Hiding apps on your device can be a useful way to declutter your home screen and keep certain applications private. However, there may come a time when you need to unhide these apps and have them visible again. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step process on how to unhide apps on various devices, including iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as desktop operating systems like Windows and macOS.
Unhiding Apps on iOS Devices

Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, offer a straightforward way to manage hidden apps. Here’s how you can unhide them:
Step 1: Access the Hidden Apps Folder
To begin, locate the Hidden Apps folder on your iOS device. If you haven’t hidden any apps yet, you won’t see this folder. Here’s how to find it:
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Under General, select Apps & Data.
- You should now see the Hidden Apps folder. Tap on it to proceed.
Step 2: Unhide the App
Once you’ve accessed the Hidden Apps folder, you can follow these steps to unhide an app:
- Locate the app you want to unhide in the Hidden Apps folder.
- Tap and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle.
- In the top-left corner of the app icon, you'll see an Unhide option. Tap on it.
- The app will now be unhidden and will appear on your home screen.
Step 3: Reorganize Your Home Screen (Optional)
After unhiding the app, you might want to reorganize your home screen to your liking. Here’s how:
- Tap and hold an app icon until it starts to jiggle.
- Drag and drop the app to its desired location on the home screen.
- Once you're satisfied with the arrangement, tap the Home button to exit editing mode.
Unhiding Apps on Android Devices

Android devices offer a similar feature to hide and unhide apps. Here’s a guide on how to unhide apps on your Android smartphone or tablet:
Step 1: Access the Hidden Apps Folder
To begin, you’ll need to locate the Hidden Apps folder on your Android device. Here’s how:
- Open the App Drawer on your Android device.
- Look for the Hidden Apps folder. If you haven't hidden any apps, it won't be visible.
- Tap on the Hidden Apps folder to proceed.
Step 2: Unhide the App
Once you’re in the Hidden Apps folder, follow these steps to unhide an app:
- Locate the app you want to unhide.
- Long-press the app icon until a pop-up menu appears.
- In the pop-up menu, select the Unhide option.
- The app will now be visible in your App Drawer and on your home screen.
Step 3: Reorganize Your Home Screen (Optional)
After unhiding the app, you can rearrange your home screen to your preference. Here’s a quick guide:
- Long-press an app icon on your home screen.
- Drag and drop the app to its desired location.
- Release the app icon, and it will be placed in the new position.
Unhiding Apps on Windows

Windows operating systems provide a way to hide and unhide apps and programs. Here’s how you can unhide them on your Windows device:
Step 1: Access the Hidden Apps or Programs
To begin, you’ll need to locate the hidden apps or programs on your Windows device. Here’s how:
- Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Scroll through the list of apps and look for any apps with a Hidden tag.
- If you can't find the app, you can also use the Search function in the Start menu to look for it.
Step 2: Unhide the App or Program
Once you’ve located the hidden app or program, follow these steps to unhide it:
- Right-click on the app or program icon and select Properties from the context menu.
- In the Properties window, navigate to the Compatibility tab.
- Under Compatibility mode, uncheck the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for.
- Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
- The app or program will now be visible in your Start menu and on your taskbar.
Step 3: Reorganize Your Start Menu (Optional)
After unhiding the app or program, you might want to reorganize your Start menu to your liking. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings window, navigate to the Personalization section.
- Click on Start and then Choose which folders appear on Start.
- Select the folders you want to appear on your Start menu and click OK.
Unhiding Apps on macOS

macOS provides a way to hide and unhide apps and programs as well. Here’s a guide on how to unhide them on your Mac:
Step 1: Access the Hidden Apps or Programs
To begin, you’ll need to locate the hidden apps or programs on your Mac. Here’s how:
- Open the Finder by clicking on the Finder icon in the Dock.
- Click on Go in the menu bar and select Go to Folder...
- In the Go to Folder dialog box, enter /Library/Hidden and click Go.
- This will open the Hidden folder, where you can find hidden apps or programs.
Step 2: Unhide the App or Program
Once you’ve located the hidden app or program, follow these steps to unhide it:
- Right-click on the app or program icon and select Show Original from the context menu.
- This will reveal the original location of the app or program.
- Move the app or program to a visible location, such as your Applications folder.
- The app or program will now be visible in your Dock and on your desktop.
Step 3: Reorganize Your Dock (Optional)
After unhiding the app or program, you might want to reorganize your Dock to your preference. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the Dock and select Dock Preferences from the context menu.
- In the Dock Preferences window, you can adjust the position and size of the Dock, as well as the magnification and animation effects.
- Click OK to save your changes.
What happens if I unhide an app but can’t find it on my home screen?
+If you unhide an app but can’t find it on your home screen, it’s likely that the app is still hidden within a folder or the App Drawer. Try searching for the app’s name using the search function on your home screen or in the App Drawer. If you still can’t find it, you may need to manually add the app to your home screen by long-pressing and dragging it from the App Drawer.
Can I unhide multiple apps at once?
+On iOS devices, you can unhide multiple apps at once by following the same steps as unhiding a single app. Simply tap and hold an app icon in the Hidden Apps folder until it starts to jiggle, then tap the Unhide option. Repeat this process for each app you want to unhide. On Android devices, you may need to unhide apps one by one, as the process may vary depending on the device and launcher.
Are there any security risks associated with unhiding apps?
+Generally, there are no significant security risks associated with unhiding apps. However, it’s important to be cautious when downloading and installing apps from unknown sources. Always ensure that you download apps from trusted sources, such as the App Store or Google Play Store, to minimize the risk of malware or security breaches.