How to Hide Apps Without Deleting Them: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the best practices for hiding apps on various devices without deleting them. Learn the techniques for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS to keep your devices organized and clutter-free.

Introduction

Managing your apps can be overwhelming, especially when you want to hide some applications for privacy or organization purposes. Fortunately, it's possible to hide apps without uninstalling them, and this guide will walk you through the process for popular operating systems.

Hide Apps on Android

On Android devices, there are several methods to hide apps depending on the device and operating system. Here are some common ways:

Using Built-in Features

App Drawer: On some Android devices, you can hide apps directly from the app drawer. Look for an option to hide the app or pin it to the bottom or top of the drawer.

Using Third-Party Launchers

Nova Launcher: Install a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher. These launchers offer features to hide apps. Simply install the launcher and drag and drop the app icon into a hidden folder or archive.

Hide Apps on iOS

On iOS devices, the process is a bit different. Here are the steps:

Using Screen Time

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. Here, you can disable the apps you want to hide. This will restrict access but not delete the app.

Moving to a Folder

Create a folder and move the app into it. You can create folders with less frequently used apps to ensure they remain hidden. On iOS 14 and later, you can use the App Library feature to hide apps. Remove the app from the home screen and it will be stored in the App Library, making it less visible.

Hide Apps on Windows

On Windows, you can hide apps using the taskbar settings:

Right-click the app in the taskbar and select Hide from Taskbar.

Creating a Hidden Folder: You can create a folder and move the app shortcuts into it, then hide the folder by changing its properties.

Hide Apps on macOS

On macOS, you can use the Finder to hide apps:

Move the app to a different folder or create a hidden folder. To hide a folder, you can use the Terminal command to make it invisible.

Hide Apps on iPhone

On an iPhone, you can hide apps directly from the Home screen using the following steps:

To Hide an App on iPhone:

Open Settings. Tap Siri Search. Scroll down to the app section and select the app you want to hide. Toggle Show on Home Screen off. When you're done, the toggle should appear gray.

To Unhide an App: Repeat the process but toggle Show on Home Screen back on.

By following these steps, you can effectively hide apps on your device without deleting them. Whether you're using Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS, these methods will help you keep your devices organized and clutter-free.

Conclusion

Hiding apps on your device is a useful feature for managing your digital life. With these methods, you can keep apps installed and out of sight, reducing clutter and enhancing your privacy. Experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you.