How To Hide Or Disable App Library In iOS 14
Last updated on August 7th, 2022 at 09:32 am
Posted in TILs by Patricia on October 9, 2020The App Library is a new iOS 14 feature that provides an one-page layout of all the apps available on your iPhone. It automatically organizes apps in categories. It also comes with a Search function that allows you to find the software that you’re looking for, if you can’t quickly glance it in the available bundles.
The App Library helps to declutter the iPhone Home Screen, because you can display apps only in the Library and even hide Home Screen pages. However, if you’re a conservative iPhone user you might not like The new App Library and are looking for a way to hide it.
Unfortunately, you can’t disable App Library! The feature is enabled by default as soon as you update to iOS 14. However, you don’t need to use it if you don’t want to. Simply hide it behind your Home Screen pages and you won’t even know it’s there!
How To Hide App Library
The only way to trigger the App Library to display is if you swipe to the end of the Home Screen pagination. As long as you have enough pages available, you won’t even know that the App Library exists.
Add widgets to the Home Screen, keep your apps organized in folders the way you want it and you’ll make the App Library obsolete.
(Update: August 7, 2022)
How To Edit App Library
Believe it or not, we’re only a few weeks away from the public release of iOS 16 and there’s still no new App Library customization option.
Nevertheless, there’s a tweak that you can apply to edit the apps that are suggested in the App Library folders. Here are all the details!
App Store Downloads Not On Home Screen
Are new apps that you download from the App Store not showing up on the Home Screen and you have to use the App Library to access them? Here is how to fix this:
- 1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
- 2. Tap on Home Screen.
- 3. Select Add to Home Screen for the newly downloaded apps.
Fact: This way app icons will become available on the Home Screen, as prior to the iOS 14 update.
How To Add Home Screen Pages
As usual, a new Home Screen page is created automatically when there’s not enough place to host a new widget or app icon. However, you can check and make sure that all of your pages are displayed by following these steps:
- 1. Long-press on the Home Screen to enter Edit Mode.
- 2. Tap on the pagination dots, available at the bottom of the screen.
- 3. Select the Home Screen pages that you want to display.
- 4. Tap Done when ready.
How To Delete Apps In iOS 14
The new App Library is also changing the way you delete apps from your iPhone:
- 1. Long-press the app icon on the Home Screen.
- 2. Use the Remove App option, that’s now available instead of the former Delete App.
- 3. An additional pop-up asks if you want to: Delete App, Move to App Library or Cancel.
Tip: Select the first option to erase the app from your iPhone. The second one will only delete the app icon from the Home Screen, but the app will remain installed on your device.
Are you pro or against the App Library in iOS 14? Share your thoughts in the comments section available below.
Related: How to use App Clips in iOS 14!
The app library is a pain. I already organise my apps as I want them, not as Apple thinks I might want them. Please make it optional.
John, thanks for sharing your opinion. If Apple will get many similar requests, I’m sure that there’s a chance for the App Library to become optional.
APPLE,
Please make it possible to remove the App Library!
John, thanks for your feedback.
I also do not like this new feature.
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
I do not like the App Library! Get rid of it or make it optional
I already have my apps all in boxes that are organized and named to my liking. This was not needed. I don’t care for it at all. Thank you apple but this was a waste of time
nathaniel, thanks for sharing your opinion. I’m currently using a one-page layout that allows me to be one swipe-left away from the App Library. Of course, that this is not for everyone. Just use your Home Screen the old way if you don’t like the App Library.
Please add my request to John’s. It’s just an annoyance, I am perfectly capable of organizing my apps the way I like them an use them.
Maria, thanks for sharing your opinion.
Yes Apple Library sucks.
So does Apple iOS 14 and so does iPhone with IOS 14
And so does Apple !!
Yes, Apple demonstrated now a galactically shitty product, that carries no innovation, just shuffles things around and Apple now calls that a “release”
You guys are a disgrace to the memory of the Great Steve.
Alex, thanks for expressing your opinion. As soon as some serious bugs, like missing notifications, ringer volume muting and keyboard lag will be fixed, iOS 14 should become a great release. However, I might be biased.
I’m not updating my phone until the feature is optional. I have never organized my apps and I never want to.
Melissa, after you update the Home Screen pages remain the same, with icons and folders. Nothing changes. There’s only an extra page available at the end of all Home Screens. If you swipe to the end of the pagination you bring up the App Library. That’s where the apps are organized. But it’s a separate environment that you can completely ignore if you want to use your Home Screen traditionally.
