Are you looking for ways to discreetly manage your iPhone 12 apps? Want to know how to hide apps on iPhone 12 to keep your privacy or simply declutter your home screen? This guide will walk you through several easy techniques to successfully hide apps on your iPhone 12, ensuring a cleaner and more private user experience.
Understanding App Hiding Limitations on iPhone 12
Before we dive into the methods, it's crucial to understand that Apple doesn't offer a built-in "hide app" feature in the traditional sense. You can't completely make an app vanish. Instead, the methods described below involve removing apps from your home screens while still retaining access to them. They remain installed and functional, just not readily visible on your main screens.
Method 1: Using Folders to Organize and Hide Apps on iPhone 12
This is the simplest and most readily available method. Folders are a great way to group related apps and declutter your home screen. By creating a folder and placing less-used apps inside, you effectively "hide" them from plain sight.
How to do it:
- Select the apps: Tap and hold an app until it jiggles.
- Drag and drop: Drag one app onto another app you want to group with.
- Name the folder: Once you've grouped several apps, a folder is created. You can rename it by tapping the folder name. Choose a generic or inconspicuous name.
This method doesn't technically hide apps, but it does provide a way to organize and minimize their visual prominence on your home screen. It's perfect for apps you use occasionally but don't want to constantly see.
Method 2: Moving Apps to Another Page
This method moves apps to a less-accessed page of your home screen. You technically haven't hidden them, but they are less visible.
How to do it:
- Activate jiggle mode: Tap and hold an app until it wiggles.
- Drag the app: Drag the app to the edge of the screen until a new page appears.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for all apps you want to move to a less visible page.
This is a quick way to clear up the main home screen and minimize the visibility of specific apps. It is simple, effective, and requires no extra apps.
Method 3: Using App Library (iOS 14 and later)
Introduced with iOS 14, the App Library automatically organizes your apps into categories. While you can't completely hide apps, they're consolidated into a separate area, making your home screen cleaner.
How to do it:
Simply swipe all the way to the rightmost page on your home screen. This is the App Library. While apps aren't hidden, they're less visible and organized in a way that removes clutter from your main home screens.
Method 4: Deleting Apps (with caution!)
Caution: This is the most drastic method! This involves removing the app completely from your device. This will not only remove the icon from your screen, but also the app's data and settings. Only do this if you are absolutely sure you no longer need the app.
If you choose to delete an app, you can always re-download it later from the App Store. But bear in mind this would mean re-configuring everything.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Method for Hiding Apps on iPhone 12
The best method for "hiding" apps on your iPhone 12 depends on your needs and preferences. For simple organization, folders are ideal. If you want a cleaner home screen, moving apps to another page or using the App Library are excellent choices. Only consider deleting an app as a last resort. Remember, none of these methods truly hide apps; they simply make them less visible. Always prioritize choosing the method that suits your specific needs!
