Reinstalling a hidden app still keeps the app hidden (iOS 18+)

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brekk2 Author

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Reinstalling a hidden app still keeps the app hidden (iOS 18+)

Hi, Could you please help me clarify if this is a feature (and done on purpose) or may be a bug?

The behavior i see is the following:

* i hide an app with iOS 18+ by long tap -> reqiure FaceID

* i see the app in the hidden folder

* i delete the app

* i install the app directly from the store again

-> the app is still hidden

Looks like a "security" feature but as a user, i am also a bit annoyed by this. :)

Could someone confirm this please? Thanks for the help in advance.

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 18

Posted on Feb 13, 2025 8:02 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

lobsterghost1

Community+ 2026

Level 10

212,348 points

Feb 13, 2025 8:04 AM in response to brekk2

That's right. See the directions in this link to unlock the hidden app and it will no longer be in the Hidden App Folder --> Lock or hide an app on iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Feb 13, 2025 8:17 AM in response to brekk2

It's not a bug, because when you remove an app, it remains in your iCloud purchase history and can be restored at any time you want.

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Answer 3

Feb 13, 2025 8:32 AM in response to brekk2

Yes, if both devices are on the same Apple Account.

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Answer 4

brekk2 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2025 1:26 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Wait, i just found this: Lock or hide an app on iPhone - Apple Support (IL)

where it is mentioned that hiding an app works only on the given device. Now, i'll need to try :)

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Answer 5

brekk2 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2025 8:29 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Apologies, I'm being silly here, but would that also imply that if i had 2 iOS devices (both with OS 18.x) then when i install the same app on another device it also becomes hidden there?

I would have thought this has more to do with maybe a "status of the app" stored on the device somewhere.

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Answer 6

brekk2 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2025 8:15 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Thank you for your prompt reply. Thanks,I know how to unhide the app :) I just really wondered if it was a feature or a bug that the "hidden" status was kept even after the app was removed.

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Answer 7

brekk2 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2025 8:40 AM in response to lobsterghost1

interesting. thanks for the insight.

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Answer 8

Feb 13, 2025 8:49 AM in response to brekk2

You're welcome.

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Reinstalling a hidden app still keeps the app hidden (iOS 18+)

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