How to Hide App Icon Labels in iOS 18

Apple’s iOS 18 introduces the ability to hide app icon text labels on the iPhone Home Screen, allowing users to achieve a minimalist, clutter-free design. This customization feature works natively by increasing the overall size of the app icons, which automatically removes the text labels underneath them across all Home Screen pages and the dock.

How to Hide App Labels on iOS 18

To remove the text labels from your Home Screen icons, follow these steps:

  1. Enter Edit Mode: Press and hold an empty space on your Home Screen until the icons begin to jiggle.
  2. Open the Customization Menu: Tap the Edit button in the upper-left corner of the screen.
  3. Select Customize: From the drop-down menu, tap Customize to open the Home Screen styling sheet at the bottom of the display.
  4. Choose Large Icons: In the customization panel, tap the Large option (represented by the larger app icon symbol).
  5. Save Changes: Tap anywhere on the empty space above the panel to close the menu and exit edit mode.

How the Feature Works

When you switch to the "Large" icon setting, iOS 18 enlarges every app icon and folder on your Home Screen. Because the icons now occupy more vertical space within the grid, iOS automatically hides all text labels to prevent visual overlap.

This change applies universally across your Home Screen, including:

  • First-party and third-party app icons
  • Folders (folder names are hidden on the Home Screen, but remain visible when opened)
  • Widgets (widget titles are removed for a cleaner appearance)

Current Limitations

Currently, iOS 18 does not provide an independent toggle to hide text labels while keeping icons at their standard "Small" size. If you want the text labels hidden using native settings, you must use the "Large" icon layout. Switching back to "Small" icons will instantly restore the text labels beneath all apps and folders.