how to delete hidden purchased apps on iphone

Many iPhone users notice that some of their purchased apps seem to be missing or hidden from their home screen. Hidden purchased apps are apps that you have previously bought or downloaded but are not currently visible in your app library or home screen. These apps might be hidden intentionally or automatically by the system due to certain settings.

It is important to understand why these apps might be hidden. Sometimes, users hide apps to declutter their home screens or prevent accidental opening. Other times, apps may be hidden after updates or if parental controls are enabled. Knowing how to identify these apps helps ensure you’re aware of all your purchases and can reinstall or access them easily.

To check if you have hidden purchased apps on your iPhone, you can use the App Store or Settings. Here are some steps to help you identify and recover hidden apps:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone. Find the Purchased section by tapping your profile icon in the upper right corner and selecting Purchased.
2. View your purchased apps. You will see a list of all apps you’ve bought with this Apple ID. If you see an app listed here but it’s not on your home screen, it may be hidden.
3. Check Hidden Purchases. To reveal hidden apps, scroll down and tap View Account. Enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID if prompted.
4. Tap on Hidden Purchases. Here, you will see apps you’ve hidden intentionally. To unhide an app, select it and tap the Unhide option.
5. Reinstall hidden apps. If an app isn’t showing up, simply tap the cloud icon next to it to re-download and restore it on your device.
6. Check Restrictions. Sometimes, app hiding is due to Screen Time restrictions. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Make sure that app restrictions are turned off or set appropriately.

Remember, hidden apps are not deleted, just concealed from the visible app list. You can always retrieve these apps using the steps above. This way, you maintain control over your app library and ensure you’re aware of all your purchases, even if they are hidden from immediate view.

How to Reveal Hidden Apps on Your iPhone

If you have hidden apps on your iPhone, you might not see them on your home screen. Sometimes, apps are hidden intentionally or accidentally, making them hard to find. Fortunately, there are simple ways to unhide and view these apps, whether through your iOS settings or the App Store.

1. Check the App Library
   Begin by swiping left on your home screen until you reach the App Library. Here, all your apps are automatically organized. Scroll through the categories or use the search bar at the top to quickly find your hidden app. If you find the app here, it is not truly deleted or hidden, just moved off the main screens.
2. Use Search to Find Hidden Apps
   On your home screen, swipe down from the middle to open the Search bar. Type the name of the app you want to find. If the app appears in the results, tap it to open. If it does not show up, it might be hidden in a different page or in the App Library, so proceed to the next steps.
3. Unhide Apps from the Home Screen
   If an app is hidden from the home screens via folders or screen management, you can unhide it by adjusting your settings. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Enter your passcode if prompted. Then, tap on Allowed Apps. Make sure the toggle next to the app is turned on, so it is visible on your home screens.
4. Check for Hidden Purchases in the App Store
   Sometimes apps are hidden from your purchase history. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon at the top right, then select Purchased. Tap My Purchases to see all paid and free apps tied to your Apple ID. If you see the app here but not on your home screen, try reinstalling or un-hiding it.
5. Reinstall Hidden Apps
   If you suspect the app is deleted or hidden, revisit the App Store. Search for the app’s name. If a cloud icon appears next to it, tap to download and reinstall it. After installation, check your home screen or App Library for the app’s appearance.

By following these steps, you can easily uncover hidden apps on your iPhone. Remember to check the App Library and your purchase history first, as these are common places where apps might be hidden or stored. Keeping your apps organized ensures you can access everything quickly and prevent accidental hiding in the future.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Hidden Apps

Sometimes, you might notice apps on your iPhone that you cannot see or find easily. These could be hidden purchased apps that clutter your device or take up storage space. Deleting hidden apps ensures your iPhone stays organized and runs smoothly. This guide will walk you through the process of identifying and removing these hidden apps step by step.

