Deleting a hidden app on your iPhone running iOS 17 is quite simple. You need to unhide the app first, then you can delete it as usual. After reading this brief overview, you’ll know exactly how to get rid of any hidden apps cluttering up your iPhone.
You can also watch this video about how to delete a hidden app on an iPhone for more information.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete a Hidden App on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, know that by following these instructions, you’ll be able to remove any apps you’ve hidden on your iPhone, freeing up space and decluttering your home screen.
Step 1: Unhide the App
Navigate to the App Library by swiping left on your home screen until you see the App Library.
Unhiding an app is necessary because you can’t delete what you can’t see. The App Library is a new addition in recent iOS updates, and it’s where all your apps live, hidden or not.
Step 2: Find the Hidden App
Once in the App Library, use the search bar at the top to type in the name of the app you want to unhide.
Finding the app might take a bit of scrolling if you can’t remember the exact name. But don’t worry, it’s in there somewhere!
Step 3: Press and Hold the App Icon
After you find the app, press and hold the app icon until a menu pops up.
This action is similar to the one you use to delete apps from the home screen. Simple, right?
Step 4: Select “Add to Home Screen”
From the menu that appears, select “Add to Home Screen.”
This step will unhide the app, placing it back onto your home screen where you can see it and, more importantly, delete it.
Step 5: Delete the App
Once the app is back on the home screen, press and hold it again until the icons start jiggling. Then, tap the minus sign and select “Delete App.”
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully removed a hidden app from your iPhone.
After completing these steps, the hidden app will be permanently deleted from your iPhone. It’s gone, kaput, no more! If you ever need it again, you’ll have to redownload it from the App Store.
Tips for Managing Hidden Apps on iPhone
- Regularly review your App Library to keep track of which apps you have hidden.
- Consider whether you truly need an app before hiding it; if not, delete it instead.
- Use folders on your home screen to organize apps and reduce the need to hide them.
- Remember that deleting an app may also delete its data, so ensure you’ve saved any important information elsewhere.
- Be aware that some pre-installed Apple apps cannot be deleted from your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a hidden app without unhiding it first?
No, you cannot delete an app that’s hidden without unhiding it first. It needs to be visible to remove it.
What happens if I accidentally delete an important app?
Don’t worry, you can always re-download any app you’ve purchased or downloaded before from the App Store.
Will deleting a hidden app also delete its data?
Yes, deleting an app will usually remove its data, so make sure to back up any important information.
Can I hide an app again after unhiding it?
Absolutely! You can hide and unhide apps as often as you like.
What’s the difference between deleting an app and offloading it?
Deleting an app removes it entirely, while offloading it keeps the app’s data and allows you to re-install it quickly without losing any data.
Summary
- Unhide the App
- Find the Hidden App
- Press and Hold the App Icon
- Select “Add to Home Screen”
- Delete the App
Conclusion
Managing the apps on your iPhone is crucial to ensuring a smooth and streamlined user experience, and now you know how to delete a hidden app on iPhone with iOS 17. Remember, keeping your home screen and App Library organized will save you time and frustration in the long run. Don’t let hidden apps pile up; if you’re not using them, it’s better to let them go. This way, your iPhone remains clutter-free and performs at its best. And if you ever have second thoughts about an app you’ve deleted, the App Store is just a tap away for a quick re-download. Keep your iPhone clean, organized, and functioning optimally by managing your apps effectively.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.