Deleting an app on iPhone is a simple and straightforward process, but what if the app is hidden? You know it’s installed on your device, but you can’t locate it on any of your home screens or in your App Library. This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re trying to free up storage space or remove unused apps. In this article, we will explore the challenge of deleting hidden apps on an iPhone and provide you with some methods to remove them.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Deleting Hidden Apps on iPhone
There are different reasons why an app may be hidden on your iPhone. For instance, you may have accidentally hidden it, or it could be a pre-installed app that can’t be deleted. In some cases, app developers may also choose to make their apps hidden to minimize clutter on the home screen or protect their app’s content.
Regardless of the reason, deleting a hidden app on iPhone is not as straightforward as uninstalling a regular app. You may have to dig around in your settings or use a third-party app to remove it. In the next section, we will discuss some things you should prepare for before attempting to delete hidden apps on your iPhone.
Things You Should Prepare for
To delete a hidden app on iPhone, you will need to prepare a few things beforehand to ensure that you don’t accidentally delete the wrong app or lose any important data. Here are some of the things you should do before proceeding:
1. Backup your iPhone data: Before you begin deleting any apps, it’s essential to back up all of your iPhone’s data using iCloud or iTunes. This will ensure that you have a copy of your device’s data in case anything goes wrong during the app deletion process.
2. Identify the hidden app: Being able to identify the app that you want to delete is crucial. You can either search for the app using Spotlight Search or check the apps installed on your iPhone from Settings.
3. Ensure that it is safe to delete: Some pre-installed apps cannot be deleted, and attempting to delete them may cause serious issues with your iPhone’s performance. Be sure to research the app you want to delete beforehand and confirm that it can be safely removed.
Now that you’ve prepared for the app deletion process let’s dive into the methods you can use to delete apps that are hidden on your iPhone.
Method 1: Via Settings
The Settings app contains the option to delete hidden apps on your iPhone.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Click on "General" and select "iPhone Storage."
3. Scroll down to find the list of apps installed on your iPhone.
4. Look for the app you want to remove and tap on it.
5. Select "Delete App" and confirm that you want to delete the app.
Pros:
– You can use this method to delete multiple apps at once, which can save time.
– It’s a straightforward and easy-to-follow process.
Cons:
– This method may not work for pre-installed apps or hidden apps that are not displayed in the iPhone Storage list.
Method 2: Via iTunes
Using iTunes on your computer can help you delete hidden apps that are not visible on your iPhone’s home screen.
1. Open iTunes on your computer and connect your iPhone to it.
2. Click on the iPhone icon in the top left corner of the iTunes window.
3. From the menu on the left, click on "Apps."
4. Find the app you want to delete, hover your cursor over it, and click on the "X" that appears.
5. Confirm that you want to delete the app.
Pros:
– This method allows you to permanently delete the app from your iPhone, leaving no residual files or data.
– It’s helpful for those who don’t have access to the hidden app on their iPhone.
Cons:
– It’s a time-consuming process and requires a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed.
Method 3: Via Third-Party App
Using a third-party app, such as PhoneClean or iExplorer, can help you remove hidden apps from your iPhone.
1. Download and install a third-party app that can help you delete hidden apps.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
3. Open the app and select "File Browser" or a similar option.
4. Navigate to the "Applications" folder and find the hidden app.
5. Select the hidden app and click on "Delete."
Pros:
– This method can help you delete hidden apps that cannot be removed through other methods.
– Some third-party apps have additional features that can help you optimize your iPhone’s performance.
Cons:
– It can be risky to use third-party apps, as they may damage your iPhone or result in the loss of important data.
– Some third-party apps require payment or a subscription.
Why Can’t I Delete Hidden Apps on iPhone?
1. The app is a pre-installed app that cannot be deleted.
Fix: If the hidden app is a pre-installed app, you may not be able to delete it. Instead, you can hide the app from your home screen by turning off the "Show App" option in your settings.
2. The hidden app is a system app that cannot be deleted.
Fix: If the app is a system app, you cannot delete it as it is necessary for your iPhone’s overall performance.
3. The hidden app is restricted by parental controls.
Fix: If you have parental controls enabled on your iPhone, the hidden app may be restricted. You can either disable the parent controls or contact the person who set up the restrictions to have them remove the app.
Additional Tips
– Always double-check the name and icon of the app you want to delete to ensure that you don’t accidentally delete the wrong app.
– If you’re not sure if the app can be safely deleted, do some research or reach out to the app developer for assistance.
– Be sure to delete any residual files or data associated with the hidden app to free up more storage space on your iPhone.
5 FAQs about Deleting Hidden Apps on iPhone
Q1: Will deleting hidden apps affect my iPhone’s performance?
A: Deleting hidden apps will not affect your iPhone’s performance unless you delete a system app that is required for your device’s overall performance.
Q2: Can I recover a deleted hidden app?
A: It may be possible to recover a deleted hidden app from your iCloud or iTunes backup. However, if the app was pre-installed or a system app, you may not be able to recover it.
Q3: How can I tell if an app is hidden on my iPhone?
A: You can use Spotlight Search or check the apps list in your iPhone’s settings to see if an app is hidden.
Q4: Why do app developers make their apps hidden?
A: App developers may hide their apps to simplify the home screen or protect their app’s content.
Q5: Can I delete multiple hidden apps at once?
A: To delete multiple hidden apps at once, you will need to use the "Via Settings" method described in this article.
In Conclusion
Deleting hidden apps on an iPhone may seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and methods, it can be a simple process. Always double-check the app you want to delete and keep a backup of your iPhone’s data. Whether you choose to use the "Via Settings" method, iTunes, or a third-party app, be sure to follow the steps carefully and consider the pros and cons of each method to select the one that works best for you.