How to Unhide Apps: Complete Guide for All Devices in 2025

Have you ever hidden an app on your device and then struggled to find it later? Whether you’re using Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, or streaming devices, hidden apps can be frustrating to locate. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of unhiding apps on every major platform and device.

Why Apps Get Hidden

Apps can become hidden for various reasons:

• Intentional hiding for privacy or organization
• Parental controls or restrictions
• System updates that reorganize app layouts
• Third-party launchers or customization settings
• Accidental hiding during app management

Understanding how to reveal these hidden applications is essential for maintaining full control over your digital devices.

How to Unhide Apps on Android: A Comprehensive Guide

Android offers multiple ways to hide and unhide apps, depending on your device manufacturer and Android version.

Method 1: Using the App Drawer

The most common method for unhiding apps on Android devices:

1. Open the App Drawer: Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen or tap the app drawer icon
2. Access Settings: Look for three dots (⋮) or a settings icon in the top-right corner
3. Find Hide/Show Apps: Tap on “Hide apps,” “Show hidden apps,” or similar option
4. Select Apps to Unhide: Toggle the switch next to hidden apps to make them visible
5. Apply Changes: Tap “Done” or “Apply” to save your changes

Method 2: Through Device Settings

For a more comprehensive approach:

1. Navigate to Settings > Apps or Application Manager
2. Tap the three-dot menu and select “Show system apps” or “Show all apps”
3. Scroll through the list to find hidden applications
4. Tap on the app and select “Enable” or “Show on home screen”

Method 3: Using Third-Party Launchers

If you’re using launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher:

1. Long-press on an empty area of your home screen
2. Select “Settings” or “Launcher settings”
3. Find “App & widget drawers” or similar option
4. Look for “Hidden apps” and tap it
5. Uncheck apps you want to unhide

How to Unhide Apps on iOS: Step-by-Step Instructions

Apple’s iOS provides several methods to hide and unhide apps, with features evolving across different iOS versions.

For iOS 14 and Later (App Library Method)

1. Swipe to App Library: Swipe all the way to the right past your last home screen page
2. Search for Hidden Apps: Use the search bar at the top or browse through app categories
3. Long-Press to Restore: Long-press the hidden app icon
4. Add to Home Screen: Select “Add to Home Screen” from the context menu

Using Spotlight Search

1. Swipe Down: From the middle of any home screen to open Spotlight Search
2. Type App Name: Enter the name of the hidden app
3. Long-Press Result: Long-press the app when it appears in search results
4. Add to Home Screen: Select the option to add it back to your home screen

Through Settings (Screen Time)

If apps are hidden via Screen Time restrictions:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
3. Enter your Screen Time passcode
4. Select Allowed Apps
5. Toggle on the apps you want to unhide

Checking Purchased Apps

For completely removed apps:

1. Open the App Store
2. Tap your Profile Picture in the top-right corner
3. Select Purchased
4. Choose My Purchases or Family Purchases
5. Find the app and tap the download icon to reinstall

How to Unhide Apps on Windows 11

Windows 11 offers multiple locations where apps might be hidden, from the Start menu to system files.

Unhiding Apps from Start Menu

1. Right-click Start Button: Or press Windows key + X
2. Open Settings: Select “Settings” from the menu
3. Navigate to Apps: Click on “Apps” in the left sidebar
4. Select Installed Apps: Choose “Installed apps” from the options
5. Search for Hidden Apps: Use the search bar or scroll through the list
6. Restore Apps: Click the three dots next to any app and select appropriate options

Using PowerShell to Find Hidden Apps

For advanced users:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Right-click Start and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”
2. Run Command: Type Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select Name, PackageFullName
3. Locate Hidden Apps: Browse through the list to find hidden applications
4. Reinstall if Needed: Use Add-AppxPackage commands to restore apps

Showing Hidden Files and Folders

To reveal hidden system apps and files:

1. Open File Explorer: Press Windows key + E
2. Click View Menu: Select the “View” tab in the ribbon
3. Show Hidden Items: Check the “Hidden items” checkbox
4. Access Hidden Folders: Navigate to hidden directories like AppData

How to Unhide Apps on macOS

macOS provides several methods to manage hidden applications and system files.

