Hiding apps on your iPad is a simple way to keep your device secure and organized without deleting anything.
Using built-in iPadOS features, you can move apps to a hidden folder protected by Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. This keeps apps out of sight while allowing easy access when needed.
These privacy tools are perfect for families sharing devices or anyone wanting more control over app visibility. You can use Screen Time and privacy restrictions to manage app access effectively.
Read on to discover the best ways to hide apps and keep your iPad clutter-free and secure.
Best Ways to Hide Apps on iPad
You can manage private or distracting apps on your iPad in several ways.
Depending on your needs, you can move apps to the App Library, hide them behind biometric security, organize them into folders, or remove them from Siri and search results.
Move Apps to App Library Only
Moving an app to App Library only keeps your Home Screen less cluttered while still allowing you to use the app whenever you need it.
This option removes the icon from your main screens but doesn’t delete the app or its data.
- Touch and hold the app’s icon on your Home Screen.
- Tap Remove App.
- Choose Move to App Library instead of Delete.
Once hidden this way, the app remains accessible in the App Library or by searching its name. This method works best for apps you don’t use often but still want installed.
It doesn’t require a passcode or Face ID, so it’s focused on organization rather than privacy.
In iPadOS 18, this feature works smoothly with the updated App Library at the end of your Home Screen pages.
Lock and Hide Apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or Passcode
When you want more privacy, you can lock and hide apps behind Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
This option, available in iPadOS 18 or later, uses authentication to secure access.
To hide an app:
- Press and hold the app icon.
- Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode).
- Choose Hide and Require Face ID, then authenticate.
The app moves to the Hidden folder at the bottom of the App Library. Only you can unlock and open it.
Notifications and previews from hidden apps don’t appear in searches, Siri suggestions, or CarPlay. This setting is ideal for sensitive apps like banking or messaging.
It adds an extra layer of privacy that still lets you use the app when needed.
Hide Apps Using Folders
Folders let you reduce visibility without removing or locking apps. You can place less-used or private apps deep within a folder where they’re less obvious.
- Drag one app over another to create a folder.
- Name the folder something generic, like “Utilities.”
- Move private apps to later pages within that folder.
You can adjust the folder layout to hide multiple apps together.
While anyone could still access them, folders make it less likely that others notice or tap them by accident.
This is a quick organizational approach that pairs well with screen layout control features in iPadOS 18.
Use Siri & Search Settings to Hide Apps from Search
If you don’t want certain apps showing up when someone searches your iPad or uses Siri suggestions, you can turn off visibility in the Siri & Search settings.
- Open Settings → Siri & Search.
- Scroll down and select the app.
- Disable Show App in Search and Show Content in Search.
These changes stop the app from appearing in Spotlight, Siri results, and widgets. This setting doesn’t move or lock the app, but it keeps it from appearing in searches or recommendations.
It’s useful when you want to reduce exposure without restricting your own access.
Don’t miss our article, How to End Apps on iPad: Step-by-Step Methods for All Models, to manage your apps effectively.
Using Screen Time and Privacy Restrictions
You can control how apps appear and who can access them by adjusting Screen Time settings on your iPad.
These tools let you hide certain apps, manage permissions, and secure changes with a passcode to keep your privacy protected.
Hide Apps via Content & Privacy Restrictions
Start by opening Settings > Screen Time. If you haven’t enabled Screen Time before, turn it on and set up a Screen Time Passcode.
Next, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and switch it on. Choose Content Restrictions > Apps. You’ll see age-based options such as 4+, 9+, 12+, 17+, and Allow All Apps.
Select an age limit lower than the app’s rating to hide it automatically. For example, selecting 12+ removes apps rated 17+ from the Home Screen and App Library.
Manage Allowed Apps for Added Control
You can also hide specific built-in apps by going to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
Each app has a toggle switch. Turning it off removes the app’s icon from the Home Screen and App Library.
For example, you can hide Safari, Camera, or Mail if you want to limit distractions or privacy risks. These apps aren’t deleted; they are only hidden until you re-enable them.
This feature helps parents manage what children can use, or lets you narrow your workspace to only essential apps. It’s an easy way to keep information private without permanently removing anything.
Set a Passcode to Protect Hidden Apps
A Screen Time Passcode adds an extra layer of protection so others can’t change your restrictions. To set one, return to Settings > Screen Time, then tap Use Screen Time Passcode.
Choose a four-digit code that’s different from your device unlock code. With a passcode, only you can adjust app visibility or restore hidden apps.
If someone tries to access restricted features, the iPad will ask for your passcode before making any changes.
Use a code that you’ll remember but others won’t easily guess, and avoid sharing it to maintain full control over your hidden apps.
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Managing and Accessing Hidden or Removed Apps
You can keep your iPad organized and private by managing which apps are visible or hidden.
When you hide an app, it moves to a Hidden folder in the App Library, where it stays out of sight but remains installed.
You can also unhide apps, find them through search, or remove them completely when you want to free up space or increase privacy.
How to Unhide Apps on iPad
To restore a hidden app back to your Home Screen, start by unlocking your device with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Go to Settings > Apps > Hidden Apps, and you’ll see a list of all the apps you’ve hidden.
Tap the app you want to bring back, then choose Unhide. The app appears again on your Home Screen or in the App Library.
