Want to hide apps on Android to keep certain apps out of sight? Whether it’s for privacy, to reduce clutter, or to keep sensitive apps away from prying eyes, learning how to hide apps on Android is a genuinely useful skill. In this guide, we’ll walk through the current methods to hide apps across different Android devices — from built-in home screen settings to secure folders and third-party launchers — so you can pick the approach that fits your phone.
Key Takeaways
- You can hide apps using built-in settings on many Android devices like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus.
- Third-party launchers such as Nova Launcher offer additional features to hide apps.
- App-hider applications provide a straightforward way to conceal apps and enhance security.
- Creating secure folders can keep your sensitive apps and data safe.
- Guest Mode is a handy feature to hide apps when sharing your device with others.
Using Built-In Settings to Hide Apps
Hiding apps on your Android device can be done easily using the built-in settings. This method doesn’t require any third-party apps or launchers, and it works on most modern versions of Android.
Accessing the Settings Menu
First, open your Android’s Settings. You can usually find the Settings icon in your app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
Navigating to Home Screen Settings
Once you’re in the Settings menu, scroll down and look for the Home Screen settings. This option might be named differently depending on your device — on some phones you can also long-press an empty area of the home screen and tap Settings to reach the same menu.
Selecting and Hiding Apps
In the Home Screen settings, you should see an option to hide apps. Tap on this option, and you’ll be presented with a list of all the apps installed on your device. Select the apps you want to hide by checking the boxes next to their names, then confirm. The selected apps will no longer appear in your app drawer or on your home screen.
Tip: If you ever want to unhide the apps, simply return to the same settings and uncheck the boxes next to the apps you want to make visible again.
Hiding Apps with Third-Party Launchers
Using third-party launchers is a great way to hide apps on your Android device. These launchers not only help you customize your home screen but also offer features to keep certain apps out of sight.
Installing a Third-Party Launcher
First, you need to install a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher.
Configuring the Launcher to Hide Apps
Once you have installed the launcher, set it as your default home app, then open the launcher settings and navigate to the ‘App Drawer’ or ‘Hidden Apps’ section. Select the apps you want to hide from the list. Many launchers also let you set a PIN or password to reveal hidden apps for an extra layer of privacy.
Utilizing App-Hider Applications
App-hider applications are a great way to keep certain apps away from prying eyes. These apps can change the names and icons of the apps on your screen or hide them completely. Because these tools request broad permissions, stick to well-reviewed apps from the Google Play Store and review what access they ask for before installing.
Creating Secure Folders to Hide Apps
Setting Up a Secure Folder
Creating a secure folder on your Android device is a great way to keep your apps and files safe. A secure folder is a separate, encrypted space protected by a PIN, pattern, or biometric lock — apps placed inside it are hidden from your regular app drawer and can only be opened after you unlock the folder.
Using Guest Mode to Hide Apps
Guest Mode is a handy feature on Android devices that allows you to hide apps and other personal data when someone else is using your phone. When you switch to a guest session, your personal apps, accounts, and data stay hidden until you switch back to your own profile.
Disabling Pre-Installed Apps
Many Android devices come with pre-installed apps, often referred to as bloatware. Disabling an app will remove it from your home screen and prevent it from running in the background. To do this, open Settings > Apps, select the app, and tap Disable (available for apps that can’t be fully uninstalled).
Hiding Apps on Samsung Devices
Samsung devices offer several ways to hide apps. You can hide apps directly from the home screen by opening Settings from the app drawer and choosing which apps to hide, or you can move sensitive apps into Samsung’s Secure Folder, a locked, encrypted space built into One UI.
Hiding Apps on Xiaomi Devices
Xiaomi’s interface offers a straightforward way to hide apps without needing any third-party applications, using the built-in app-hiding feature found in Settings under Apps or App lock.
Hiding Apps on OnePlus Devices
OnePlus devices come with a handy feature called Hidden Space, which allows users to hide apps easily. You can access it by swiping outward on the app drawer, and you can lock the Hidden Space with a password for added privacy.
Hiding Apps on Google Pixel Devices
Google Pixel devices running recent versions of Android include Private Space, a separate, lockable area of the phone where you can keep apps hidden from your main profile. Once set up, apps inside Private Space don’t appear in your normal app list until you unlock it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I hide apps on my Android phone?
You can hide apps using built-in home screen settings, third-party launchers, app-hider applications, secure folders, guest mode, or by disabling pre-installed apps. The exact steps vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer.
Do I need to install a third-party app to hide apps?
No, many Android phones have built-in settings that allow you to hide apps without needing third-party apps. Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Google Pixel all include native options.
Can I hide apps on a Samsung device?
Yes, Samsung devices have built-in features that let you hide apps through the Home screen settings, and you can also use Secure Folder to lock sensitive apps behind a PIN or biometric lock.
Does hiding an app delete its data or notifications?
No. Hiding an app simply removes it from view — it stays installed and its data remains intact. Depending on the method, the app may still run and send notifications in the background unless you also disable it.
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Johannah Lopez is a versatile professional who seamlessly navigates two worlds. By day, she excels as a SaaS freelance writer, crafting informative and persuasive content for tech companies. By night, she showcases her vibrant personality and customer service skills as a part-time bartender. Johannah's ability to blend her writing expertise with her social finesse makes her a well-rounded and engaging storyteller in any setting.
