How to Hide/Unhide App Store Purchases on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Maybe you are dealing with an indomitable sibling who never fails a chance to pry into your App Store purchases. Or, maybe you just want to keep all of your favorite apps andgamesunder wraps so that no one can discover them. Whatever could be the reasonbehind your privacy, you can hide/unhide iOS and Mac App Store purchases at your own will. If you don’t know where to kickstart the proceeding, let me guide you through the step-by-step breakdown. Here is how you can hide and unhide App Store purchases on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Hide App Store Purchases on iPhone and Mac App Store

It’s always better to weigh trade-offs upfront before getting started, isn’t it?

What’s the Catch?

When you hide an iOS or Mac app, it won’t look like you purchased it – which is a downside (more on this later). Besides, if you useFamily Sharingand conceal apps, they will also be hidden from your family members. It’s also worth reiterating that when you conceal a Mac app, you will neither receive update notifications for it nor will you find it on the Account screen of the Mac App Store.

Hide App Store Purchases on iPhone and iPad

2. Now, make sure theTodaytab is selected. Then, tap on yourprofileat the top right and selectPurchased.

Note:Just in case, you areusing Family Sharing, tap on your name to access your purchases.

3. Next, selectAll or Not on this iPhone/iPadtab as per your need. After that, swipe left on an app or game and chooseHide. Repeat it for all other purchases. In the end, be sure to tap onDone.

Note:As a member of a Family Sharing group, if you hide an app that you had subscribed to, the organizer of the group will still receive notification of charges whenever the subscription renews. Also, do note that hiding an app doesn’tterminate a subscription.

Unhide Apps on iOS and iPadOS

The only way you can unhide your iOS or iPadOS apps is to redownload them.

1. OpenApp Storeon your device >Todaytab >profile photo.

2. Now, tap on yourprofile again.

Note:A popup may appear asking you to enter your Apple ID password. Type in your password to proceed.

3. Scroll down and tap on theHidden Purchasesoption located under theiTunes in the Cloudsection. Then, tap on thecloud buttonnext to the app you wish to re-download or show it in the purchased section again.

Hide App Store Purchases in Mac App Store

2. Now, click onyour namelocated at the bottom left sidebar.

3. Next, you should see all of your purchased apps.  Hold the pointer over a specific app and click on thethree dots that pop up. Then, chooseHide Purchase.

Note:If you are using Family Sharing, select your name next to thePurchasedoption to access your purchases.

4. Finally, click onHide Purchasein the confirmation message. Repeat it for all other Mac apps you wish to conceal.

Unhide Apps in macOS App Store

Unhiding apps on macOS feels a bit more straightforward.

2. Now, click on yourprofile nameat the bottom in the sidebar.

3. Next, click onView Informationat the top right corner.

Note:When prompted, make sure to sign in to your Apple ID account.

4. Scroll down toHidden Itemssection and click onManage.

5. Next up, click onUnhidenext to an app. Then, click onDone.

Voila! The app will now begin to show up in your Purchased list.

Hide/Unhide iOS or macOS Store Purchases at Your Own Will

So, that’s how you can keep your purchases out of sight across your iOS and macOS devices. It’s good that Apple offers an easy way to put personal items away from the prying eyes. If there is anything that I find missing, then it has to be a bit better way to unhide iOS App Store purchases. What’s your take on it? Let us know in the comments section below.

Rajesh Mishra

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.

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