unhidden and back on your home screen, its notifications will appear as normal.
Conclusion
Unhiding apps on your iPhone is a simple task that can make your digital life a bit more organized and a lot less frustrating. With iOS 17, Apple continues to refine the user experience, and understanding how to manage your apps is a big part of that. Whether you’re a power user or just someone who likes a tidy home screen, knowing how to unhide apps is a useful skill that can help keep your iPhone working for you, not against you. Happy organizing!
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.