1. Open the App Store. On your iPhone, locate and tap the App Store icon. This is where you manage your app purchases and downloads.
2. Access your account. Tap on your profile picture or the avatar icon at the top right corner of the screen. This opens your account settings.
3. Go to Purchased. In the account menu, select Purchased. If prompted, sign in with your Apple ID credentials.
4. Find the apps. You’ll see a list of all your purchased apps. Tap on My Purchases if you see the option. Use the search bar to quickly locate specific apps if needed.
5. Identify hidden apps. If an app is not visible, scroll to the bottom of the list and tap on Hidden Purchases. Here, you’ll see apps that you’ve hidden from the main purchase list.
6. Unhide apps. To delete an app completely, you first need to unhide it. Tap the Unhide button next to the app you want to remove. This will move it back to your main purchased list.
7. Delete the apps. Exit the Purchased menu and go to your home screen. Find the app icon, press and hold it until a menu appears or the icons start wiggling.
8. Remove the app. Tap the Delete App option or tap the small “x” on the app icon. Confirm the deletion when prompted. The app will now be removed from your device.

Remember, deleting an app also deletes its data unless you use cloud backups or iCloud. If you plan to reinstall the app later, consider backing up important data first. This process works for apps purchased through Apple and hidden from view. If you cannot find a hidden app or face issues, restarting your iPhone can sometimes resolve the problem. By following these steps, you can effectively locate and delete hidden purchased apps, keeping your iPhone clean and optimized.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Removing Hidden Apps

Removing hidden apps can sometimes be challenging, especially if they do not appear in your usual app list or refuse to delete. Facing issues like apps reappearing after deletion or being unable to find them requires specific troubleshooting steps. This guide helps you identify and fix common problems encountered during the removal process of hidden apps effectively.

1. Identify the Hidden App: First, ensure you are correctly locating the app. Hidden apps might not show up on the home screen or in your app drawer. Use dedicated device settings or third-party app manager tools to scan for installed apps.
2. Check for Device Restrictions or Parental Controls: Sometimes, restrictions prevent app deletion. Navigate to your device’s settings, go to “Screen Time” or “Restrictions,” and verify if any limits are active that could block app removal.
3. Force Stop and Uninstall: If an app refuses to delete, try force stopping it first. Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name], then tap “Force Stop.” Afterward, tap “Uninstall.” If the option is disabled, proceed with the next step.
4. Reset App Preferences: Sometimes, resetting your app preferences restores default behaviors, making hidden apps more accessible. Go to Settings > Apps > Menu (three dots) > Reset App Preferences. Confirm and then try deleting the app again.
5. Use Safe Mode to Remove Apps: Restart your device in safe mode to disable third-party apps that might be interfering. Press and hold the power button, then tap and hold “Power Off” until “Reboot to Safe Mode” appears. Confirm and then attempt to delete the hidden app.
6. Install Special Uninstaller Apps: If built-in options aren’t enough, download trusted app removal tools like “AppCleaner” or “Third-Party Uninstaller” from your app store. These can detect and remove stubborn hidden apps.
7. Check for Device Management or Admin Access: Some apps have administrator rights, preventing their removal. Go to Settings > Security > Device Administrators. If the app is listed, disable its admin privileges before uninstalling.
8. Update Your Device Software: Keeping your device updated ensures you have the latest bug fixes and security patches, which can resolve app removal issues. Check for updates in Settings > Software Update.
9. Perform Factory Reset as a Last Resort: If all else fails, and the hidden app persists, consider backing up your data and performing a factory reset. This fully restores your device to original settings, removing all apps.

Remember, avoid deleting apps that are crucial for your device’s functioning, like system apps or security tools, unless you are sure they are safe to remove. Taking these troubleshooting steps can help you effectively remove hidden or stubborn apps and keep your device clean and secure.

Keep your device secure by performing regular checks for hidden apps and managing restrictions carefully. This will help protect your privacy and ensure your device functions as intended.