How to hide apps on android without disabling?

By HotBotUpdated: July 30, 2024

Hiding apps on an Android device can be essential for maintaining privacy, decluttering your home screen, or keeping certain apps away from prying eyes. Fortunately, there are several methods to achieve this without disabling the apps entirely. This guide will walk you through various techniques, from built-in settings to third-party applications, to help you keep your digital life discreet.

Using Built-in Options

Many Android devices come with built-in options to hide applications. These options vary depending on the manufacturer and the version of Android. Here's how to use these features on some popular devices:

Samsung Devices

1. Open the App Drawer.
2. Tap on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Home Screen Settings.
4. Choose Hide Apps.
5. Select the apps you want to hide and confirm by tapping Apply.

OnePlus Devices

1. Open the App Drawer.
2. Swipe right to access the Hidden Space.
3. Tap the + icon.
4. Select the apps you want to hide and confirm.

Xiaomi Devices

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to App Lock (you may need to enable it first).
3. Select Hidden Apps.
4. Choose the apps you want to hide.

Using Third-Party Launchers

If your device doesn't have built-in options for hiding apps, third-party launchers can be a great alternative. Many launchers offer the ability to hide apps along with a host of other customization options. Here are a few popular choices:

Nova Launcher

1. Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Open Nova Settings.
3. Navigate to App & widget drawers.
4. Select Hide Apps.
5. Choose the apps you want to hide.

Apex Launcher

1. Download and install Apex Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Open Apex Settings.
3. Navigate to Drawer Settings.
4. Select Hidden Apps.
5. Choose the apps you want to hide.

Action Launcher

1. Download and install Action Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Open Action Settings.
3. Navigate to App Drawer.
4. Select Hidden Apps.
5. Choose the apps you want to hide.

Using App Lockers

App lockers are another effective way to hide apps. These apps often provide additional security features, such as PIN or fingerprint protection. Here are some popular app lockers:

AppLock

1. Download and install AppLock from the Google Play Store.
2. Open AppLock and set up your PIN or pattern.
3. Select the apps you want to hide and enable the Hide App feature.

Vault

1. Download and install Vault from the Google Play Store.
2. Open Vault and set up your password.
3. Navigate to Hide Apps and select the apps you want to hide.

PrivacyHider

1. Download and install PrivacyHider from the Google Play Store.
2. Open PrivacyHider and set up your password.
3. Select the apps you want to hide and confirm.

Using Folder Techniques

Another simple method to hide apps is to create folders and move the apps you want to hide into these folders. While this method doesn't hide the apps entirely, it can make them less noticeable. Here’s how to do it:

1. Long-press on an app icon and drag it to another app to create a folder.
2. Move the apps you want to hide into this folder.
3. Rename the folder to something less conspicuous, like Utilities or Miscellaneous.

Using Secure Folders

Some Android devices offer a Secure Folder feature that can be used to hide apps and other data. This feature is typically found on Samsung devices:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Biometrics and Security.
3. Select Secure Folder.
4. Set up your Secure Folder and add the apps you want to hide.

Using App Hider Apps

There are specialized apps designed explicitly for hiding other apps. These apps often offer additional features like cloning apps or providing a disguised interface. Here are a couple of options:

App Hider

1. Download and install App Hider from the Google Play Store.
2. Open App Hider and follow the setup instructions.
3. Add the apps you want to hide and confirm.

Hide App: Hide Application Icon

1. Download and install Hide App: Hide Application Icon from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions.
3. Select the apps you want to hide and confirm.

Using Guest Mode or Multiple Users

Android devices often support multiple user profiles or a guest mode, which can be used to hide apps. Here’s how to enable and use this feature:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to System and select Multiple Users or Users & Accounts.
3. Add a new user or enable guest mode.
4. Switch to the new user or guest mode to use a fresh, uncluttered profile without the apps you want to hide.

Each method offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Related Questions