Finding your favorite apps suddenly missing from your iPhone's home screen can be frustrating. But don't worry – it's likely you've accidentally hidden them, and getting them back is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to unhide apps on your iPhone, regardless of whether you're using iOS 16 or an earlier version.
How to Unhide Apps from the App Library
The most common way to "lose" apps is by moving them to the App Library. The App Library is a centralized location for all your apps, organized automatically by category. If you've accidentally moved apps there, here's how to bring them back to your home screens:
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Locate the App Library: Swipe right to the furthest right page of your home screen. This will open the App Library.
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Find the App: You can search for the app using the search bar at the top of the App Library or browse through the categories.
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Unhide the App: Once you've located the hidden app, simply tap and hold the app icon. After a moment, the app icon will start to wiggle slightly, indicating that you're in editing mode.
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Add the App to the Home Screen: You can now drag the app icon to a home screen of your choice. When you release it, the app will be added back to your home screen.
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Organize (Optional): Once you've unhidden your apps, take the opportunity to rearrange your apps on your home screen to personalize your iPhone layout.
What if I Can't Find the App in the App Library?
If you've checked the App Library thoroughly and still can't find the app, consider these possibilities:
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App Deletion: You might have accidentally deleted the app. If so, you'll need to reinstall it from the App Store. Search for the app name in the App Store and tap the cloud icon to download it again.
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Software Glitch: In rare cases, a software glitch can cause apps to disappear. Try restarting your iPhone. A simple restart often resolves temporary software issues. If the problem persists, consider backing up your data and restoring your iPhone to factory settings as a last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I prevent accidentally hiding apps again?
While there isn't a setting to directly prevent accidental hiding, being mindful of your actions while interacting with the apps and avoiding prolonged presses on app icons when not intending to move them greatly reduces the chance of this happening again. Try to be deliberate in your movements when managing apps on your home screen.
Can I hide apps again if I change my mind?
Yes! You can repeat the process above, but instead of dragging the app to the home screen, you'll simply remove it from your home screen, returning it to the App Library. It is not deleted, only removed from immediate view on your home screens.
What if I accidentally deleted an app and didn't back it up?
If you've accidentally deleted an app and didn't back up your data, unfortunately, you'll need to redownload it from the App Store. If you had purchased the app, it should be available for free download again.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily unhide any apps that have gone missing from your iPhone. Remember to be mindful of your actions when rearranging apps to avoid future accidental hiding.
