Privacy and security for most smartphone users is still one of the big considerations in today's digital world. With all that private data being saved on your phone-from pictures to the latest banking information-it'd be natural to want at least some way to have a little part of one's digital life be secret. This can be done by making private sensitive information apps, or those apps you would simply prefer not to be openly displayed. Be it a social media app, a work-related tool, or even a game, there are plenty of reasons why users may want to hide certain apps on their Android devices.
Its flexibility regarding customization also allows the user to adapt his/her experience to his or her needs, including their wishes regarding privacy. It permits a number of ways of managing the applications on your device beyond the iOS, where flexibility is restricted. To hide applications, its options vary according to device brand, version, and the technical aptitude level of the user. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your Android as private as you want by making use of the various built-in features, third-party launchers, and special apps available.
In this guide, we are going to provide you with the most efficient and sure-fire ways of hiding applications on Android. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy method to hide applications that are not necessarily part of the public domain or advanced methods to keep your sensitive apps safe, we've got you covered. We'll learn the built-in applications as well as some third-party apps and a few of the advanced tricks customized to tech-savvy users, so you pick and choose what suits you best. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with everything you need to feel fearless to hide your Android applications in an organized and discreet way.
Methods to Hide Apps on Android Devices
01. Using Built-in Options on Android Phones
In order to meet some of those requirements with native options available from the phone manufacturers such as hidden apps from specific Androids using inbuilt applications available for hiding applications on their phone, you can conceal some apps from the third party apps' need for the hiding applications. Hence, we would talk over each brand with its respective native interface by letting the hidden feature be provided on a device like Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo, Redmi, OPPO, Motorola, and Huawei.
On Samsung (One UI)
Samsung’s One UI is feature-rich and includes a simple way to hide apps from the home screen and app drawer. Here’s how to do it:
Press and hold on the home screen of your Galaxy smartphone
Tap Home Screen Settings from the options that appear.
Scroll through the list and tap on the apps you want to hide.
Tap on the apps you want to hide. This process will add the selected apps to the “Hidden apps” box at the top of the screen. You can add as many apps as you want to hide.
Tap on ‘Done’ once you have selected all the apps you want to hide.
To access hidden apps, return to the same settings and uncheck the apps you want to make visible.
On OnePlus (OxygenOS)
OnePlus devices offer an excellent hiding feature called “Hidden Space,” located within the app drawer, which makes it easy to hide apps.
Swipe up from the home screen to open the app drawer.
Swipe right to access the Hidden Space.
Tap the “+” icon, select the apps you want to hide, and they’ll be moved to Hidden Space.
Select the apps you want to hide.
Tap the checkmark to solidify the selection.
To show the hidden apps, from the Home screen, swipe up to bring up the Apps tray: tap Settings, then Apps & notifications and See all apps: tap on the app you want to see, then Enable. The app will appear in your app drawer. It's worth mentioning that the Hidden Spaces settings on the OnePlus device also let you password protect the space so others cannot access it. The password protection of Hidden Space is done by opening the Settings app, going into password settings, and enabling password protection of Hidden Spaces.
On Vivo (Funtouch OS)
Vivo’s Funtouch OS includes an app hiding feature within its App Lock settings. Here’s how to use it:
Go to Settings > Security & Privacy.
Tap on App Encryption and set up a password.
Once App Encryption is set up, select the apps you want to hide.
You can access hidden apps by entering your password.
Note: Vivo may vary slightly by model, so some older versions might require different steps.
On Redmi (MIUI)
Xiaomi’s MIUI is popular for its customization options, including hiding apps within the App Lock feature.
Open Settings > Apps > App Lock.
Select Turn on
Create a PIN or pattern.
Once App Lock is enabled, you’ll see an option to Hide Apps. Select the apps you want to keep hidden.
Swipe two fingers outward on the home screen and enter your App Lock password to view hidden apps.
After the app is hidden, it can be accessed by simply swiping two fingers across the screen. A popup message will appear asking for a passcode. Enter your correct passcode to find the hidden apps.
Tip: This method adds an extra layer of security for hidden apps in MIUI.
On OPPO (ColorOS)
OPPO’s ColorOS also provides an option to hide apps within the Privacy settings. Follow these steps:
Go to Settings > Privacy > App Lock.
Set a PIN or password if it’s not already enabled.
Once App Lock is enabled, you will receive a prompt to select the app you want to hide.
Select the apps and hit done.
The selected apps will be hidden from your smartphone soon after. However, you can still access it by simply going to the dial pad and putting the access number.
On Motorola (My UX)
Motorola’s My UX is a more stock-Android experience but does have options for hiding content.
Go to Settings > Security
While there isn’t a direct “hide” feature for all apps, you can restrict access by using screen pinning or setting up App Lock for select apps.
You can also move apps you don’t use often into a folder for a cleaner look.
Note: Motorola’s My UX doesn’t offer direct hiding options, so users may need to rely on third-party apps or use folders.
On Huawei (EMUI)
Huawei’s EMUI offers a feature known as “PrivateSpace,” which allows users to create a separate space for private apps.
Open Settings > Security & Privacy > PrivateSpace.
Follow the instructions to set up PrivateSpace with a unique fingerprint or password.
Log in with your PrivateSpace credentials, then install any apps you want to keep private.
You can easily switch between spaces by using different passwords or fingerprints.
Tip: PrivateSpace offers a dedicated area for hidden apps, making it ideal for privacy-focused users.
