How to Hide App Names on Your iPhone Home Screen

Did you know you can create a minimalist Home Screen on an iPhone by hiding your app labels? This guide will walk you through the process for both iOS 18 and older versions. This guide explores various methods to personalize your iPhone home screen, focusing on hiding app names and other customization options available in iOS 18 and earlier versions.

iOS 18: Hide App Names in Large Icon Mode

iOS 18 introduces a simple way to hide app names using the new Large Icon Mode. Here's how to enable it:

1. Touch and hold an empty area on the Home Screen until the icons start jiggling.

2. Tap the Edit button in the top-left corner.

3. Choose "Customize" from the menu.

4. A panel will appear from the bottom. Select the "Large" option.

5. Tap anywhere outside the panel to close it.

Congratulations! Your Home Screen is now free of app labels. If you decide you don't like this look, you can easily revert to the default mode by selecting the "Small" option in the same menu.

For an even cleaner look, you can remove the Search button from the Home Screen:

1. Go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library.

2. Turn off the "Show on Home Screen" switch.

Remember, you'll need to be running iOS 18 for these features. You can check for updates under Settings > General > Software Update.

#The Pros and Cons of Large Icon Mode

Pros:

- Enlarges Home Screen widgets and icons

- Maintains the original layout

- Doesn't reduce the number of icons per Home Screen page

Cons:

- Slightly reduces icon spacing

- Some users may find the larger icons less appealing

It's worth noting that Large Icon Mode doesn't remove app labels from Spotlight search results or app categories in your App Library. However, app names are hidden when you open a category in the App Library.

iOS 17 and Earlier: Hide Icon Labels via Shortcuts

If your iPhone is running iOS 17 or an older version, you can still hide app names using the Shortcuts app. Here's how:

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.

2. Tap the "+" (plus) sign in the top-right corner.

3. Choose "Add Action."

4. Select "Scripting" and pick the "Open App" action.

   (Tip: You can also type "Open App" in the search field to find it quickly.)

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5. Tap "App" in the Open App action you just added.

6. Select the app you want to customize from the list.

7. Tap the shortcut name at the top of the screen and choose "Add to Home Screen."

8. Use only blank characters (like spaces) when naming your shortcut to make the app label invisible.

9. Tap "Add" to save the icon to your Home Screen.

You've now created a Home Screen icon without a visible name that launches your chosen app.

Customizing Icons Further

If you want to use a custom icon instead of the default glyph:

1. After selecting "Add to Home Screen," tap "Choose Icon."

2. You can select a system icon or use a custom image from your Photos or Files app.

3. For unique looks, consider downloading alternative icons as transparent PNG files.

#The Pros and Cons of the Shortcuts Method

Pros:

- Works on older iOS versions

- Allows for custom icon images

Cons:

- Time-consuming process

- Requires hiding original app icons to avoid duplication

- App names still visible in Spotlight search and App Library

Additional Customization Tips

1. Folder Customization: Rename folders with blank characters to hide their labels.

2. Larger Icons: If you want bigger icons without hiding labels, turn on the Larger Text option in Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom.

3. Jailbreak Tweaks: For jailbroken iPhones, tweaks like "nolabel" can hide app names without changing icon size or spacing. "cleanlibrary" will hide all labels in the App Library too.

iOS 18 Enhanced Customization Features

If you're a fan of Home Screen customization, you'll love what iOS 18 has to offer:

- Arrange Home Screen icons more freely

- Tint icons for a cohesive look

- Use Dark Mode-specific icons

- Enjoy new and improved widgets

Conclusion

Customizing your iPhone's Home Screen by hiding app names can create a sleek, minimalist look. Whether you're using the latest iOS 18 or an older version, there are ways to achieve this effect. Experiment with these methods to find the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics for your device.

Remember, the best Home Screen layout is one that works for you. Don't be afraid to try different configurations until you find your ideal setup. Happy customizing!