Keeping Things Discreet: How to Hide Apps on Your Android Phone

We all have apps on our phones that we might not want others to see.

Whether it’s a personal finance app, a dating app, or a game you don’t want your boss to know about, keeping certain apps hidden can be helpful for privacy and maintaining boundaries.

Luckily, Android offers several ways to achieve this, depending on your device and Android version.

1. Utilizing Built-in Settings:

Most Android devices have a built-in feature for hiding apps directly within the settings. Here’s how to access it:

• Open your phone’s Settings app.
• Navigate to the “Home screen” or “Apps” section. This might vary slightly depending on your device and Android version.
• Look for an option like “Hide apps” or “Hide app icons.”
• Select the apps you want to hide. You’ll usually see a list of all installed apps, allowing you to choose the ones you want to disappear.
• Tap “Done” or confirm your selection. The chosen apps will no longer be visible on your home screen or app drawer.

2. Third-party Launcher Apps:

Some launcher apps, which replace the default home screen experience on your Android, offer built-in app hiding functionalities.

Popular options like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, and Action Launcher provide this feature.

The specific steps might differ slightly, but generally involve long-pressing an app icon, accessing app settings, and choosing the “Hide” option.

3. Disabling Apps (Not Recommended):

While not technically hiding, you can disable certain apps through the settings.

This essentially renders them unusable until you re-enable them. However, it’s important to note that disabling apps is not recommended for several reasons:

• It doesn’t truly hide the app: The app icon remains visible in the app drawer, even though it’s disabled.
• It can disrupt functionality: Disabling certain system apps might cause unintended consequences or affect other apps that rely on them.
• It doesn’t offer additional security: Anyone with access to your phone can easily re-enable the disabled app.

4. Secure Folders (Samsung Devices):

If you have a Samsung device, you can utilize the built-in “Secure Folder” feature. This creates a separate, encrypted space on your phone where you can store sensitive apps, photos, and documents.

• Open the Settings app and navigate to “Lock screen and security.”
• Tap on “Secure Folder” and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
• Once created, you can add apps to the Secure Folder, making them accessible only through a separate PIN or fingerprint authentication.

5. Third-party App Hiders:

While not always the most secure option, third-party app hider apps are available on the Google Play Store.

These apps create a secure vault where you can store hidden apps and access them through a PIN or pattern lock.

However, exercise caution when choosing such apps, as some might contain malware or collect your data.

Important Considerations:

• Hidden apps are not truly invisible: Depending on the method used, someone with access to your phone might still be able to discover hidden apps through various means, like searching app settings or file explorer.
• Focus on privacy, not security: Hiding apps primarily addresses privacy concerns and doesn’t guarantee enhanced security. If you require robust security for sensitive information, consider using app locks or encryption tools.
• Android version and device variations: The specific steps and options might differ slightly depending on your Android version and device manufacturer.

Choosing the Right Method:

The best method for hiding apps depends on your individual needs and comfort level. If you simply want to keep certain apps out of sight, the built-in settings or a third-party launcher app might suffice.

However, if you require a more secure solution, consider using a Secure Folder (on Samsung devices) or exercising caution with reputable third-party app hiders.

Remember, hiding apps is not a foolproof security measure. It’s crucial to maintain good password hygiene, be mindful of what apps you install, and avoid sharing your phone with untrusted individuals for optimal privacy and security.