Where to Find Hidden Apps in iOS 18 on iPhone

Apple's iOS 18 introduces a dedicated privacy feature that allows users to lock and hide individual applications behind biometric authentication. When an app is hidden, it is completely removed from the Home Screen, search results, and notifications, and relocated to a secure, locked folder in the App Library. This guide explains exactly where to locate this folder and how to access your hidden apps.

The Location: App Library's "Hidden" Folder

In iOS 18, all hidden applications are stored in a single place: the Hidden folder located at the very bottom of the App Library.

To navigate to this folder:

  1. Unlock your iPhone and swipe left past all of your Home Screen pages until you reach the App Library.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the App Library categories.
  3. Locate the folder labeled Hidden, which displays a crossed-out eye icon.

How to Access the Hidden Folder

Because the folder is protected by system security, its contents remain completely invisible until authenticated:

  1. Tap on the Hidden folder.
  2. Confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
  3. Once authenticated, the folder will expand, displaying all the apps you have chosen to hide.

What Happens When an App Is Hidden

When an application is moved to the Hidden folder:

  • It will not appear in Spotlight Search or Siri Suggestions.
  • Notifications and incoming call alerts from the app are silenced and hidden.
  • The app is removed from standard App Library categories and Home Screen pages.
  • It will not appear in the Battery or Storage usage lists without authentication.

How to Unhide an App

If you want to restore an app to your standard interface:

  1. Open the Hidden folder and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
  2. Long-press the icon of the app you want to restore.
  3. Select Don't Require Face ID.
  4. Authenticate once more. The app will return to its standard location in the App Library, and you can drag it back to your Home Screen.