Yes please let me remove the App Library. I had my few apps organised how I wanted them and now some I can only find in the App Library
Anna, you can long-press on missing apps in the App Library and use the ‘Add To Home Screen’ feature. Also, go to Settings -> Home Screen and select ‘Add to Home Screen’ in the Newly Downloaded Apps section. This will automatically add new downloads to the Home Screen too, as it was the case in iOS 13 and earlier.
I agree. Please make removal optional. It’s utterly irrelevant,, and slightly annoying. Already have stuff organized. For a $1000 plus dollar phone, kindly don’t force this crap on me.
I don’t need it ! A waste. Who is the genius ( NOT ) who needs meaningful work ?
Please get the app library off my iPhone and quit doing stupid stuff like this without making them OPTIONAL.
This is why I didn’t want to buy Apple in the first place. They always think they know what the customer wants better than the customer.
Amen brother.
Please also get rid of App Library!
Why is the App Library being forced on us? I hate it… it’s annoying and irrelevant. My apps are already organized. I was a huge fan of iPhone however android is looking like a better option :(
Lori, thanks for sharing your feedback.
I agree, might be switching to android soon, at least they dont force “organizational tools” on me that make my phone less organized
Remove App Library and the widget thing. I don’t need apple to make decisions for me that waste my time.
Most ridiculous nonsense!! The App Library
Duplicates my app organization already on my home page. Plus it is using battery power for NOTHING!! Can’t believe people were paid to create this. Nobody needs it. It’s already part of the Hone Page!!
This is not good for me apple I can’t manage my own phone won’t but another next time
I don’t want app library I want it off my phone. I feel resentful that you keep adding stupid features you think are cool
Please remove the APP Library Feature
JGro, thanks for your opinion.
Please allow deletion of the App Library. It is worthless and redundant and while your at it fire the idiot who thought if it and also the doofus that approved it.
John, thanks for sharing your opinion. Although there are many users that share your point of view, you have to accept that there are also lots of iPhone owners that use the single page iOS 14 layout. I agree that an optional App Library could please both sides. But calling the App Library developers names is exaggerated.
My wife and I hate the App Library so much we will be getting a Samsung phone soon if you don’t allow us to delete it.
Doug, thanks for sharing this. I agree that the App Library isn’t for everyone, but you can make it fully obsolete and use your iPhone as you used it in iOS 13. Just keep all the old home screen pages and don’t swipe all the way for the Library. That’s allow. Go to Settings -> Home Screen and allow apps to be downloaded on the Home Screen and you won’t even know that the App Library is still there!
And just how am I supposed to pretend it doesn’t exist when every time I close an app it brings me to the app library rather than the home page I was on when I opened the app?
I agree. Make your GREAT ideas optional.
I do not like the App Library!! My ringer volume adjuster is right on the screen where my thumb hits and I inadvertently turn the volume down! Would love to remove!!!
Richard, App Library has nothing to do with the ringer volume bar. You might be experiencing a bug that randomly adjust the volume of your iPhone, and it might have triggered while you were browsing the App Library.
Please remove the App Library!
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Please remove App Library; thank you
Thanks for commenting.
This is a genuinely awful misfeature. Apple has once again imposed its configuration policy on its customers without giving them the ability to opt out..
Chris, agreed. Making the App Library optional could be a good idea.
Remove this redundant rubbish.
Whatever happened to the Apple notion that a ‘delete’ key and a ‘backspace’ key were frivolous fluff?
Please please please make the App Library an optional screen! Not only is the App Library a redundant feature, but there is also redundancy within the App Library groups where the same apps are repeated. What a waste of space, memory and functionality. And to think that Apple was smarter than the average user. Guess not!
Barry, thanks for your feedback.
Hi Patricia…
PLEASE make the App Library optional. In order to understand Apple psychology better, could you please discover and let us know why Apple thrust the APP Library ‘gift’ on us rather than making it optional in the first place?
Christopher, thanks for your feedback. I think their main reason is Home Screen – decluttering and making room for Home Screen widgets. Although, indeed making it optional would have allowed users and easier accommodation.
What’s the use of hiding your second, third or other screens on your phone when the app you want hidden shows up in the App Library. Please remove the App Library.
Jani, the use of hiding Home Screen pages is to bring the App Library a single swipe away from the Home Screen. Multiple pages, require lots of swipes until you reach the Library.
Please leak all my details as you already do but let me organise my own f****** Apps.
Edited: Bad language.
Delete the library app!!!!
