How to Hide Apps on Android: A Comprehensive Guide

Concealing apps on an Android device can add an extra layer of privacy and security. This guide will walk you through several methods to effectively hide apps, whether you are using a Samsung, Google Pixel, or other Android devices. We will cover built-in features, third-party launchers, dedicated app hiders, and eliminating system apps, ensuring that you can tailor the process to your specific needs.

Using the Built-in Feature if Available

Many Android devices come with built-in options to hide apps, making the process straightforward and user-friendly. Here's how to hide apps on Samsung and Google Pixel devices.

Samsung Devices

Open the App Drawer. Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Home screen settings. Tap on Hide apps. Select the apps you want to hide and tap Done.

Google Pixel Devices

Open the App Drawer. Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select Hide apps if available and choose which apps to hide.

These methods allow you to quickly and easily hide apps without much effort.

Using a Third-Party Launcher

If your device does not support the above features, consider using a third-party launcher. These launchers often provide more customization options and can help you manage your app visibility more effectively.

Nova Launcher

Download and install Nova Launcher from the Play Store. Set it as your default launcher. Long press on the home screen and select Settings. Go to App widget drawers. Select Hide Apps. Select the apps you want to hide and confirm.

With a third-party launcher, you can have more control over your app layout and manage which apps are at your fingertips.

Using App Hider Apps

For more advanced users, there are dedicated app hider apps that can help you not only hide apps but also clone them. This level of complexity requires a bit more technical expertise and is useful for those who need a higher degree of privacy and security.

App Hider

Download and install App Hider from the Play Store. Open the app and follow the instructions to hide apps.

App Hider provides a range of functionalities, including hiding and cloning apps, which can be particularly useful for advanced users.

Disabling Pre-installed Apps

For system apps, the process is a bit different. You can disable these apps, which will essentially hide them from your device but won't allow you to uninstall them entirely.

Go to Settings. Navigate to Apps. Find the app you want to disable. Tap on it and select Disable.

Keep in mind that disabling system apps may affect the functionality of your device, so proceed with caution.

Using Secure Folder on Samsung Devices

If you have a Samsung device, you can utilize the Secure Folder feature to add an extra layer of security when hiding apps.

Go to Settings. Navigate to Biometrics and security. Select Secure Folder. Set up the Secure Folder with your Samsung account. Move apps into the Secure Folder to hide them.

The Secure Folder provides an additional safeguard, ensuring that only authorized devices can access the hidden apps.

Conclusion

Choose the method that best fits your needs. If privacy is a concern, ensure you set up any necessary passwords or security features when using third-party apps or features like Secure Folder. By following these steps, you can effectively control what apps are visible on your Android device and enhance your privacy and security.