Want to keep some apps private on your iPhone 7 Plus? This comprehensive guide will teach you how to effectively hide apps, ensuring your privacy and control over your device. We'll cover several methods, from simple organizational techniques to using third-party app folders and even more advanced techniques.
Understanding the Need for Hiding Apps
Before diving into the methods, let's address why you might want to hide apps on your iPhone 7 Plus. Reasons range from:
- Privacy: Keeping sensitive apps like banking or dating apps away from prying eyes.
- Organization: Streamlining your home screen for a cleaner, less cluttered look.
- Parental Control: Hiding apps from children to prevent inappropriate use.
- Security: Protecting apps containing personal or confidential information.
No matter your reason, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps to master the art of app hiding on your iPhone 7 Plus.
Method 1: The Simple Folder Approach
This is the easiest method and is built into iOS. It doesn't technically hide apps, but it does group them together, making them less visible.
Steps:
- Locate the apps: Find the apps you wish to group together on your home screen.
- Touch and hold: Press and hold one of the apps until they all begin to wiggle.
- Create a folder: Drag one app on top of another. This will create a folder.
- Name your folder: Give your folder a generic or innocuous name.
- Add more apps: Continue adding apps to the folder until all desired apps are grouped together.
This method is great for quick organization and a slightly more private approach. However, it’s still easily accessible.
Method 2: Utilizing App Library (iOS 14 and later)
If you have iOS 14 or later, the App Library is a powerful tool for organizing your apps. It doesn't hide apps, but it moves them out of plain sight on your home screen.
Steps:
- Swipe right: Swipe to the rightmost page of your home screen. This reveals the App Library.
- Locate your apps: Apps are automatically categorized within the App Library. This makes finding apps a bit more difficult for those who don't know where to look.
- Remove from home screen: Long-press an app you want to remove from your home screen and select "Remove App" > "Remove from Home Screen".
This method is ideal for keeping your home screen minimal and organized while still keeping your apps readily accessible within the App Library.
Method 3: Third-Party App Hiding Apps (Use with Caution)
While Apple doesn't directly support this functionality, several third-party apps claim to hide applications. Exercise extreme caution when using such apps. Thoroughly research any app before installing it, and be wary of apps that request extensive permissions. Malicious apps could compromise your privacy and security. We strongly recommend using Apple's built-in methods whenever possible.
Maintaining Privacy Beyond App Hiding
Hiding apps is just one aspect of maintaining privacy on your iPhone 7 Plus. Consider these additional best practices:
- Strong Passcode: Use a strong, unique passcode.
- Face ID/Touch ID: Enable Face ID or Touch ID for added security.
- Software Updates: Keep your iOS software updated for the latest security patches.
- App Permissions: Review and manage app permissions to control what data each app accesses.
By implementing these additional security measures, you can further enhance your privacy and security on your iPhone 7 Plus.
Conclusion: Mastering Your iPhone 7 Plus Privacy
Mastering the art of hiding apps on your iPhone 7 Plus doesn't require complex technical skills. Utilizing the built-in features of iOS is the safest and most effective approach. Remember, always prioritize your security and thoroughly research any third-party app before installation. By combining app organization with strong security practices, you can maintain control and privacy over your device.
