How to Remove Apps from App Library Without Deleting

Managing apps on an iPhone involves not only organizing your Home Screen but also sorting out what’s in your App Library. With the introduction of iOS 14, Apple provided users the App Library, a space that automatically categorizes apps into folders. Sometimes, however, you might find that your App Library becomes cluttered with apps you do not frequently use. It is beneficial to know how to tidy up this space by removing apps without permanently deleting them from your device.

Apple’s iOS enables users to customize their experience by giving them control over app visibility. If you prefer a minimalist Home Screen or wish to keep certain apps out of sight, the App Library is a convenient feature. Removing an app from the Home Screen does not mean it has to be deleted entirely; it can still be accessible from the App Library. Knowing how to effectively manage your apps can lead to a more organized iPhone and a better user experience.

📱 Understanding the App Library

• The App Library (introduced in iOS 14) automatically organizes all installed apps into categories.
• Unlike the Home Screen, you cannot fully remove an app from the App Library without deleting it — the App Library is designed to hold every installed app.
• However, you can hide apps from your Home Screen, restrict them from appearing in Search or Suggestions, and limit visibility, which makes them effectively “removed” from view without uninstalling.

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🛠 Methods to Hide Apps Without Deleting

1. Remove from Home Screen (Keep in App Library)

1. Long-press the app on your Home Screen.
2. Tap Remove App.
3. Choose Remove from Home Screen (not Delete App).
   • ✅ The app stays in the App Library but disappears from your Home Screen.

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2. Hide Entire Home Screen Pages

1. Long-press on an empty area of your Home Screen until apps jiggle.
2. Tap the dots at the bottom of the screen.
3. Uncheck the page(s) you want to hide.
   • ✅ The apps on those pages will only appear in the App Library.

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3. Hide Apps from Search & Siri Suggestions

1. Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
2. Scroll to the app you want to hide.
3. Toggle off:
   • Show App in Search
   • Show Content in Search
   • Show on Home Screen (under Suggestions)
   • ✅ This prevents the app from showing up in Spotlight search or Siri suggestions.

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4. Use Screen Time Restrictions

1. Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
2. Enable restrictions and go to Allowed Apps.
3. Toggle off the app(s) you want hidden.
   • ✅ The app will disappear from the Home Screen and App Library until restrictions are lifted.

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⚠️ Important Note

You cannot truly remove an app from the App Library without deleting it (source: AEANET). Apple designed the App Library as the central “master list” of all installed apps.
The best workaround is hiding apps using the methods above.

Key Takeaways

• The App Library is a feature that organizes iPhone apps into categories.
• Users can remove apps from the Home Screen without deleting them from the device.
• Proper app management contributes to a streamlined user experience.

Understanding App Management on iOS

Managing apps on an iOS device involves knowing how to organize your App Library, understanding the difference between deleting and offloading, and learning ways to free up space without losing your apps.

The App Library: Organization and Access

The App Library automatically organizes apps into folders. It makes finding and using applications on your iPhone or iPad easier. Users access the App Library by swiping left past the last Home screen. Here, apps are sorted into categories such as Suggestions and Recently Added. You can also use the search bar at the top to find apps quickly.

Differences Between Deleting and Offloading

Deleting apps from your iOS device removes them and their data. Offloading, however, frees up storage space while keeping the app’s data. If you offload an app, you can reinstall it anytime from the App Store. Your data will be restored, allowing you to pick up right where you left off.

How to Free Up Space Without Deleting Apps

iOS provides several options to help manage storage. Users can go to the Settings App and select iPhone Storage to see recommendations for saving space. One helpful feature is to enable ‘Offload Unused Apps’ which automatically offloads apps you don’t use often. This keeps your documents and data on hand in case you want to reinstall the app later. Additionally, storing photos and videos in iCloud can help manage storage on the device itself.