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Hidden apps can be found using the iPhone's App Library or Spotlight Search.
Screen Time settings may reveal restricted or hidden apps.
Simple steps can help users unhide or delete unwanted hidden apps.
It is easy for one to misplace their apps on any iPhone. With iOS updates and features offered by the App Library, some apps could appear invisible. In certain cases, either the owners might have hidden apps on iPhone for privacy, or those apps got lost in the various folders on the phone; anyway, they were retrieved.
The App Store is home to over 1.8 million apps, based on figures shared by Apple. This leaves quite a lot of room for an app to disappear. This guide walks you through simple steps to locate hidden apps on iPhone; no technical knowledge is required to alter the iPhone Settings, just your phone and some settings to check.
Also Read: The Best iPhone Apps in 2025
The easiest way to find any app is to search for it with Spotlight.
Swipe downward from the middle of the Home Screen.
A search bar will appear at the top.
Type the app's name.
If installed, it appears immediately.
If an app doesn't appear, it may be either uninstalled or restricted.
With the introduction of iOS 14, Apple introduced the App Library to its iPhone settings to help organize installed applications. While certain apps might not be visible on the Home Screen, they remain present on the device.
Swipe left past all Home Screens until the App Library appears.
Search for the app by name or browse through folders that are created automatically by iOS.
Once you find it, tap and hold to drag it back to the Home screen if one is not already there.
The App Library is smart. It sorts apps by category, such as Social, Utilities, or Recently Added.
Parental controls can also hide apps from being viewed. This feature generally allows parents to have strict access. Check the following:
Go to Settings > Screen Time & Privacy Restrictions.
Select Allowed Apps.
Check and enable any apps that may have been deactivated.
This is probably how system apps like Safari, Camera, or FaceTime become hidden.
When in doubt as to whether the application was uninstalled, users can check with the App Store.
Open the App Store.
Tap the profile icon in the top right.
Tap Purchased > My Purchases.
Look through or search for apps that may have been hidden or deleted.
Apps with a cloud icon next to them are not installed but were previously downloaded.
Alternatively, those who want to restore everything to its original state can reset the Home Screen layout.
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout.
Default apps will be put in their original positions by doing this. It won’t delete anything, but it removes custom folders or layouts.
Also Read: 10 Must-Have Google Apps Every iPhone User Should Download
Finding hidden apps on iPhone is easier than it seems if you follow these iPhone tricks. With features like Spotlight, App Library, and Screen Time, anyone can uncover apps that appear to be missing. Just a few quick checks can do the trick.
This simple guide helps users navigate iOS features confidently. It’s not about being tech-savvy; it’s about knowing where to look. Once these tricks are known, no app ever stays lost for long.
