Hide Built-In iOS Apps - iOS 9 and Earlier
Removing Built-in Apps on Older iOS Versions
A common frustration for iPhone and iPad users has been the lack of an option to conceal pre-installed applications such as Tips, Stocks, and News. While iOS 10 addressed this issue, users operating on iOS 9 or earlier versions still require alternative solutions.
Workarounds for iOS 9 and Earlier
For those with devices running older software, several methods can be employed to effectively manage these unwanted built-in apps. This guide focuses specifically on techniques applicable to users who haven't yet updated to iOS 10 or later.
It's important to note that a direct removal of these applications isn't possible without jailbreaking your device. However, you can minimize their visibility and accessibility.
Hiding Apps on iOS 10 and Later
If your device is updated to the latest software, including iOS 10 or a subsequent version, a native feature allows for app concealment. This article is designed for users who are unable to utilize this built-in functionality due to older operating systems.
The following techniques offer viable alternatives for managing built-in apps on older iOS versions, providing a cleaner and more personalized home screen experience.
Related: Discover how to remove Apple’s built-in apps from your iOS home screen.
A Simple Method: Creating a Dedicated Folder for Unused Apps
Many experienced iPhone users choose to conceal pre-installed applications they don't utilize by placing them within a dedicated folder. This is easily achieved by creating a new folder and then adding all unwanted apps to it.
Consequently, these infrequently used applications will occupy the space of a single icon on your home screen, rather than potentially consuming an entire screen’s worth of space.
To begin, simply press and hold any app icon located on your home screen. This action will activate "edit mode," typically used for uninstalling apps by tapping an 'x' symbol. However, note that this 'x' will not appear on Apple’s default, pre-installed applications.
A folder is created by dragging one app icon onto another. This combines the two apps into a single folder. Additional app icons can be added by dragging them onto the folder itself.
Tapping the newly created folder allows you to assign a name, such as "Extras," "Apple," "Junk," or any other designation you prefer. Once completed, press the Home button to exit edit mode.
Fortunately, Apple now permits the Newsstand app to be organized into a folder. Earlier iOS versions required this app to remain visible on the home screen.
Folders also boast increased capacity; they can accommodate up to fifteen pages, each holding nine icons, allowing for a maximum of 135 apps within a single folder.
This folder can also be positioned out of sight. While in edit mode, press and hold the folder and then drag it to the right, onto another home screen. This allows you to keep frequently used apps on the primary screen while concealing the folder containing less-used applications on a subsequent screen.
It’s important to remember that these apps will still consume storage space on your iPhone or iPad. Complete removal requires jailbreaking the device.
If you are concealing an app, such as Mail, due to infrequent use, it’s also advisable to navigate to Settings and disable automatic email downloads or background activity. This conserves battery life and reduces mobile data consumption.
For even greater concealment, you can nest folders within other folders in iOS 9. Begin by moving a folder to the top row of your home screen.
Next, create a second folder containing the apps you wish to hide. While holding the second folder, repeatedly tap the empty space between the top folder and the menu bar with your other finger. Eventually, the hidden apps folder will be inserted into the top folder.
This creates a folder within a folder, providing an extra layer of concealment for those applications you rarely want to see.
A Comprehensive Method: Concealing Icons via a Configuration Profile
Related: Techniques for Removing Default Apple Applications from Your iOS Home Screen
An alternative approach exists, enabling the complete removal of icons from your home screen. This, however, necessitates configuring your iPhone or iPad as a "supervised" device and crafting a configuration profile utilizing Apple Configurator. A Mac computer is essential for this process, as contemporary iterations of Apple Configurator are exclusively compatible with OS X.
Be aware that your device will undergo a complete wipe during the "supervision" process, requiring a fresh setup afterward. This method is primarily designed for larger organizations, not typical iPhone and iPad users, explaining the absence of a straightforward Settings screen for this configuration.
Consequently, this technique may not be suitable for the majority of individuals. Nevertheless, should complete icon removal be a priority, the following steps outline the procedure.
Step One: Generating a Configuration Profile
Initially, a custom configuration profile must be created. Access the Mac App Store on your Mac, search for "Apple Configurator," and proceed with the installation of the free application.
Launch Apple Configurator and navigate to File > New Profile. Within the General screen, input a descriptive name to aid in profile identification. For instance, "Hide Apps" would be a suitable designation. Customization of other information is optional.
Select the "Restrictions" category under General, then click "Configure," and subsequently the "Apps" tab.
Under "Restrict App Usage (supervised only)," choose "Do not allow some apps" from the drop-down menu. Click the "+" button to access a search function for adding apps you wish to block. Type the name of the desired app and select it from the displayed list.
As an example, to block the "Tips" app, search for "Tips" and select the corresponding "System App." Note that "Store Apps" allows blocking installations from the Apple App Store.
Repeat this process for each app you intend to hide. Once completed, select "File" and then "Save" to store your configuration profile.
Step Two: Supervising Your Device and Installing the Profile
Related: Essential Information Regarding iPhone and iPad Backups
Important Note: This procedure will erase all data from your iPhone or iPad. Creating a manual backup beforehand is strongly recommended.
Prior to wiping your device, disable the "Find My iPhone" or "Find My iPad" feature located under Settings > iCloud. Failure to do so will result in an error message during the process.
Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using the provided cable and launch Apple Configurator. Double-click the connected device on the main screen, then click the "Prepare" button to begin.
Proceed through the configuration process, selecting "Manual" configuration and "Do not enroll in MDM" on the initial screens. These options are geared towards larger organizations and are unnecessary for individual device configuration.
On the Supervise Devices screen, ensure the "Supervise devices" checkbox is activated. Leaving the "Allow devices to pair with other computers" option enabled will maintain pairing functionality.
Continue through the wizard, utilizing the default settings and generating a new supervision identity. The device will then be prepared, wiped, and reconfigured as a "supervised" device.
Upon completion, install the configuration profile. Double-click the device in Apple Configurator, click "Profiles," then "Add," and select the previously saved configuration profile file.
Adding the profile to an unsupervised device will have no effect; supervision is required for this setting to function.
Successfully completing these steps will result in the complete removal of selected apps from your iPhone or iPad's home screen. On iOS 9.3, a lock screen message will indicate the device is supervised by the organization name specified during setup. However, no further monitoring or restrictions will be applied unless additional configuration profiles are implemented.
Jailbreaking iPhones and iPads: An Alternative Approach
It's important to acknowledge a third possibility: the process of jailbreaking. We generally advise against jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad unless you possess a strong technical understanding and have a specific desire to customize your device beyond Apple’s intended limitations.
Significant trade-offs accompany jailbreaking, notably delayed access to software updates. New iOS releases frequently patch vulnerabilities used for jailbreaking, potentially requiring a considerable wait before you can upgrade without losing your customizations.
Removing Apple's Pre-Installed Apps
Jailbreaking represents the sole method for the complete removal of applications included by Apple. If your device is already jailbroken, you can proceed with removing these apps.
However, initiating jailbreaking solely to eliminate an app, such as the Apple Watch app, is generally not advisable. A more practical solution is to organize unwanted applications into a dedicated folder and continue using your device normally.
Consider the potential risks and inconveniences before jailbreaking. Maintaining a functional and secure device often outweighs the benefits of extensive customization.