How to Hide Apps on Android Phones Easily

In the current digital environment, privacy is a top priority and hide apps on Android phones is an important feature to keep private information hidden or declutter the home screen. You can use various Android methods to hide social media applications, work tools as well as pre-installed bloatware from your screen. Users can hide apps through built-in settings, third-party launchers, app lockers and secure folders based on their device type and personal choice. This guide demonstrates multiple methods for hiding applications while boosting your privacy when using an Android phone.

5 Easy Ways to Hide Apps on Android Phone

There are various methods through which one can hide applications on an Android phone, based on the type of device or preference. A few of these options are mentioned below:

1. Using Built-in Settings

The Android operating system includes pre-installed features that let users hide their applications through built-in settings which eliminate the need for third-party applications. Using native device settings enables users to control app visibility safely without compromising functionality. Here’s how you can hide apps on different devices:

A. Samsung (One UI)

Launch the App Drawer then find the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select either Settings or Home screen settings to access Hide apps. Choose which apps to hide followed by pressing the Done button.

B. OnePlus (OxygenOS)

Swiping to the right through the App Drawer will reveal Hidden Space. Open the “+”‘ symbol to select the apps you want to hide then they will disappear from the main app display.

C. LG Phone

• First of all open Settings.
• Tap Display and select Home screen.
• Tap Hide apps.
• Finally, you can choose the apps you want to hide from your home screen and tap Done.

D. Xiaomi (MIUI)

To hide your applications navigate to Settings then Apps and select App Lock with two swipes right to reach the Hidden Apps tab. Turn on the toggle for each app you want to hide. You can retrieve these hidden applications after setting a pinch motion command for the home screen.

E. Huawei (EMUI)

Use the PrivateSpace feature to hide apps by navigating to Settings and then Security & Privacy and select PrivateSpace. You should set up your space before moving needed apps to this securely hidden location for confidentiality reasons.

2. Using a Third-Party Launcher

Third-party launchers provide a suitable solution when built-in app hiding functions are not available on Android devices. Third-party launchers come equipped with flexible features which let users conceal specific apps from their app drawer. Here’s how you can do it using Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Vault:

➡ Nova Launcher (Prime Version Required)

The Prime version of Nova Launcher stands as an affordable third-party launcher because it combines elegant design aspects with extensive customization functions. To hide apps:

1. Download Nova Launcher Prime and set it as your main launcher interface.
2. Launch Open Nova Settings then browse to the App & widget drawers page.
3. Choose the apps you want to hide from the Hide Apps menu by tapping on that section.
4. These apps disappear from your app drawer though you can search and access them manually.

➡ Apex Launcher

Apex Launcher provides a built-in feature to hide apps easily:

1. Install and open Apex Launcher.
2. In Apex Settings go to Drawer settings.
3. To hide specific apps from view go to Hidden apps inside the settings menus then choose which apps you want to hide.
4. After you select your apps they will disappear from the app drawer.

With password protection options from Apex Launcher, you can retain complete security over your hidden applications.

➡ Vault (App Hider & Privacy Protection)

Vault is a dedicated privacy app designed to hide apps securely:

1. You can find and obtain “Vault – Hide Pics & Videos” via the Play Store.
2. Set up your secure password through the app interface.
3. Open access to restricted apps with the App Hider tool by selecting those which require protection.
4. You can find hidden apps in Vault because they will disappear from the main app drawer where they become accessible through your password entry.

Users who need high-level security will appreciate this system because it secures hidden apps behind protected screens.

3. Disable Pre-installed Apps

The basic Android phones include a group of pre-installed apps referred to as bloatware which users cannot remove but can deactivate to conceal them. App disabling both removes programs from your user interface, prevents background operation and prevents software updates. Here’s how you can disable apps to hide them:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Scroll down to Apps or Apps & notifications.
3. Tap See all apps to view the full list.
4. Locate the app you wish to hide and tap it.
5. Tap Disable (if available).
6. Confirm the action when prompted.

If disabled, the application will be hidden from your app drawer and won’t work unless you enable it again. If at any time you want to use it, you can go back to the Apps section in Settings, select the application and tap Enable.

4. Using a Secure Folder

Secure Folder is a Samsung-designed feature also present in some other Android devices which enables users to lock sensitive content including apps, files and photos with password or biometric security. The protective layer of authentication ensures complete control of the hidden content to authorized users.

Steps to Set Up and Use Secure Folder on Samsung Devices:

1. Open Settings then access Biometrics and Security.
2. Start by accessing Secure Folder then log in with your Samsung account.
3. Refer to the guidance to set up the lock feature then decide the authentication method from your available options.
4. Open your Secure Folder and activate the “+” icon to get started.
5. Tap Add to select the apps you want to move into hiding status.
6. When you access your Secure Folder it will contain all apps that you selected previously.

Also See: How to Hide Photos and Videos on Android without Any Apps

5. Using a Third-Party App Locker

Devices without the default Android capability to hide apps can benefit from third-party app lockers which secure applications through password, PIN or fingerprint authentication. App lockers allow users to hide apps completely from view in their application listing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hiding applications on your Android phone is easy and effective in enhancing privacy and decluttering your device. You can either use built-in settings, third-party launchers, app lockers, or secure folders depending on your preferences. Built-in features, for example, in Samsung and OnePlus devices, give you easy ways to hide applications without needing other tools, and third-party launchers like Nova Launcher and Apex Launcher offer much more customization.