Using Spotlight Search

1. Open Spotlight: Press Command + Spacebar
2. Search for App: Type the name of the hidden application
3. Launch or Locate: Double-click to open or right-click to show in Finder

Revealing Hidden Apps in Finder

1. Open Finder: Click the Finder icon in the Dock
2. Go to Applications Folder: Press Command + Shift + A
3. Show Hidden Files: Press Command + Shift + Period (.)
4. Locate Hidden Apps: Look for grayed-out or previously invisible applications

Using Terminal Commands

For power users:

1. Open Terminal: Press Command + Spacebar, type “Terminal”
2. Show Hidden Files: Type defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true
3. Restart Finder: Type killall Finder
4. Access Hidden Applications: Navigate through Finder to locate hidden apps

Checking Launchpad

1. Open Launchpad: Click the Launchpad icon in the Dock or press F4
2. Search for Apps: Use the search bar at the top
3. Browse All Pages: Swipe through all pages to find hidden applications

How to Unhide Apps on Samsung Phones

Samsung’s One UI provides unique methods for managing hidden apps beyond standard Android options.

Using Samsung’s Secure Folder

1. Open Secure Folder: Look for it in your app drawer or settings
2. Enter Authentication: Use your PIN, password, or biometric authentication
3. View Hidden Apps: Browse apps stored within the Secure Folder
4. Move Apps Out: Long-press apps and select “Remove from Secure Folder”

Samsung App Drawer Method

1. Open App Drawer: Swipe up from the home screen
2. Tap Three Dots: Look for the menu icon (usually top-right)
3. Select Home Screen Settings: Or “Settings”
4. Find Hide Apps: Look for “Hide apps” or “App icon badges”
5. Toggle Visibility: Uncheck apps you want to unhide

Using Samsung Settings

1. Open Settings: Tap the gear icon
2. Go to Apps: Select “Apps” or “Application manager”
3. Filter Options: Tap the filter icon or three dots
4. Show All Apps: Select “Show system apps” or “All apps”
5. Enable Hidden Apps: Find and enable any disabled applications

How to Unhide Apps on Chromebook

Chrome OS handles app visibility differently from traditional operating systems.

Through the Launcher

1. Open Launcher: Click the launcher button (circle icon) in the bottom-left corner
2. Search for Apps: Type the app name in the search box
3. Right-click Results: Right-click on found apps
4. Pin to Shelf: Select “Pin to shelf” to make apps more visible

Using Chrome Browser

For web-based applications:

1. Open Chrome Browser: Click the Chrome icon
2. Access Bookmarks: Press Ctrl + Shift + B to show bookmarks bar
3. Check Chrome Apps: Type chrome://apps/ in the address bar
4. Restore App Shortcuts: Right-click on apps and select “Create shortcuts”

Through Settings

1. Click Time/Network Area: Bottom-right corner of the screen
2. Open Settings: Click the gear icon
3. Go to Apps: Select “Apps” from the left sidebar
4. Manage Google Play Store: Find hidden Android apps if applicable
5. Enable App Visibility: Toggle settings for app visibility

How to Unhide Apps on Xiaomi/MIUI

MIUI offers several unique features for hiding and unhiding applications.

Using MIUI App Vault

1. Swipe Right: From the leftmost home screen page
2. Access App Vault: This opens Xiaomi’s App Vault feature
3. Look for Hidden Apps: Browse through shortcuts and app suggestions
4. Restore to Home Screen: Long-press apps and add them back

Second Space Feature

If apps are hidden in Second Space:

1. Open Settings: Go to device settings
2. Find Second Space: Look under “Privacy” or “Special features”
3. Switch Spaces: Toggle between First and Second Space
4. Move Apps: Transfer apps between spaces as needed

MIUI Hidden Apps Method

1. Pinch Home Screen: Use two fingers to pinch on the home screen
2. Select Home Settings: Or look for settings icon
3. Find Hidden Apps: Look for “Hide apps” or similar option
4. Manage Visibility: Uncheck apps you want to make visible

Using MIUI Security App

1. Open Security App: Find the “Security” app in your app drawer
2. Go to Privacy: Look for privacy or app management features
3. App Lock Section: Check if apps are hidden behind app lock
4. Adjust Settings: Modify visibility settings as needed

How to Unhide Apps on Smart TV

Different smart TV platforms have varying methods for managing hidden applications.

Samsung Smart TV (Tizen OS)

1. Press Home Button: On your Samsung TV remote
2. Navigate to Apps: Go to the Apps section
3. Access Settings: Look for a settings icon or gear symbol
4. Auto-Run or Downloaded: Check both “Downloaded Apps” and “Auto-Run” sections
5. Restore Hidden Apps: Select and reinstall any missing applications

LG Smart TV (webOS)

1. Press Home Button: On your LG remote
2. Go to LG Content Store: Find the app store
3. Check My Apps: Look for “My Apps” or “Purchased” section
4. Reinstall Apps: Download previously installed but hidden apps
5. Arrange Home Bar: Edit the home bar to show preferred apps

Android/Google TV

1. Navigate to Settings: Use your TV remote to access settings
2. Go to Apps: Find “Apps” or “Application Manager”
3. See All Apps: Select “See all apps” or similar option
4. Enable Hidden Apps: Find disabled apps and enable them
5. Add to Home Screen: Move apps back to the main interface

Sony Smart TV

1. Press Home Button: On your Sony TV remote
2. Go to Apps: Navigate to the applications section
3. Check All Applications: Look for a complete app list
4. Restore from Google Play: Reinstall apps from the Play Store if needed

How to Unhide Apps on Firestick

Amazon Fire TV Stick uses a customized Android interface with specific app management features.

