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Hide Clock on iPhone — Can You Do It? (iOS 18 Guide)

No, you cannot hide the clock.

Want to hide the clock on iPhone? Apple doesn't allow it. No setting exists to remove time from lock screen or status bar. Here's the truth and what we're doing about it.

Last updated: 2026-01-26 OS Version: iOS 18

Available Workarounds

Focus Mode (Limited)

Limited effectiveness Easy difficulty

Focus modes can hide some notifications but won't hide the clock from your lock screen or status bar.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Focus
  2. Create a new Focus or edit an existing one
  3. Customize lock screen appearance
⚠️ This does NOT hide the clock - only customizes what else appears.

Guided Access

Limited effectiveness Medium difficulty

Locks iPhone to a single app. The status bar (including clock) can be hidden in some apps, but this is very restrictive.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access
  2. Enable Guided Access
  3. Triple-click side button in an app to start
⚠️ You'll be locked to one app and can't use your phone normally.

Jailbreaking

Full effectiveness Expert difficulty

Jailbreaking removes Apple's restrictions and allows tweaks like hiding the clock. However, it voids warranty and has security risks.

⚠️ Voids warranty, security risks, may break with iOS updates. Not recommended for most users.

Why Can’t You Hide the Clock on iPhone?

Apple has never provided an option to hide the clock on iPhone. Despite extensive accessibility features and customization options, the time display remains permanently visible in:

  • Status bar - Always visible at the top of the screen
  • Lock screen - Prominently displayed, no option to remove
  • Always-On Display (iPhone 14 Pro+) - Clock remains even in ambient mode

What Apple Says

Apple has not publicly commented on why this feature doesn’t exist. The company generally emphasizes that their design decisions are made with user experience in mind, but has not addressed the growing demand for clock-hiding options.

The Impact

For many iPhone users, the constant time display causes:

  • Time anxiety - Constant awareness of passing time
  • Focus disruption - Breaking concentration during deep work
  • Sleep issues - Late-night time checking triggers stress
  • ADHD challenges - Time pressure affects those with attention differences

What You Can Do

  1. Sign the petition - Join thousands demanding this feature from Apple
  2. Submit feedback to Apple - Use apple.com/feedback to request this feature
  3. Spread awareness - Share #RightToTimelessness on social media

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Apple ever add this feature?

It’s possible. Apple has added features after sustained user demand before (dark mode, customizable lock screens). With enough voices, change is possible.

Can I hide the clock with shortcuts?

No, Apple Shortcuts cannot access or modify system UI elements like the status bar clock.

What about Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch also doesn’t allow hiding the time on most watch faces, though some meditation apps can temporarily hide UI elements.

Want this to change?

Join the movement demanding the right to hide the clock on all devices.

Sign the Petition