How to Hide Android Apps

In today's digital age, smartphones are an essential part of our lives, and Android apps are at the heart of our mobile experiences. While these apps provide countless benefits, there may be instances where you'd like to keep certain apps private or maintain a clutter-free app drawer. In this comprehensive and in-depth guide, we'll explore various methods to effectively hide Android apps on your device. We'll discuss built-in settings, app hiders, custom launchers, and other techniques to help you achieve the desired level of privacy and organization.

 {getToc} $title={Table of Contents}

1. Hiding Apps with Built-in Settings

Some Android devices come with built-in options to hide apps, although the process may vary depending on the manufacturer and Android version. Below, we've outlined how to use built-in settings on several popular Android devices:

a. Samsung Devices

1. Open the app drawer.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Home screen settings."
4. Tap "Hide apps."
5. Choose the apps you want to hide and tap "Apply."

b. OnePlus Devices

1. Open the app drawer.
2. Swipe right to access "Hidden Space."
3. Tap the "+" icon.
4. Select the apps you want to hide and tap the checkmark.

c. LG Devices

1. Open the app drawer.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Hide apps."
4. Choose the apps you want to hide and tap "Done."

d. Huawei Devices

1. Open the app drawer.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Settings."
4. Tap "Hide apps."
5. Choose the apps you want to hide and tap "Done."

**Note instructions may vary depending on Android Manufacture and Android Version

If your Android device doesn't have built-in settings for hiding apps, don't worry—there are other methods available, such as using third-party app hiders or custom launchers.

2. Utilizing App Hiders

App hiders are third-party applications designed specifically for hiding apps on your device. Some of the most popular and effective app hiders include:

a. App Hider

App Hider not only allows you to hide apps but also enables you to create clones of apps for hidden usage. To use App Hider, follow these steps:

1. Install App Hider from the Google Play Store.
2. Open App Hider and set a password.
3. Tap the "+" button and select the apps you want to hide.
4. Use the hidden apps within App Hider or create a clone for use outside the app.

b. Hide App-Hide Application Icon

Hide App-Hide Application Icon is another reliable app hider that helps you hide apps without requiring root access. Here's how to use it:

1. Install Hide App-Hide Application Icon from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and set a password.
3. Select the apps you want to hide.
4. Access the hidden apps through the Hide App-Hide Application Icon interface.

c. Calculator Vault

Calculator Vault is a unique app hider disguised as a fully functioning calculator. It offers an additional layer of privacy by appearing as an innocuous calculator app. To use Calculator Vault, follow these steps:

1. Install Calculator Vault from the Google Play Store.
2. Open Calculator Vault and set a password.
3. Enter your password in the calculator interface and tap "=" to access the vault.
4. Tap the "+" button and select the apps you want to hide.
5. Access the hidden apps within Calculator Vault.

3. Custom Launchers for Hiding Apps

Custom launchers are another effective way to hide apps on your Android device. Several popular launchers offer app-hiding features, such as:

a. Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher is a highly customizable launcher with app-hiding capabilities. To hide apps using Nova Launcher, follow these steps:

1. Install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store and set it as your default launcher.
2. Open Nova Launcher settings.
3. Tap on "App drawer."
4. Scroll down and select "Hide apps."
5. Choose the apps you want to hide.

b. Apex Launcher

Apex Launcher is another feature-packed launcher that allows you to hide apps. Here's how to use it:

1. Install Apex Launcher from the Google Play Store and set it as your default launcher.
2. Open Apex Launcher settings.
3. Tap on "Hidden Apps."
4. Select the apps you want to hide and tap "Save."

c. Smart Launcher 5

Smart Launcher 5 is a versatile launcher that offers a clean interface and app-hiding functionality. To hide apps using Smart Launcher 5, follow these steps:

1. Install Smart Launcher 5 from the Google Play Store and set it as your default launcher.
2. Open Smart Launcher 5 settings.
3. Tap on "App grid."
4. Scroll down and select "Hide apps."
5. Choose the apps you want to hide.

4. Other Techniques for Hiding Apps

If you're looking for alternative methods to hide apps, you can try the following techniques:

a. Disabling Pre-installed Apps

If you want to hide pre-installed apps that you don't use, you can disable them:

1. Open the "Settings" app.
2. Tap on "Apps" or "Applications."
3. Find the app you want to disable and tap on it.
4. Tap "Disable" and confirm your action.

Note that disabling apps may cause related features to stop working.

b. Creating a Secure Folder

Some Android devices, like Samsung, offer a "Secure Folder" feature that allows you to store apps, files, and other content in a password-protected folder. To set up a Secure Folder, follow these steps:

1. Open the "Settings" app.
2. Tap on "Biometrics and security" or "Lock screen and security."
3. Select "Secure Folder" and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Add the apps you want to hide to the Secure Folder.

c. Using App Lockers

App lockers provide an additional layer of security by password-protecting individual apps. While they don't hide apps from the app drawer, they prevent unauthorized access. Some popular app lockers include AppLock and Norton App Lock.

Conclusion

Hiding Android apps can be useful for maintaining privacy, decluttering your app drawer, or keeping sensitive information secure. Depending on your device and preferences, you can use built-in settings, app hiders, custom launchers, or other techniques to effectively hide apps. With this comprehensive and in-depth guide, you can choose the best method to achieve the desired level of privacy and organization on your Android device.