If you’re trying to delete a “hidden app” on iPhone, there are two very different situations:
- The app is actually hidden (moved into the Hidden folder in App Library).
- The app isn’t hidden – it’s just not on your Home Screen anymore (but it’s still installed).
Once you know which one you’re dealing with, deleting it is quick.
Key takeaways
- If you used iPhone’s Hide App feature, the app is moved to the Hidden folder at the bottom of App Library.
- You can delete apps from iPhone in multiple ways — from the Home Screen/App Library or from Settings.
- If you can’t delete an app, Screen Time restrictions can be the reason (deletion can be blocked).
The fastest way (quick checklist)
If you want the “do this now” version:
- Open App Library → scroll to the bottom → open Hidden
- Authenticate (Face ID/Touch ID/passcode)
- Press and hold the hidden app → Delete App
- If you don’t see “Delete App,” use Settings → Apps (or check Screen Time restrictions)
Now here’s the full breakdown.
1) First: confirm where the app is hiding
If it’s in the Hidden folder
Apple explains that hiding an app locks it and moves it to the Hidden folder at the bottom of App Library.
“Hiding an app… disappears from your Home Screen and moves to the Hidden folder at the bottom of App Library.”
If it’s not on your Home Screen
Then it’s likely just living in App Library like normal (not truly “hidden”).
2) Delete apps from the Hidden folder (the “real hidden apps” case)
- Swipe to App Library
- Scroll all the way down to Hidden
- Tap it and authenticate
- Press and hold the app icon
- Tap Delete App (then confirm)
This removes the app from your iPhone like any normal delete.
Note: Hidden/locked status is device-only (it doesn’t sync via iCloud), which matters if you’re trying to “clean” multiple devices.
3) Delete apps from App Library (when the app isn’t on your Home Screen)
Even if an app isn’t visible on your Home Screen, Apple confirms you can still remove/delete apps from iPhone.
Use either approach:
- Find the app in App Library → press and hold → Delete App, or
- Use the Settings method below (more reliable when the icon is hard to locate)
4) Delete apps from Settings (best when you can’t find the icon)
If the app is installed but you can’t easily locate it (especially common with “hidden-ish” apps), go straight to Apple’s “source of truth” list in Settings:
Apple’s iPhone guide covers removing/deleting apps and notes there are cases where removing built-in apps affects related data or functionality.
Path can vary slightly by iOS version, but generally:
- Settings → Apps (or Settings → General → iPhone Storage)
- Select the app
- Tap Delete App
(Also useful for storage cleanup.)
5) If you can’t delete apps on iPhone, check Screen Time restrictions
Sometimes the option to delete is missing because deletion is blocked.
Apple’s Screen Time documentation explains you can block apps and set restrictions through Content & Privacy Restrictions, including controls over apps and device features.
What to check:
- Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Look for restrictions that affect deleting apps (common on kids’ phones / managed devices)
If Screen Time is managed by a parent/guardian or device management, you may not be able to change it.
6) Bonus: “Hidden purchases” in the App Store are different
This is important because people mix these up:
- Hidden apps (iPhone feature): Hidden folder in App Library (still installed unless you delete it)
- Hidden purchases (App Store): hides an app from your purchase list — it doesn’t automatically uninstall it
Apple’s App Store guide explains how to hide purchases and notes you must unhide them before redownloading.
So if your goal is privacy in purchase history, handle that separately.
Related Articles:
- How to Find Hidden Apps on iPhone
- How to Add Apps to CarPlay
- How to Find, Hide, and Delete Apps on iPhone & Android
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FAQs
Why can’t I find the “Delete App” option?
Common reasons:
- Screen Time restrictions are blocking deletion
- The app is built-in / system-related and may have limitations (Apple notes removing built-in apps can affect system functionality)
Where are hidden apps stored on iPhone?
If you used “Hide App,” Apple says they move to the Hidden folder at the bottom of App Library.
Does hiding an app remove it from the App Store purchase list?
Not automatically. App Store “hidden purchases” is a separate setting.
