How do I get rid of the hidden app folder in the App Library?

How do I get rid of this hidden app folder in the App Library. It’s so suspicious and unnecessary. I don’t want this on my phone and I feel like apple is encouraging a culture where people lie hide and cheat. Help me remove this.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 11 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 28, 2024 6:37 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 20, 2025 8:40 AM

This folder cannot be removed, but that may change in the future if apple decides to update based on feedback posted via https://feedback.apple.com. Since this is just a community discussion thread, this answer is the most any of us random folk can do for you or others with the same problem. Please do send feedback to apple on the issue. If it becomes a big enough request, they might actually make a change.

151 replies

Mar 8, 2025 7:02 AM in response to zenafromlancaster

zenafromlancaster wrote:

You have confused those calculator type apps that hide data with being able to hide apps. As these users have found out, once the developer quits supporting the app, all there data that they had stored there may be lost. Not something I could recommend or even call more feasible.

Calculator X app no longer available on A… - Apple Community


Since the Hidden Folder is on all devices, it does not announce that you have hidden anything. That is the beauty of it. You may have an argument if it only showed up when you choose to hide something, but that is not the case. You have had a Hidden Folder in your photos app for years and that does not seem to be a problem, but having a hidden folder to hide your Apps is now some how a big deal?

May 14, 2025 6:56 AM in response to Iainwitherington

Iainwitherington wrote:

I want to hide the 'hidden folder' because I want sometimes to hide apps (eg banking apps) when I am out and about and wouldn't want someone to access my phone and know where I keep my money - so lets have a folder thats actually hidden!

Read the thread. You can't hide the folder and no one can get into the hidden app folder other than you, the person who hid apps in the folder, anyway.

May 22, 2025 7:57 AM in response to momzhelp

momzhelp wrote:

Why include a feature that puts vulnerable people at increased risk? Allowing users to rename the folder or delete it should be an option. Additionally, when apps are no longer of interest, we should be allowed to permanently delete them from our account. These two features have made me strongly consider moving from Apple to the Google Pixel or Samsung. I have been an Apple user for 18 years, but perhaps it is time for a change.

How does a folder, which ONLY YOU can access put you at risk? What would put you at risk is letting someone else use your iPhone who knows your passcode. No one else should ever know your passcode. Everyone has the same hidden app folder on iPhone. EVERYONE. And you don't have use it ever. The hysteria over a folder you don't have to use or if you do, only you have access too, is ridiculous. And threatening to go somewhere else doesn't make any difference to anyone here on this user to user only forum. You should always buy whatever you think best meets your needs.


Since you are only commenting to other users on this user to user only forum, which Apple doesn't read for feedback, feel free to tell Apple your thoughts here --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple


Dec 9, 2024 6:12 PM in response to Booboodc

Booboodc wrote:

I don’t have a partner I didn’t choose to hide the apps. This goes against my privacy and my standards of owning an iPhone you do not pay my bills so you should not be able to control my phone figure it out Apple how to remove this hidden app I don’t even know what was in the app other than Snapchat

You do own the phone, but are just licensed to use the software. There was a time when you had to purchase the OS software and then you did actually own it, but that ended long ago, before the iPhone even existed. That is why it is free to download. By default there is nothing in the Hidden folder and if SnapChat was in yours then either you or someone that you authorized to use your phone put it there. Your hidden folder will remain empty if you do not use it, so that is the easy solution. The best option is to send feedback to Apple if you would like to see anything different.


As you have seen, this is not unique to iOS and Android also has a Private Space where hidden apps can be placed.

Dec 9, 2024 7:02 PM in response to Manasseh79

Manasseh79 wrote:

What do you mean, not big on options? Nearly every feature in the iOS can be switched off or on, or changed in some way. I see no reason why they wouldn’t have done it here, like everywhere else. If your having that much difficulty with looking up a setting, a smart phone is probably not for you. I know, I’m a tech myself, so I’m well aware of the difficulties. Makes no sense to not have the option though, that’s like not including the power button, just because people can’t find it.

Not true. You can’t change many things, like remove the App Library, change Photos back to the way it was, likewise for Calculator, likewise for the Calendar app, all features with current long threads of anguish.


There is a very good reason to have Hidden a fixed item. If it was elective, that would be a giveaway that the user had something to hide.


but FACT: it is there and you can’t get rid of it, so why do you persist in arguing about it?

Dec 10, 2024 7:43 PM in response to XNotAvailX

XNotAvailX wrote:

Go into settings and find the photo app and there is an option to turn off.

And I completely read your post wrong. I automatically thought of the photo app lol

What does this have to do with what Layyabayya asked? They wanted to know how to remove the Hidden App Folder, in the App Library and the answer is the folder CANNOT be removed.

Dec 31, 2024 2:26 PM in response to Akay97

Akay97 wrote:

That’s not really a him issue as we are in a. Relationship TOgETHeR so it’s an us issue and I’d like to resolve it as it’s an undertone of turmoil I don’t need and didn’t ask for.
As far as my relationship I didn’t come here for advice on that so if you could please FOCUS on the actual issue or keep on scrolling friend.

No one here can focus on what you want them to focus on. No one here works for Apple. This is a user to user ONLY forum. We don't own iOS. We can't modify iOS. You can't modify iOS. The question has been asked and answered. You CANNOT remove the hidden apps folder. And that should be the end. It simply can't be removed. If it may cause any issue socially for you, that is out of the scope of anything anyone on this forum can help you with.

Jan 29, 2025 2:37 PM in response to Elizajager

Elizajager wrote:

Everyone says the same things, but where do you find an answer for this question?


Seems more likely that you’re unhappy with the answer. Which is fine. This given “no” has been repeated here a few times in the previous five pages of replies.


Accordingly, best log your feedback with Apple. Here is how: Product Feedback - Apple


Aug 1, 2025 10:19 AM in response to Sassenach75

Sassenach75 wrote:

But the hidden photos isn’t on the Home Screen. Is there a way to make the folder go away/ not appear? When i press until my apps wiggle, i can’t delete it. I don’t care if it’s still in the library. I just don’t want the “icon”/ folder on my phone. It’s ugly

I think you're confusing Hidden Photos, with the Hidden Apps folder, which is the subject of this thread. Hidden Photos are contained in the Photos app and requires using your passcode of Face ID to open. They aren't on your home screen. But if someone wants to put their Photos app in the Hidden App Folder, they can certainly do that. The Hidden App folder, however, cannot be removed.

Sep 20, 2025 5:29 AM in response to Rhgrady

Rhgrady wrote:

I don’t like the hidden app folder on my phone at all. I think if people need it they should download it, like you do for app you really want to USE. If you have NO use for it, you should be able to delete it. It’s that simple. Considering how scammers find ways to use apps on your phone to trick seniors, they will eventually find a way to add a hidden app to our phones without our knowledge.


Having that folder does not allow anyone to remotely and surreptitiously add an app to your phone.


The only way that an app can get there is if you put it there, or let someone else have physical possession of your phone. If you let someone else have physical possession of your unlocked phone, of course they could put some app into the hidden folder, but unless it was one that was doing something in the background, that would make it less likely, not more likely, that it would interact with and somehow be able to trick you.

How do I get rid of the hidden app folder in the App Library?

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