---
title: "What Is Hidden folder on iPhone? Meaning and Settings"
description: "The Hidden folder is the locked folder at the bottom of iPhone App Library where apps go when you use Hide and Require Face ID. Only App Store apps can go in."
url: https://www.vaultforyou.app/en-gb/glossary/hidden-folder
lang: en-gb
published: 2026-10-31
updated: 2026-10-31
author: "VaultForYou Editorial Team"
publisher: VaultForYou
---

# What is Hidden folder?

Published 2026-10-31 - Updated 2026-10-31 - By VaultForYou Editorial Team - Checked against iOS 27 - 31 Oct 2026

## Quick answer

The Hidden folder is a locked folder at the bottom of App Library that holds apps you hid with Hide and Require Face ID (iOS 18 and later). It opens only with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode, and only App Store apps can be put in it.

- **Since:** iOS 18.
- **Opens with:** Face ID, Touch ID or your iPhone passcode.
- **Can't hold:** Built-in apps, your default browser, EU app marketplaces.
- **Syncs?:** No. Hidden status stays on that iPhone.

To put an app in the Hidden folder, touch and hold it, tap **Require Face ID**, tap **Hide and Require Face ID**, authenticate, then tap **Hide App**. The app leaves your Home Screen, App Library and search results, and is also locked.

The folder itself stays visible at the bottom of App Library, and hidden app names can still appear in **Settings -> Apps -> Hidden Apps**, **Settings -> Screen Time**, the Battery list and your App Store purchase history. Anyone who knows your iPhone passcode can open it.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can anyone see the Hidden folder on my iPhone?

They can see that it exists, because it sits at the bottom of App Library, but they need your Face ID, Touch ID or passcode to open it. Hidden app names can still appear in Screen Time, the Battery list and your App Store purchase history.

### Why can't I add an app to the Hidden folder?

Apple only lets you hide apps you downloaded from the App Store. Apps that come installed on iPhone, the app set as your default web browser and app marketplaces in the EU cannot be hidden. Children under 13 in a Family Sharing group cannot hide apps either.

## Sources

- [Apple Support: Lock or hide an app on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/lock-or-hide-an-app-iph00f208d05/ios)
- [Apple Personal Safety User Guide: Lock or hide apps on your iPhone](https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/ipsd0be4c185/web)

## Guides that use this term

- [Hide apps on iPhone](https://www.vaultforyou.app/en-gb/hide-apps)

## Related terms

- [App Library](https://www.vaultforyou.app/en-gb/glossary/app-library)
- [App lock (Require Face ID)](https://www.vaultforyou.app/en-gb/glossary/app-lock)

## Browse

- [All glossary terms](https://www.vaultforyou.app/en-gb/glossary)

---

Our guides are written and fact-checked by the VaultForYou team against Apple's own documentation. We make VaultForYou, a private vault app for iPhone. Download on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/vaultforyou/id0000000000