How to Hide Apps on iPhone (iOS 16) Using Parental Controls
Need to keep certain apps off-limits or out of sight on your iPhone? Whether you’re letting someone else borrow your phone or just want to clean up your Home screen, iOS 16 makes it easy to hide apps based on their age rating using built-in parental controls.
Here’s how to do it:
Hide Apps Based on Age Rating in iOS 16
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Screen Time.
- If it’s not already turned on, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the setup prompts.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Toggle Content & Privacy Restrictions to ON.
- Tap Content Restrictions.
- Tap Apps under the “Allowed Store Content” section.
- Choose the age rating that suits your needs:
- 4+
- 9+
- 12+
- 17+
- Or select Don’t Allow Apps to hide all third-party apps.
Apps that exceed the age limit you select will instantly be hidden from your Home screen and app list. You can always go back and change the setting to make them visible again.
🔐 Tip: Set a Screen Time passcode so others can’t undo your changes.
When Should You Use This?
- Letting a child or friend borrow your phone temporarily
- Hiding distracting or sensitive apps
- Tidying up your app drawer without deleting anything