I already have my apps shown, why have them doubled on my phone.
When I delete an app it’s because I want it gone..
Lisa
However, people that prefer a one-page layout actually like the App Library. The best scenario would be to have it optional to satisfy both sides.
Please make it possible to remove the App Library!
Lise, thanks for expressing your opinion.
The App Library has several repetitions in different categories and what and eye sore. Some crazy person with too much free time on their hands at apple got away with this maddening concept into permanence.
Apple..Make it optional or remove it please!
Valentine, thanks for sharing your feedback. I’m sure that the duplicates will be filtered out as the App Library is fine tuned.
I accidentally hit something and activated the App Library and I can’t hide it! I ABSOLUTELY HATE THIS FEATURE! It should be optional not FORCED TO USE! Please, please GET RID OF THIS! Did I mention that I HATE IT? I have my own preferred system! Also I can’t enjoy the Home Screen background as it would show up best on the last page holding a few apps. Hate it, hate it, hate it!!!!!!!!!
Bonnie-Lee the App Library is automatically enabled once you upgrade your device to iOS 14. Thanks for the feedback.
The App Library is an absolute crap feature. Some people still have the know how & ability to organize their own lives without interference from Apple. I was looking to upgrade to the new iPhone 12, but before I fork out $1,300 I think now is a good time to have a look at Samsung.
Fran, thanks for sharing.
Yet another invasion of my privacy. If I wanted all my apps listed like a card catalog for someone who might get a hold of my phone to browse through I would have created that myself. Get rid of. Do not create something in an update I do not have the freedoms to delete on my own device.
Nance, thanks for sharing your opinion.
Like EVERYONE else, I HATE the app library. I don’t want to have it just “hidden” at the end of my pages– I want to be able to swipe all the way to the end and NOT have that stupid library show up. It’s an extra step. It’s a very bad idea and at the very least, we should be able to delete the thing!
Lauri, thanks for your feedback.
This App Library is a pain and I do not like it! Be done with it once and for all, This is bull! I pay for this phone and all that goes with it ! I want control!
Loya, considering the amount of customers unsatisfied with the App Library, Apple is likely to update an option that allows users to disable it.
Why would they create an App that we have no control over it?
They tell us to ignore the app or not to swipe until you reach the bloody thing.
I thought I owned my iPhone?
Are there any other apps that we are allowed to ignore but not allowed to delete?
Thanks
Yes, the Camera app for example, you’re not able to delete it.
Please make it possible to remove the iPhone App Library function that has appeared from nowhere without my agreement due to an Apple ‘upgrade’. I already organise all my apps into folders that r relevant to me. This Apple app is terrible and is not in line with my filing system- it does not help me at all and keeps coming up when I swipe right which is a nuisance. And frankly a constant irritation from Apple as I have not asked for it. Please remove this automatic library or tell users how they can delete it. Thanks Gary
They are in habit of controlling behavior with software
Please do remove the App Library, or make it optional.
It is horrible!
Why would you want me to ignore something in my phone that I had payed money for?
The App Library is terrible. My apps are already organized snd that library is redundant and annoying. It won’t let me have a blank page to see my Home Screen pgoti
The Apps Library is a very bad idea. It should be possible for the user to delete it or at least disable it.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Yes making it optional would be a good compromise.
The App Library is dangerous- I like to hide my financial apps in case my phone ever gets stolen and I can do that very easily by making them non-searchable and hiding them deep in a folder. However the App Library brings them right up regardless. This is an unnecessary and awful feature that could cause real damage.
This is a different point of view from all others that I’ve read so far. It does make sense indeed. Perhaps an option to exclude sensible apps from the App Library would be highly welcomed.
MAKE IT OPTIONAL!!!!!!!!
The point is that users are seeing this screen because we tend to swipe across until we get to the end of the pages. Then rather than seeing what we want we get this annoying library. I can’t see any reason not to make it optional
Please i do not need the apps library – just a waste of space. Please make it deleteable.
The App Library is stupid and I can’t delete unwanted apps, causing me to take up storage space!!
You can delete any app you want from the App Library or Home Screen, excepting the few select built-in apps like Camera.
1,For me not only unnecessary, im already used to position of apps.
2 but the worst thing, I would download new app but it could not be found , tried another same thing tried downloading it again but it just opened so i got suspicious ( give me a break ok)why would they go to library in new apps and nowhere else? To force you to use it. Software companies love to control behavior of users, its power.
