How to Unhide Apps on iPhone? Quick Guide to Restore Hidden Apps

iOS 18 has launched so many new additions, but hiding iPhone apps has remained the talk of the town. Apple users have gotten the knack of how to hide the apps on iPhone but have been seen struggling to unhide the apps. 

Worry not; I have been using both methods in my day-to-day life and shared the simplest way for how to unhide apps on iPhone in the article ahead. 

Quick Answer 

To unhide apps: 

Open the App Library >> Locate Hidden Apps Folder >> Authenticate the Face ID>> Tap on Don’t require Face ID.

How to Unhide Apps on iPhone? 

Hiding apps on iPhone brings a neat and tidy home screen by eliminating the apps that are less used. But knowing the process of unhiding them can save you from panic during emergencies. 

That is why I have elaborated on the prime and easiest process of how to unhide apps on iPhone below: 

• Unlock your iPhone and swipe right to left on the screen to open the App Library. 

• Scroll down and locate the Hidden Apps folder. 

  

• Authenticate the Face ID or enter the passcode. 

• Long-press the app icon you want to unhide and tap on “Don’t Require Face ID,” and your app will be removed from the Hidden Apps folder. 

  

How to Hide Apps on iPhone? 

Hiding apps helps to boost your privacy by eliminating the icons of the apps from the home screen, preventing others from seeing and making unnecessary opening attempts. 

Check out the simple process for how to hide apps on iPhone mentioned below: 

• Unlock the iPhone and swipe right to locate the app you want to hide. 

• Touch and long-press the app icon and tap on Require Face ID.

  

• Choose, Hide and Require Face ID from the list of options. 

  

What Happens When an App is Hidden on an iPhone? 

When you hide an app on an iPhone, the operating system increases your privacy by removing the app from common places where people usually find apps. Check out what changes you will experience when your app is hidden. 

• It disappears from the home screen. 
• The app does not appear in the App Library categories.
• The app cannot be found using Spotlight search.
• Opening the Hidden folder requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.
• The app’s notifications are hidden.

Difference Between Hidden Apps and Locked Apps on iPhone 

Hidden apps are removed from the visible screen so others can’t easily find them, while locked apps stay visible but require Face ID or a passcode to open. Check out the head-to-head comparison below: 

Attributes	Hidden Apps	Locked Apps
Core Purpose	Completely hide the app from the normal view.	The locked app is restricted but remains visible on the screen.
Home Screen Visibility	Not visible on the home screen or search bar; access it from the Hidden Apps folder in the app library.	It remains visible on the home screen, Spotlight, and App Library.
Access Process	Navigate to App Library > Hidden Apps and enter Face ID or Passcode.	Tap the app → requires Face ID/Touch ID/Passcode to open
Notifications	Notifications and alerts are hidden.	Notifications are visible on the lock screen.
Use Cases	Private apps like personal data notes on iPhone, secret apps, and more.	Apps you use daily but want protection for, like payment apps, banking apps, and more.

Conclusion 

The Hidden Apps feature was introduced in iOS 18 and remained unchanged in the current versions as well. Hiding the apps adds an extra layer of security, and unhiding them gives easy and fast access to the day-to-day routine tasks.

Remember, you can only hide the apps that are installed from the App Store. All the pre-installed apps on your Apple device remain unhidden and are displayed on the home screen. Hope you are now clear about how to unhide apps on iphone.