Nowadays, mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use them for everything from staying connected with friends and family to managing our finances and even shopping. However, there are times when you may not want others to know about the apps you’ve purchased or the in-app purchases you’ve made.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the topic of how to hide app store purchases, exploring various methods for both iOS and Android devices. Whether you’re looking to keep your app activity private or simply declutter your app library, we’ve got you covered.
Hiding App Store Purchases on iOS
Disable Purchase History
One of the simplest ways to hide your app store purchases on an iOS device is to disable purchase history. This will prevent the App Store from displaying a list of your previously purchased apps and in-app purchases.
- Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
- Select Media & Purchases.
- Tap on View Account.
- Enter your Apple ID password if prompted.
- Scroll down to the Purchase History section.
- Tap on Hide Purchases.
Archive Apps
Another way to hide app store purchases on iOS is to archive them. This will remove the apps from your home screen and app library, making them less visible to others.
- Tap and hold on the app icon you want to archive.
- Select Remove App.
- Tap on Move to App Library.
Hiding App Store Purchases on Android
Disable Order History
To hide your app store purchases on an Android device, you can disable order history. This will prevent the Google Play Store from displaying a list of your previously purchased apps and in-app purchases.
- Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap on the Menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select Settings.
- Tap on Order History.
- Toggle off the Show Order History option.
Hide Apps from Home Screen
You can also hide app store purchases on Android by removing them from your home screen. This will make the apps less visible to others, but they will still be accessible through the app drawer.
- Tap and hold on the app icon you want to hide.
- Drag the app icon to the X Remove icon at the top of the screen.
Table: Hide App Store Purchases Methods
| Platform | Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | Disable Purchase History | Hides a list of previously purchased apps and in-app purchases. |
| iOS | Archive Apps | Removes apps from the home screen and app library. |
| Android | Disable Order History | Hides a list of previously purchased apps and in-app purchases. |
| Android | Hide Apps from Home Screen | Removes apps from the home screen, but keeps them accessible through the app drawer. |
Conclusion
Hiding app store purchases can be a useful way to maintain privacy and keep your app library organized. By disabling purchase history, archiving apps, or hiding them from the home screen, you can control what apps are visible to others. Whether you’re concerned about data privacy or simply want to declutter your device, the methods outlined in this guide will help you easily hide app store purchases on both iOS and Android devices.
FAQ about Hiding App Store Purchases
How to hide app store purchases on iPhone or iPad?
Go to App Store > Profile > Purchased. Tap on "My Purchases" and "Hide" next to the app you want to hide.
How to hide app store purchases on Mac?
Open the App Store > View > My Account > Sign In. Under "iTunes in the Cloud" section, click "Manage." Select "Hidden Purchases" and click on the "Hide" button next to the app you want to hide.
How to unhide app store purchases on iPhone or iPad?
Go to App Store > Profile > Purchased. Tap on "Hidden Purchases" and select "Unhide" next to the app you want to unhide.
How to unhide app store purchases on Mac?
Open the App Store > View > My Account > Sign In. Under "iTunes in the Cloud" section, click "Manage." Select "Hidden Purchases" and click on the "Unhide" button next to the app you want to unhide.
How to hide purchases made by family members?
Only the organizer of the Family Sharing group can hide purchases. To hide a purchase made by a family member:
- Go to App Store > Profile > Purchased > Family Purchases.
- Tap on "My Family Purchases" section and "Hide" next to the app you want to hide.
How to unhide purchases made by family members?
Only the organizer of the Family Sharing group can unhide purchases. To unhide a purchase made by a family member:
- Go to App Store > Profile > Purchased > Family Purchases.
- Tap on "Hidden Family Purchases" section and "Unhide" next to the app you want to unhide.
How to hide apps from the Home screen?
You cannot hide apps from the Home screen on iOS or macOS. However, you can move them to a folder or place them in the App Library on iPhone or iPad.
How to remove apps from your device?
- On iPhone or iPad: Tap and hold the app icon on the Home screen > tap "Remove App" > "Delete App."
- On Mac: Drag the app icon to the Trash.
How to hide in-app purchases?
In-app purchases are associated with the app they are made for. Hiding the app will also hide the in-app purchases.
How to restore hidden purchases?
Once an app is hidden, its in-app purchases are also hidden. To restore a hidden purchase, you need to unhide the associated app first.
