How to hide WhatsApp on an iPhone - briefly?
To hide WhatsApp on your iPhone, you can use the Screen Time feature. Simply go to Settings, select Screen Time, and then choose "App Limits" followed by "Add App." Select WhatsApp and set a limit of zero minutes. This will effectively hide the app from your home screen.
How to hide WhatsApp on an iPhone - in detail?
Hiding WhatsApp on an iPhone can be accomplished through several methods, each offering different levels of privacy and security. Here are the detailed steps for the most common approaches:
Method 1: Using Screenshot Feature to Hide Conversations
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your iPhone.
- Navigate to Chat: Go to the specific chat or conversation you wish to hide.
- Take a Screenshot: Press and hold the side button, then immediately press the volume up button (or vice versa for older models). This action will capture the screen and temporarily remove the chat from view.
- Delete Chat: Go back to WhatsApp and delete the hidden conversation by swiping left on it and selecting "Delete."
- Restore Chat: To restore the hidden conversation, open your Photos app, find the screenshot you took, and open it. Tap on the three dots or share icon, then select "Open in WhatsApp" to reinstate the chat.
Method 2: Using Screen Time Feature for App Limits
- Open Settings: Go to your iPhone's Settings app.
- Select Screen Time: Tap on "Screen Time."
- Enable Screen Time: If not already enabled, follow the prompts to set up Screen Time.
- Set App Limits: Select "App Limits" and then tap "Add Limit."
- Choose WhatsApp: Scroll down and select "Social" from the app categories, which includes WhatsApp.
- Set Duration: Choose a time duration during which you want to hide WhatsApp. Set it to zero if you wish to completely block access.
- Confirm: Tap "Add" in the top-right corner to save your settings.
Method 3: Using Restrictions (Parental Controls)
- Open Settings: Navigate to your iPhone's Settings app.
- Select Screen Time: Tap on "Screen Time."
- Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions: Scroll down and select "Content & Privacy Restrictions," then tap "Turn On Screen Time" if it’s not already enabled.
- Set a Passcode: Create a passcode to prevent unauthorized changes to your settings.
- Select Apps: Go back to the main Screen Time menu and tap on "Content & Privacy Restrictions."
- Hide WhatsApp: Under the "Allowed Apps" section, toggle off the switch next to WhatsApp to hide it from view.
Method 4: Using a Third-Party Application
- Download an App Hider: Search for and download a third-party app hider from the Apple App Store, such as "Hide It Pro" or similar applications.
- Install and Open: Install the chosen app hider and open it on your iPhone.
- Add WhatsApp to the Hider: Follow the app hider’s instructions to add WhatsApp to its protected list. This usually involves selecting WhatsApp from a list of installed apps.
- Hide WhatsApp: The app hider will then hide WhatsApp from your home screen and app drawer, making it accessible only through the app hider itself.
Conclusion
Each method offers unique benefits depending on your specific needs for privacy or security. Whether you choose to use built-in iPhone features like Screen Time or opt for a third-party application, hiding WhatsApp on an iPhone can be done effectively with just a few steps. Always ensure that any changes made align with your personal preferences and requirements for app accessibility.