Hey there! Ever feel like your iPad screen is a little too cluttered? Maybe you've got some apps you'd prefer to keep out of sight, whether for privacy or just a cleaner look. Well, you've come to the right place! Hiding apps on your iPad 10th generation is totally doable, and I'm going to walk you through it step-by-step.
Ready to declutter your digital space? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding Your Options for Hiding Apps
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's good to know that there isn't one single "hide" button on your iPad. Instead, we'll be using a few different methods to achieve the goal of making your apps less visible. Think of it like being a digital magician – we'll use a few clever tricks!
1. Leveraging the App Library
The App Library, introduced with iPadOS 14, is a fantastic way to organize your apps and keep your Home Screens tidy. Apps you don't frequently use can live here, out of sight but still easily accessible when you need them.
2. Removing from Home Screen (Not Deleting!)
This is a key distinction! You can remove an app icon from your Home Screen without actually deleting the app from your iPad. The app will then only be accessible through the App Library or by searching.
3. Organizing into Folders (and burying them!)
While not exactly "hiding," placing less frequently used apps into folders and then tucking those folders onto a less prominent Home Screen page can effectively make them less visible.
4. Utilizing Restrictions (Content & Privacy)
For a more robust approach, especially if you want to prevent access to certain built-in apps, you can use the Restrictions settings. This method can actually remove the app icons from your Home Screen.
Step 2: Hiding Apps Using the App Library and Removing from Home Screen
This is the most straightforward method for decluttering your Home Screens.
Sub-step 2.1: Moving Apps to the App Library
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Find the app you want to hide on your Home Screen.
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Tap and hold on the app icon until a menu appears.
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In the menu, select "Remove App."
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A new prompt will appear. Choose "Remove from Home Screen."
- Notice that you're not deleting the app! It's simply being moved to the App Library.
Sub-step 2.2: Accessing Hidden Apps in the App Library
- Swipe all the way to the left past your last Home Screen page.
- You'll arrive at the App Library.
- Here, your apps are automatically organized into categories. You can browse through these folders or use the search bar at the top to quickly find the app you're looking for.
Step 3: Organizing Apps into Folders for Discreet Placement
This method is great for grouping similar apps and making them less immediately visible.
Sub-step 3.1: Creating a Folder
- Tap and hold on an app icon you want to include in a folder.
- Drag that app icon onto another app icon you want in the same folder.
- Your iPad will automatically create a new folder containing both apps.
- You can now release your finger.
Sub-step 3.2: Naming and Organizing Folders
- The folder will have a default name (usually based on the app categories). To rename it, tap and hold on the folder and select "Rename." Type in your desired name (e.g., "Utilities," "Infrequent," etc.).
- You can drag and drop more apps into the folder.
- To make the folder even less noticeable, consider placing it on a secondary or tertiary Home Screen page – swipe left to navigate to other pages.
Step 4: Utilizing Restrictions to Hide Built-in Apps
This method offers more control over the visibility of specific built-in iPad apps.
Sub-step 4.1: Accessing Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on "Screen Time."
- If you haven't set up Screen Time before, you'll be guided through the setup process. If you have, tap on "Content & Privacy Restrictions."
- Toggle the "Content & Privacy Restrictions" switch to "On." You might be asked to set up a Screen Time passcode if you haven't already.
Sub-step 4.2: Hiding Specific Built-in Apps
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Under "Content & Privacy Restrictions," tap on "Allowed Apps."
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You'll see a list of Apple's built-in apps.
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Toggle the switch to "Off" for any app you want to hide.
- For example, if you toggle off "Mail," the Mail app icon will disappear from your Home Screen. It won't be deleted, and you can turn it back on at any time by returning to this setting.
Step 5: Reviewing and Adjusting Your Hidden Apps
Take a moment to look at your Home Screens. Are they cleaner and less cluttered? You can always go back and adjust which apps are hidden or where your folders are placed. Experiment to find the setup that works best for you!
And there you have it! You've successfully explored several ways to hide apps on your iPad 10th generation. Remember, the best method often depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to...
How to find an app I removed from the Home Screen?
Quick Answer: Swipe all the way left to access the App Library, or use the search bar at the top of any Home Screen page (swipe down from the middle of the screen).
How to put an app back on my Home Screen from the App Library?
Quick Answer: In the App Library, tap and hold the app icon, then select "Add to Home Screen."
How to unhide a built-in app I hid using Restrictions?
Quick Answer: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and toggle the switch for the app back to "On."
How to delete an app completely from my iPad?
Quick Answer: Tap and hold the app icon on the Home Screen, select "Remove App," and then choose "Delete App." Confirm your choice in the pop-up.
How to hide notifications from specific apps?
Quick Answer: Go to Settings > Notifications, select the app, and customize the alert style and other notification settings.
How to lock apps with a passcode or Face ID?
Quick Answer: iPadOS doesn't have a built-in feature to lock individual apps. You might need to explore third-party apps that offer this functionality, but be cautious about their privacy policies.
How to organize my apps in the App Library?
Quick Answer: The App Library automatically organizes your apps by category. You cannot manually change this organization.
How to make a folder of hidden apps less obvious?
Quick Answer: Give the folder a generic name like "Utilities" or a single dot (.), and place it on a less frequently viewed Home Screen page.
How to quickly access the App Library?
Quick Answer: Simply swipe left past your last Home Screen page. It's always the last page on the left.
How to know which apps are hidden from my Home Screen?
Quick Answer: Apps not visible on your Home Screens are either in the App Library or hidden through Restrictions (built-in apps only). Check both places to see where your apps are located.
