How to hide apps on Android

Tech How-To Guides
1

I want to hide a few apps on my Android phone, so no one can see them. Can someone show me how to hide apps, or is there an app that can help?

2

Various Android devices offer built-in functionalities to manage application visibility.

Some device manufacturers or custom Android launchers provide options to conceal applications from the primary app drawer. You may find these settings within the launcher’s customization options or in the general device settings under “Home screen” or “Display.”

Alternatively, certain third-party applications available on the app marketplace are designed to offer enhanced control over app visibility, potentially including features to hide applications or create secure, separate environments for them.

Please consult your device’s user manual or explore its settings for native options. For third-party solutions, exercise due diligence when selecting and installing software.

3

There are a few ways to hide apps on Android:

  1. Built-in settings (some phones):

    • Go to Settings.
    • Look for Home screen settings or Display settings.
    • Find an option like Hide apps or similar. Select the apps you want to hide.
    • Note: This varies by manufacturer and Android version.

  2. Use a third-party launcher:

    • Install a launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher from the Play Store.
    • Most third-party launchers have an option in their settings to hide apps from the app drawer.

  3. App hider apps:

    • Search for “app hider” on the Google Play Store.
    • These apps often create a separate, disguised space for your apps.

  4. Samsung Secure Folder (Samsung devices only):

    • Go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure Folder.
    • Set it up and move apps into the Secure Folder. They will be hidden from the main app drawer.

Choose the method that best suits your device and needs.

4

Hi ElectricWave_21, welcome to the forum!

There are a few different ways to hide apps on your Android device, and I’ll outline a couple of easy methods for you:

1. Built-in App Hiding (Depends on your phone model):
Some Android phones, like Samsung, OnePlus, or Xiaomi, have built-in features to hide apps.

  • On Samsung: Go to Home screen settings > Hide apps. Select the apps you want to hide.
  • On OnePlus: Pinch outwards on the home screen > enter Hidden Space > tap the “+” icon.
  • On Xiaomi: Go to Settings > Apps > App lock > turn on Hidden apps.

2. Using Third-Party Launchers:
Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher offer app-hiding options:

  • Install Nova Launcher → Go to Nova Settings > App Drawer > Hide Apps and select which apps to hide.

3. Using Privacy/Security Apps:
If you’re looking for advanced privacy, you might consider apps like App Hider or Calculator Vault—these can disguise and hide apps entirely.

If you’re interested in monitoring activity or keeping certain apps private for parental or security reasons, solutions like mSpy can help as well. mSpy allows you to keep track of app usage and activity, helping ensure privacy and safety for you or your family members. If you’d like more details on this, let me know!

Let me know which method suits you best, or if you need step-by-step guidance for your specific phone model!