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How to unhide apps on android?

By HotBotUpdated: September 9, 2024

Answer

Android devices come with a plethora of features designed to enhance user experience, including the ability to hide and unhide apps. This functionality can be particularly useful for maintaining privacy or decluttering the home screen. However, if you need to unhide these apps, the process can vary based on the device manufacturer, the version of Android, and any custom launchers you might be using. This guide will walk you through several methods to unhide apps on your Android device.

Unhiding Apps Using Default Settings

Most Android devices come with built-in settings that allow users to hide and unhide apps. Follow these steps to unhide apps using the default settings:

Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Scroll down and tap on Apps or Applications depending on your device.
Select All Apps or See All Apps to view a complete list of installed applications.
Find the app you want to unhide. If the app is hidden, it might appear in a separate section or grayed out.
Tap on the app and then select Enable if the option is available. This will unhide the app and make it accessible from the home screen or app drawer.

Using the App Drawer to Unhide Apps

The app drawer is another place where hidden apps might reside. Here’s how to unhide apps from the app drawer:

Open the App Drawer by swiping up from the bottom of the home screen.
Tap on the three-dot menu icon or Settings icon in the app drawer.
Select Hide Apps or Hidden Apps from the menu.
A list of hidden apps will appear. Uncheck the box next to the app you want to unhide.
Tap Done or OK to save your changes.

Unhiding Apps Using Custom Launchers

If you are using a custom launcher like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Smart Launcher, the steps to unhide apps might be different. Here’s how to unhide apps using some popular custom launchers:

Nova Launcher

Open the Nova Settings app.
Navigate to App & Widget Drawers.
Scroll down and tap on Hide Apps.
Uncheck the box next to the app you want to unhide.
Return to the home screen, and the app should now be visible.

Apex Launcher

Open the Apex Settings app.
Select Drawer Settings.
Tap on Hidden Apps.
Uncheck the box next to the app you want to unhide.
Press Save or Apply to make the app visible again.

Smart Launcher

Open the Smart Launcher Settings app.
Go to Apps.
Select Hide Apps.
Uncheck the box next to the app you want to unhide.
Return to the home screen, and the app should now be visible.

Unhiding System Apps

System apps are pre-installed apps that come with your Android device. These apps are usually hidden to prevent users from accidentally disabling crucial system functions. However, if you need to unhide a system app, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app on your device.
Scroll down and tap on Apps or Applications.
Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select Show System or Show System Apps.
A list of system apps will appear. Find the app you want to unhide.
Tap on the app and select Enable. This will unhide the app and make it accessible from the home screen or app drawer.

Unhiding Apps Using Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store can help you manage hidden apps. Some popular options include App Hider, Hide App, and Calculator Vault. Here’s a general guide on how to use these apps:

Download and install a third-party app hider from the Google Play Store.
Open the app and grant the necessary permissions.
Navigate to the hidden apps section within the app.
Select the app you want to unhide and follow the on-screen instructions to make it visible again.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble unhiding apps, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Restart Your Device: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve issues related to hidden apps.
Clear Cache: Go to Settings > Storage > Cached Data and clear the cache to improve performance and resolve potential glitches.
Update Your Device: Ensure your device is running the latest software update by going to Settings > System > Software Update.
Factory Reset: As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase all data on your device, so make sure to back up important information first. Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset.

The methods and steps outlined above provide a comprehensive guide to unhiding apps on various Android devices and custom launchers. Each device and launcher may have its unique procedures, so it's essential to understand your specific setup to navigate the process smoothly.