How To Hide Apps On Iphone Shortcuts

How to Hide Apps on iPhone Using Shortcuts: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to keep some apps off your iPhone home screen, but without deleting them? This comprehensive guide will show you how to easily hide apps on your iPhone using the Shortcuts app, offering a simple and effective solution for better organization and privacy.

Why Hide Apps Instead of Deleting?

Before diving in, let's consider why hiding apps might be preferable to deleting them:

• Temporary Hiding: You might only want to temporarily declutter your home screen, not permanently lose access to the app.
• Privacy Concerns: Some apps might contain sensitive information you don't want readily visible.
• Organized Home Screen: Maintaining a clean and organized home screen can improve the user experience.

Hiding Apps with the Shortcuts App: Step-by-Step

This method utilizes the built-in Shortcuts app on your iPhone to create a simple workflow. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Accessing the Shortcuts App

Locate the Shortcuts app on your iPhone home screen or within your app library. If you can't find it, you may need to download it from the App Store.

Step 2: Creating a New Shortcut

Once in the Shortcuts app, tap the + button in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.

Step 3: Adding the "Open App" Action

Search for and add the "Open App" action to your shortcut. This action will allow you to specify which app to open.

Step 4: Selecting the App to Hide

Tap on the "App" field and select the app you want to hide from your home screen. You can choose any app installed on your iPhone.

Step 5: Naming and Saving the Shortcut

Give your shortcut a descriptive name (e.g., "Open Hidden App"). This helps you easily identify it later. Tap "Next" to save the shortcut.

Step 6: Adding the Shortcut to Your Home Screen (Optional)

For easy access, you can add this shortcut to your home screen. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the shortcut's detail screen, and then select "Add to Home Screen". This will create a custom icon for your hidden app.

Step 7: Hiding the Original App Icon (The Crucial Step!)

Now, this is the key! Remove the original app icon from your home screen by long-pressing on the app icon until it wiggles, then tap the "X" to delete it from the home screen. The app remains installed on your phone, accessible only through your newly created shortcut.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Custom Icon: While optional, adding the shortcut to your home screen with a custom icon enhances the illusion of the app being fully removed. You can use a plain icon or a creative one to blend in.
• App Library: Remember, the app remains accessible in the App Library even if removed from your home screen.
• Multiple Apps: Repeat this process for each app you wish to hide.

Conclusion: A Discreet Solution for App Management

Using the Shortcuts app provides a neat and simple way to hide apps on your iPhone, maintaining a clutter-free home screen while retaining access to your applications. By following these steps, you can effectively manage your iPhone's app organization and privacy. Remember to experiment with custom icons to add a personal touch to your hidden apps!