You can also find and open a hidden app using the Spotlight Search feature. Just swipe down from the center of the Home Screen, type the app’s name, and tap to open it directly.
Hidden apps stay linked to your accounts and settings, so once unhidden, everything works as before—no need to reinstall or reconfigure.
Tips for Finding Hidden Apps in the App Library
The App Library on iPad helps you locate any app, whether visible or hidden. Scroll to the far right of your Home Screen to reach it.
If you’ve hidden an app, scroll to the bottom and open the Hidden folder, which lists every app currently locked or hidden.
You can also use Spotlight Search as a quick alternative. Typing the exact app name usually displays it even if it’s hidden.
Make sure you’re signed in with the same Apple ID that the app was downloaded under, since apps tied to a different account may not appear.
If you can’t find a hidden app, check Screen Time settings in case restrictions are blocking it. Adjusting these settings can help bring the app back into view.
Remove or Offload Apps for Extra Privacy
If you no longer need an app or want to protect sensitive information, you can remove or offload it. Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage, then choose an app.
Tap Delete App to remove it and all its data, or tap Offload App to delete the app but keep its documents and settings.
Offloading is useful when you may reinstall the app later without losing content. Deleting works best when you want permanent removal.
You can always redownload a purchased app from the App Store by going to your account page and checking your purchase history.
If your goal is more privacy and less clutter, managing apps this way ensures both.
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Extra Tips and Considerations for Hiding Apps
When you hide apps on your iPad, you control who can see and open them and reduce clutter on your Home Screen. Some apps can’t be hidden, and the process may vary depending on your iPadOS version.
It’s helpful to understand what’s possible in iPadOS 18, how hidden apps behave, and what to expect after hiding them.
Understanding Which Apps Can Be Hidden
Not every app on your iPad can be hidden. Apple allows you to hide only downloaded apps from the App Store.
System apps such as Settings, Messages, or Safari always stay visible because they are essential to iPad functions.
If you’ve set an app as your default browser or store (available in some regions like the EU), the iPad won’t let you hide it. You can, however, restrict access using Screen Time.
Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to limit certain apps without fully removing them from view.
Hiding downloaded apps doesn’t delete them or their data. They remain on your device but are placed in a Hidden Apps list that you can review later.
This gives you flexibility to hide personal or work apps while keeping them installed for quick use when needed.
App Hiding in iPadOS 18 and Recent Updates
Starting in iPadOS 18, Apple added more direct options to hide or lock apps. You can use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to protect access.
To do this, touch and hold an app icon, select Require Face ID/Touch ID, then tap Hide and Require Authentication. The app then moves from your Home Screen to the Hidden section in the App Library.
Older iPad models or earlier versions of iPadOS may not have all these options. In those cases, Screen Time or app folders can still help manage visibility. Knowing your version and the available tools saves time and avoids confusion.
Keep your system updated to benefit from the latest privacy settings. Apple often improves control over app visibility in newer updates, especially as iPadOS becomes more privacy-focused.
What Happens When You Hide Apps on iPad
When you hide an app, it disappears from the Home Screen and search results like Spotlight and Siri Suggestions. Hidden apps also won’t appear in CarPlay or as previews in Notifications.
However, some data remains visible. For example, app names might still show under Battery Usage by App, Screen Time, or in your App Store purchase history.
If you need to access a hidden app, go to Settings > Apps > Hidden Apps, or open the App Library and find the Hidden folder at the bottom. You can unhide or open apps directly from there after verifying with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Wrap Up
Hiding apps on your iPad helps keep your device organized and your private apps secure.
Whether you want to declutter your home screen or protect sensitive apps from prying eyes, iPadOS offers easy ways to hide apps using the App Library, folders, or Screen Time restrictions. These options allow you to customize your iPad experience without deleting apps.
By mastering how to hide apps on iPad, you gain control over your device’s appearance and privacy, making your iPad both neat and secure.
For more tips on multitasking, read How to Split Screen on iPad: Master Multitasking and Productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to conceal apps from my iPad's home screen?
Touch and hold the app until a menu appears, then choose Hide and Require Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. The app will move to the Hidden folder at the bottom of your App Library.
You can still find it in Settings under Apps > Hidden Apps.
Can I create a private folder for apps on my iPad, and if so, how?
While the iPad doesn’t let you make a true password‑protected folder, you can use the Hidden folder feature that stores apps you’ve hidden.
Access it only after authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Is it possible to hide apps from spotlight search on my iPad?
Yes. Go to Settings > Siri & Search, select the app, and turn off Show in Search and Show Suggestions. This stops the app’s content from appearing in search results or suggestions.
How do I hide apps from others who use my iPad without deleting them?
You can lock or hide apps that require your Face ID or passcode to open. Another option is using Screen Time to limit app access or restrict certain categories.
Are there parental controls available that can hide specific apps on an iPad?
Yes. Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, enable restrictions, then choose Allowed Apps or App Limits to hide or limit selected apps. This is useful for parents controlling kids’ access.
How can I make an app invisible on my iPad without uninstalling it?
Use Hide App in the app’s menu to remove it from the Home Screen while keeping it installed. The app stays available in the Hidden folder or Settings, so you can restore it later by unhiding it.
