How to Find Hidden Apps on iPhone: The Complete 2025 Guide

Introduction

Ever feel like an app has mysteriously disappeared from your iPhone? Maybe you downloaded something but can’t seem to find it anymore. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many iPhone users wonder how to find hidden apps on iPhone, whether for managing storage, checking what kids have installed, or simply organizing their home screen.

Apple’s iOS offers several ways to hide apps—through folders, the App Library, or even Settings. The good news? You can easily uncover them once you know where to look.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to find hidden apps on iPhone using simple methods anyone can follow—no tech expertise required.

Why Apps Get Hidden on an iPhone

Before diving into the step-by-step methods, it helps to understand why apps might be hidden in the first place. Knowing this can make your search much easier.

1. Apps Hidden in Folders

You or someone else may have tucked apps into folders to declutter the Home Screen. Over time, these folders can make apps feel “invisible.”

2. Restricted by Screen Time or Parental Controls

If Screen Time restrictions are turned on, certain apps (like Safari, Messages, or Camera) can disappear from your screen entirely.

3. Hidden in the App Library

Since iOS 14, Apple introduced the App Library, which automatically organizes all installed apps. Sometimes, users remove apps from the Home Screen but forget they’re still stored there.

4. Using “Hide from Home Screen” in Settings

You can remove apps from appearing on the Home Screen without uninstalling them. These apps remain hidden but fully functional.

5. Hidden Purchases or Cloud Apps

Apps you’ve downloaded in the past might not show up because they were hidden from your App Store purchase history.

How to Find Hidden Apps on iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Now that you know why apps might be hidden, let’s explore how to find hidden apps on iPhone with simple methods you can try right now.

1. Use Spotlight Search

The quickest and easiest way to find hidden apps is by using Spotlight Search.

Steps:

1. Swipe down from the middle of your iPhone Home Screen.

2. Type the app’s name in the search bar.

3. If the app is installed, it will appear in the search results.

4. Tap to open it directly or note its folder location (if shown).

💡 Tip:
If the app doesn’t appear, check that it hasn’t been deleted or restricted by Screen Time settings.

2. Check the App Library

The App Library is like a hidden storage room for all your apps. Even if you remove an app from your Home Screen, it’s still here.

Steps:

1. Swipe left through all your Home Screen pages until you reach the last one.

2. You’ll see the App Library, organized by categories.

3. Use the search bar at the top or scroll through categories to locate the app.

4. Once found, long-press the app icon and choose “Add to Home Screen.”

💡 Example:
If you removed the Mail app from your Home Screen, search “Mail” in the App Library, then re-add it.

3. Unhide Apps from Settings

Sometimes, apps are hidden through iPhone’s built-in restrictions. Here’s how to find hidden apps on iPhone using Settings.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions.

2. Tap Allowed Apps.

3. Make sure the toggles next to key apps (like Safari, Camera, or FaceTime) are turned ON.

💡 Tip:
If “Content & Privacy Restrictions” are enabled, they can block entire app categories, so double-check these settings if something is missing.

4. Look for Hidden App Purchases in the App Store

Apple allows users to hide certain app downloads from their App Store history. But you can still view and unhide them.

Steps:

1. Open the App Store.

2. Tap your profile icon (top right).

3. Select Purchased → My Purchases.

4. Tap Hidden Purchases to see what’s been hidden.

5. Tap Unhide next to any app you want visible again.

💡 Pro Tip:
This is especially useful for parents who want to review hidden app activity on a shared Apple ID.

5. Check App Folders Manually

It sounds old-fashioned, but it works. Hidden apps are often buried inside folders on your Home Screen.

Steps:

1. Go through each folder carefully.

2. Tap each folder to see if the app icon is there.

3. You can drag the app back out to the main Home Screen.

💡 Example:
A social media app might be tucked inside a “Productivity” or “Utilities” folder if you reorganized icons earlier.

6. Ask Siri to Find the App

Siri isn’t just for reminders or weather updates—it can help you find hidden apps too.

Steps:

1. Say “Hey Siri” or hold the Side button.

2. Ask: “Open [App Name].”

3. If the app is installed, Siri will launch it immediately.

💡 Tip:
If Siri replies that it can’t find the app, it’s likely deleted, restricted, or hidden under Screen Time controls.

7. Check for Hidden Apps in Screen Time Reports

If you suspect someone is using hidden apps, Screen Time can reveal usage data—even for apps not visible on the Home Screen.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Time → See All Activity.

2. Scroll to view app usage statistics.

3. Look for unfamiliar app names or high usage from hidden apps.

💡 Pro Tip:
This is a smart way for parents to monitor activity without having to search every folder.

8. Find Hidden Apps Using iCloud or iTunes Backup

Sometimes, viewing an iPhone’s backup can expose hidden or deleted apps.

Steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).

2. Select your device.

3. View the list of backed-up apps.

4. Check for any that don’t appear on your Home Screen.

💡 Caution:
Use this method only if you’re familiar with backups—it’s more technical but useful for deep checks.

Bonus Tips: How to Prevent Losing Apps Again

Now that you’ve learned how to find hidden apps on iPhone, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Organize Apps Smartly

Use folders and the App Library intentionally. Keep your most-used apps on the Home Screen and group the rest logically.

Use App Library Search Often

Instead of scrolling endlessly, get used to swiping left to the App Library—it’s the fastest way to locate anything.

Disable Restrictions When Not Needed

Screen Time restrictions are useful, but they can also cause confusion. Turn them off when you don’t need them.

Regularly Check Hidden Purchases

If multiple people use your Apple ID, make it a habit to check hidden purchases monthly.

When Hidden Apps Could Be a Privacy Concern

In some cases, hidden apps might not just be misplaced—they could indicate privacy or security issues.

• Kids hiding apps: Teens sometimes use calculator-lookalike apps to hide messages or photos.

• Unknown apps: Hidden apps can also signal potential spyware or tracking software.

• Shared devices: If you share your iPhone or Apple ID, check hidden apps regularly to maintain privacy.

If you find something suspicious, uninstall the app immediately and consider changing your Apple ID password.

Conclusion

Learning how to find hidden apps on iPhone doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether they’re tucked in folders, restricted by settings, or hidden in the App Library, you now know multiple ways to uncover them.

By staying organized, managing your settings wisely, and using tools like Siri or Spotlight Search, you can ensure nothing stays out of sight for long.

Hidden apps aren’t necessarily bad—they’re just out of view. But with the right know-how, your iPhone will stay clutter-free, transparent, and easy to navigate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do apps disappear from my iPhone Home Screen?

Apps may disappear if they’re hidden in folders, removed from the Home Screen, restricted by Screen Time, or deleted accidentally.

2. How can I find hidden apps on iPhone using Settings?

Go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps. Turn on the toggles for any missing apps.

3. Can hidden apps still send notifications?

Yes. Even if an app is hidden from the Home Screen, you can still receive notifications unless they’re turned off in Settings → Notifications.

4. How do I know if my child has hidden apps?

Check the App Library, Screen Time reports, and Hidden Purchases in the App Store. Also, look for disguised apps with unusual icons.

5. Do hidden apps take up storage space?

Absolutely. Hidden apps are still installed unless deleted, meaning they use the same amount of storage as visible apps.

✅ Final Tip:
Keep your iPhone organized, and don’t be afraid to explore settings. Once you know how to find hidden apps on iPhone, managing your digital space becomes effortless.