Smartphones today are deeply personal. From banking apps and work tools to private chats and social media, our iPhones hold more personal data than ever before. That’s exactly why many users are asking one simple question after upgrading:
How do you hide apps on iPhone 17?
The good news? Apple continues to improve privacy controls, and iPhone 17 makes hiding apps easier, cleaner, and more secure—without deleting your data. Whether you want fewer distractions, better organization, or extra privacy from prying eyes, this guide covers every reliable way to hide apps on iPhone 17, step by step.
Can You Really Hide Apps on iPhone 17? (Quick Answer)
Yes, you can hide apps on iPhone 17.
However, Apple doesn’t use a single “Hide App” button. Instead, it offers multiple privacy-focused methods that let you:
- Remove apps from the Home Screen
- Hide them from Search and Siri
- Restrict access using Screen Time
- Lock apps with Face ID or passcodes
When used correctly, these methods make apps nearly invisible to anyone else using your phone.
Method 1: Hide Apps Using the App Library (Easiest & Most Common)
The App Library is the backbone of app hiding on iPhone 17.
How it works
When you remove an app from your Home Screen, it doesn’t get deleted. It simply moves to the App Library, accessible only by swiping left past your last Home Screen page.
Steps to hide an app:
- Long-press the app icon on the Home Screen
- Tap Remove App
- Select Remove from Home Screen
That’s it. The app is now hidden from plain sight.
Best for:
- Reducing clutter
- Hiding apps from casual users
- Keeping apps accessible only when needed
⚠️ Limitation:
The app can still appear in Search unless you disable that separately.
Also Read:New iPhone Update Features – iOS 26
Method 2: Hide Apps from iPhone 17 Search & Siri Suggestions
This is where most people stop halfway—and that’s a mistake.
Even if an app is removed from the Home Screen, it can still appear when someone swipes down and searches. To truly hide an app, you must disable its visibility in Search and Siri.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to Siri & Search
- Scroll down and select the app you want to hide
- Turn off:
- Show App in Search
- Show Content in Search
- Suggest App
Now, even Spotlight Search won’t reveal it.
Result:
The app becomes almost impossible to find unless someone knows exactly where to look.
Method 3: Hide Apps Using Screen Time (Best for Maximum Privacy)
If you want real protection, Screen Time is the most powerful tool on iPhone 17.
Why Screen Time works best
- Completely hides apps from Home Screen
- Prevents opening apps without a passcode
- Perfect for shared devices or sensitive apps
How to hide apps with Screen Time:
- Go to Settings → Screen Time
- Turn on Screen Time (if not already enabled)
- Set a Screen Time Passcode
- Tap App Limits or Allowed Apps
- Disable or restrict the apps you want hidden
Once restricted, the app:
- Disappears from the Home Screen
- Cannot be opened without the passcode
Ideal for:
- Banking & finance apps
- Work-related apps
- Parents controlling children’s devices
- Anyone serious about privacy
Method 4: Hide Apps in Folders (Quick Visual Trick)
This isn’t real security—but it’s still surprisingly effective.
How it works:
- Create a folder
- Move the app into it
- Push it to the last page of the folder
Most people never swipe deep into folders, making the app less noticeable.
Best for:
- Quick hiding
- Decluttering
- Non-sensitive apps
⚠️ Not recommended for private or confidential apps.
Method 5: Hide Pre-Installed Apple Apps on iPhone 17
Apple allows many default apps to be hidden.
Examples of Apple apps you can remove:
- FaceTime
- Safari
- Maps
- Music
Steps:
- Long-press the Apple app
- Tap Remove App
- Choose Remove from Home Screen
You can always re-download them later from the App Store.
Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro Max AI Features – Apple Intelligence at Its Best
Can You Lock Hidden Apps on iPhone 17?
Yes—and this is where iPhone 17 shines.
You can lock apps using Face ID or a Screen Time passcode, adding an extra security layer.
App locking options:
- Screen Time passcode
- Face ID authentication for supported apps
- App-specific security settings (banking apps, wallets)
Hiding vs Locking:
- Hiding keeps apps out of sight
- Locking prevents unauthorized access
For best results, use both together.
How to Unhide Apps on iPhone 17
Changed your mind? No problem.
To unhide apps:
- Open App Library
- Search for the app
- Drag it back to the Home Screen
If hidden via Search:
- Re-enable Search & Siri settings
If hidden via Screen Time:
- Enter Screen Time passcode
- Remove restrictions
Best Way to Hide Apps on iPhone 17 (Quick Comparison)
For casual users:
✔ App Library + folders
For privacy-focused users:
✔ App Library + Search disabling
For maximum security:
✔ Screen Time + app locking
Common Problems & Fixes
App still appears in search?
→ Disable Search & Siri visibility
App reappeared after the update?
→ Recheck Screen Time settings
Screen Time not working?
→ Make sure a passcode is enabled
Final Thoughts: Choose Privacy That Fits Your Lifestyle
Hiding apps on iPhone 17 isn’t about secrecy—it’s about control. Whether you want a cleaner Home Screen, fewer distractions, or real privacy protection, Apple gives you flexible tools to do it right.
For best results, combine App Library, Search restrictions, and Screen Time. That’s how you turn basic hiding into real privacy.
FAQs About Hiding Apps on iPhone 17
Will hiding apps delete data?
No. All app data stays intact.
Can hidden apps send notifications?
Yes, unless notifications are disabled.
Can someone still find hidden apps?
Only if they know where to look—or have your passcode.
Is hiding apps safe and allowed?
Yes. Apple fully supports these features.