HATE IT !!! If I want to delete an app off my phone I should have that option to delete it not put into a library. Thank you
You can delete it. Proceed as usual and choose the ‘Delete App’ option instead of ‘Remove from Home Screen’ and the app will be deleted and not added to your App Library.
I don’t like the library because I’d like my last swipe to be the picture I saved as a wallpaper with nothing on it just so I can see it sometimes.
Get rid on the library, or allow us to completely delete apps off the phone. I hate all the junk apps wasting space
Please take it away. The apps are there – who needed that?
Make App Library Optional Again :)
App Library was never optional…. it was introduced as a new iOS 14 compulsory feature.
When you are open to an idea on making App Library optional, why don’t you tell those Engg’s who build this. You really wasted money on this feature.
No need to reply Patricia :D
Just Another user who is Annoyed to hell with the forced library… Joined Iphone from an Android and jeez you people are forced to do stuff on this phone, compared to the Android…
No need for the library, can’t understand the forced feature. I have a couple dozen employees that work for me with company Iphones and they all hate it.
Thanks for sharing your feedback.
The App Library has made it so I can’t delete apps from my phone. I know you are supposed to hold the app and they shake with an x Mine shake but no x. So I can’t delete an app that isn’t working and reinstall it. I’ve tried everything!! Any ideas?
It does work the old fashioned way. Long-press the app icon -> Use Remove App -> Delete App.
You can also browse for Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage -> Tap the app name and use the Delete App option.
Make the App Library optional, not upgrading to IOS 14 until App Library can be removed.
In this case I think that you’ll have to wait for iOS 15.
Why would you push stuff on people they don’t want. The App Library is not a good add on. I like Apple but this kinda stuff will push me away. This is not the only phone on the market. Thank you
This feature (App Library) if not made optional, will be the reason I totally migrate to android! It doesn’t work! It’s a joke! And probably the reason I lose my widgets off my home (the ones already there) screen on a regular basis & THATS WHY I WANT IT DISABLED….
Can you be more specific? How do you lose your widgets? The App Library, has not relationship with widgets. Please provide more details or a print-screen to exemplify this problem and we will take a look at it.
Could you just put a security code on the App Library or get rid of it. I don’t want all my apps to show. You have removed my privacy
This is a good point. Let’s see if iOS 15 will tackle this situation.
Apple sucks getting rid of this phone just cause they are voted I don’t like changes to my ohone with out approval from me
The latest update messed up my phone always has problems with my blue tooth hearing aids used to work flawlessly now it sucks and I’m always turning off the Bluetooth because it’s always turning my hearing aids off and the library is just to fill the phone up with nonsense it’s totally unnecessary and waste of storage I’m probably not gonna buy any more apple products they are in on the election tampering.
Can you please be more specific? What do you refer as the latest update? What iOS version?
Seems to me that Apple wants control of everything. From being stuck using only their App Store to creating apps like this crap app. the App Library. Apple should make everything optional. Thinking of going back to Android where I have control.
I do not like or want the App Library
Please make it optional
I truly never should’ve left the android world for this Apple
Hey Patricia,
Do you have any update as to when you are making the App Library an optional thing on the phone, I see you appreciate the comments, but do you have any timelines. App Library SUCKS…
Best,
Frank
Frank, we have to wait and see what iOS 15 brings. iOS 14 updates won’t change too much. We will get our hands on iOS 15 in June and see if the App Library gets any improvements.
I hate the app library and for some reasons my kids downloaded a bunch of apps onto my phone and I no longer have the option to permanently delete an app it goes to the library now. I don’t have an option ever come up that says delete just pops up to move to the app library or cancel
You can delete apps without a problem. Long-press on icon, use ‘Remove App’ and choose ‘Delete App’ instead of ‘Remove from Home Screen’.
Looks like ios 14.5 out in next few days and still cant disable the App Library. Why are Apple forcing users to use a feature not required. Waiting to get a new Iphone, but not until App Library can be disabled. I have not upgraded to ios 14.
iOS 15 will be available for testing soon. Let’s wait and see if it brings any new options to the App Library.
This drives me crazy..more junk on the screen! I have my apps organized into files that make it easy for me locate…not in a way that someone else thinks they should be categorized! PLEASE give us a way to opt out,
iOS 15 should be previewed soon. We’ll see if it changes the way the app library works.
I totally hate it!
My apps are organized, don’t need the stupid Library
it put the Stock info into “Information and Reading” but my e-banking app holding shares “Productivity and Finance”…
That’s annoying indeed. Apple has to allow a setting for customization.