Using Fire TV Interface

1. Go to Settings: Navigate to the settings gear icon from the home screen
2. Select Applications: Choose “Applications” from the menu
3. Manage Installed Applications: Select this option
4. Browse All Apps: Scroll through the complete list of installed apps
5. Launch Hidden Apps: Select apps that don’t appear on the home screen

Accessing Developer Options

For sideloaded apps:

1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options
2. Turn on ADB Debugging: If you’ve sideloaded apps
3. Use File Manager: Install a file manager app to navigate hidden directories
4. Locate APK Files: Find and launch hidden application files

Checking Recently Used

1. Go to Home Screen: Navigate to the main Fire TV interface
2. Find Recent Row: Look for “Recent” or “Continue Watching” sections
3. Access Your Apps & Channels: This section shows recently used applications
4. Long-Press Apps: Hold select button to access app options and move to home

Using Amazon Account

1. Visit Amazon Website: Go to amazon.com on a computer or mobile device
2. Sign in to Your Account: Use your Fire TV account credentials
3. Go to Digital Content: Find “Manage Your Content and Devices”
4. Check Apps: Look for purchased or downloaded Fire TV apps
5. Re-download if Needed: Send apps back to your Fire TV device

How to Unhide Apps on Roku Device

Roku streaming players have a unique channel system for managing applications.

Through Roku Home Screen

1. Navigate to Home: Press the Home button on your Roku remote
2. Scroll to My Channels: Look for your installed channel list
3. Check All Channels: Browse through your complete channel collection
4. Unhide Channels: Look for options to show hidden channels

Using Roku Website

1. Visit Roku.com: Go to the official Roku website
2. Sign in to Account: Use your Roku account credentials
3. Go to My Account: Navigate to account management
4. Manage Channels: Find “Manage account” and then “Add channels”
5. Reinstall Channels: Add back any removed or hidden channels

Roku Mobile App Method

1. Download Roku App: Install the official Roku mobile app
2. Connect to Device: Ensure your phone and Roku are on the same network
3. Browse Channels: Use the app to see all available channels
4. Add Missing Channels: Install channels that don’t appear on your TV

Channel Store Search

1. Access Channel Store: From the Roku home screen, go to “Streaming Channels”
2. Search for Channels: Use the search function to find specific channels
3. Check My Channels: Look in the “My Channels” section
4. Reinstall if Necessary: Add channels back to your Roku device

Troubleshooting Common Issues

App Still Not Visible After Unhiding

• Restart Your Device: A simple reboot can resolve display issues
• Clear Cache: Clear launcher or system cache (Android devices)
• Check Storage Space: Ensure sufficient storage for apps to function
• Update System: Install the latest OS updates
• Reset App Preferences: Android users can reset app preferences in settings

Apps Keep Getting Hidden

• Review Parental Controls: Check if restrictions are automatically hiding apps
• Examine Third-Party Apps: Some apps can hide others automatically
• Check Automatic Updates: System updates might reset app visibility
• Review User Profiles: Multiple user accounts might affect app visibility

Can’t Find Specific Apps

• Use Device Search: Every platform has a search function
• Check Alternative Names: Apps might be listed under different names
• Verify Installation: Ensure the app is actually installed
• Look in All Locations: Check all possible app storage locations

Prevention Tips

To avoid losing apps in the future:

1. Create App Folders: Organize apps into clearly labeled folders
2. Use Favorites: Mark important apps as favorites or pin them
3. Regular Backups: Keep backups of your app configurations
4. Document Changes: Keep track of any customizations you make
5. Update Carefully: Review what changes when updating your device

Conclusion

Knowing how to unhide apps across different devices and platforms is essential for maintaining control over your digital experience. Whether you’re using Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, or streaming devices, each platform offers multiple methods to locate and restore hidden applications.

The key is understanding that apps can be hidden in various ways – through system settings, third-party launchers, parental controls, or accidental user actions. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to locate and unhide apps on any device you’re using.

Remember to regularly organize your apps and be mindful of the hiding features on your devices. This proactive approach will help prevent apps from becoming lost and ensure you always have quick access to the applications you need.

If you continue to have trouble finding hidden apps after trying these methods, consider contacting your device manufacturer’s support team or cons