Unhide Apps on Your Smartphone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Smartphones offer the ability to hide apps for privacy or decluttering your home screen. If you’ve hidden an app and want to bring it back, follow these detailed steps, tailored for both Android and iOS devices.

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For Android Devices

Using the App Drawer (Common Method)

1. Open the App Drawer:

   • Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen or tap the app drawer icon (usually a white circle with dots) to view all apps.

2. Access Hidden Apps:

   • Tap on the three dots or the gear icon located at the corner of the app drawer screen.
   • Select “Home screen settings” or "Hide apps."

3. Unhide Apps:

   • You’ll see a list of hidden apps. Deselect the checkboxes for the apps you want to unhide.
   • Confirm or save your changes.

Using Specific Manufacturer Settings

Samsung Devices

1. Open Settings:

   • Go to Settings > Home Screen.

2. Access Hidden Apps:

   • Scroll down and tap on Hide apps.

3. Unhide Apps:

   • Deselect the apps you want to make visible, then tap Apply.

OnePlus Devices

1. Open the App Drawer:

   • Swipe up to open the app drawer.

2. Access Hidden Space:

   • Swipe right or use the fingerprint scanner to access the Hidden Space.

3. Unhide Apps:

   • Long press the app you want to unhide and select Unhide.

Using Third-Party Launchers

1. Open Your Launcher Settings:

   • Access the launcher’s settings by long-pressing on the home screen and selecting Settings.

2. Find Hidden Apps:

   • Look for options like Hidden Apps or App Drawer.

3. Unhide Apps:

   • Follow the specific steps to deselect or show hidden apps.

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For iOS Devices

Using Screen Time Settings

1. Open Settings:

   • Go to Settings > Screen Time.

2. Access Content & Privacy Restrictions:

   • Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your passcode if prompted.

3. Unhide Apps:

   • Tap on Allowed Apps or Content Restrictions.
   • Toggle the app switches to on for any hidden apps.

Using the Home Screen

1. Find the App in the App Library:

   • Swipe left until you reach the App Library.

2. Search for Hidden Apps:

   • Use the search bar to find the app you want to unhide.
   • Drag the app back to your home screen.

Resetting Home Screen Layout

1. Open Settings:

   • Go to Settings > General.

2. Reset Home Screen Layout:

   • Scroll down and tap on Reset and then Reset Home Screen Layout.
   • This will return your home screen to the default layout, revealing all apps.

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Conclusion

Unhiding apps on your smartphone involves navigating different menus depending on your device’s brand and operating system version. Whether using Android or iOS, these steps should help make your hidden apps visible again. Customize your approach based on the make and model of your device for the best results.