02. Using Android’s App Drawer Settings
On many Android devices, the app drawer has settings which allow you to hide applications directly, without needing special apps. This is easy and effective for keeping specific applications out of sight.
Here’s how you can do it on most Android devices
Open the App Drawer: Swipe up on the home screen to view all apps.
Go to Settings: Look for the three dots or settings icon in the app drawer, usually in the top-right corner.
Select “Hide Apps”: In the settings, tap on Hide Apps. This option may vary depending on your device and Android version.
Choose Apps to Hide: Select the apps you want to hide, then confirm.
Note that these apps will no longer appear in your app drawer, but you can find them by searching for their names in the app search bar or by unchecking them in the Hide Apps section.
This feature is convenient for quick app hiding without additional security features.
03. Using Third-Party Launchers to Hide Apps on Android
Third-party launchers will be quite the excellent alternative for hiding applications or offering more choices beyond built-in options on the device. Applications like Nova Launcher and Apex Launcher offer various themes and customization possibilities not only in application hiding but also improvement for Android in general. Given below are some popular app launchers that are best at application hiding. How well a launcher has done compared with others depends not only on its application hiding ability but also the ease of navigation, device support, compatibility, etc.
Popular Launchers with App-Hiding Capabilities
Third-party launchers bring unique customization options and features. Below are some of the most popular ones with app-hiding features:
Nova Launcher: Known for its flexibility and minimal design, Nova Launcher is one of the most popular Android launchers with easy app-hiding options and many customization settings.
Apex Launcher: Another feature-rich launcher, Apex Launcher provides a clean interface and straightforward app-hiding options. It’s great for users who want to customize their phone’s look.
Microsoft Launcher: Microsoft Launcher combines productivity tools with customization and allows hiding apps in a separate hidden folder.
POCO Launcher: Developed by Xiaomi, POCO Launcher offers a light, efficient experience with app-hiding options. It’s a great choice for users who prefer simplicity and speed.
Step-by-Step Guide for Hiding Apps on Each Launcher
Here’s how to use each of these popular launchers to hide apps on Android.
Nova Launcher
Download and set Nova Launcher as your default launcher.
Long-press on the home screen, then tap Settings.
Go to App Drawer > Hide Apps.
Tap the checkboxes next to the apps you want to hide.
Return to the home screen, and the selected apps will be hidden from the app drawer.
Tip: Nova Launcher’s paid version, Nova Prime, unlocks even more customization options.
Apex Launcher
Install Apex Launcher from the Google Play Store or AndroBranch App Store and set it as your default launcher.
Long-press on the home screen, then tap Apex Settings.
Go to Drawer Settings > Hidden Apps.
Select the apps you want to hide from the list.
Return to the home screen, and the apps will no longer appear in the app drawer.
Tip: Apex Launcher is easy to use, making it ideal for those new to launchers.
Microsoft Launcher
Set it as your default launcher after downloading.
Long-press on the home screen and select Home Settings.
Tap on Hidden Apps and then Hide apps to select which apps to hide.
Microsoft Launcher moves the selected apps into a hidden folder, accessible only from the Hidden Apps menu.
Note: Microsoft Launcher’s focus on productivity tools and integration with Microsoft accounts can be beneficial for some users.
POCO Launcher
Download and Set POCO Launcher as your default
Tap the three lines in the upper-left corner of the app drawer, then select Settings.
Tap on Manage app categories and then Hidden apps.
Choose the apps you want to hide, then exit settings.
Tip: POCO Launcher’s lightweight design makes it great for low-storage devices or older models.
Comparison of Launchers for Hiding Apps
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best launcher for your needs:
Launcher | Performance | Compatibility | App-Hiding Features | Additional Features |
Nova Launcher | High | Broad compatibility with most Android versions | Smooth, flexible app-hiding options | Advanced customization, gestures |
Apex Launcher | High | Works well on most devices | Simple app-hiding options | Themes, icon pack support |
Microsoft Launcher | High | Best with Microsoft services | Hidden folder for private apps | Microsoft account integration, tasks |
POCO Launcher | High | Ideal for Xiaomi and other brands | Lightweight with easy app-hiding features | Minimalist, fast, no extra bloat |
Each launcher offers its unique strengths, so your choice will depend on what you value most:
For customization and smooth performance, Nova Launcher is ideal.
For simplicity and speed, POCO Launcher is great.
For productivity and Microsoft service users, Microsoft Launcher is a strong choice.
For an Android user, the practical way to get control over home screen layout and the app drawer is hiding apps. These launchers help you have a clean private app setup which will fit your style and needs. Select the one that you feel is most appropriate and begin to experiment with its options to really make it your own device!
04. Using App Lock Apps with Hiding Features
App lock apps that can hide applications are a powerful tool for users who want an extra layer of privacy and security. Many of these apps lock applications using a password, pattern, or fingerprint and offer the capability to fully hide apps from your home screen and app drawer. The most popular example is AppLock by DoMobile, which combines two functions into one convenient application.
Here's how to utilize these apps to lock and hide your applications:
Such is the case of locking the apps with some specific apps lock applications which are developed to prevent any unauthorized access. But more advanced features of app lock applications, which provide a feature for hiding the application, offers users a comprehensive solution toward privacy. Such applications with dual features such as locking and hiding applications are designed by AppLock by DoMobile.
Popular App Lock Apps with Hiding Features:
AppLock by DoMobile: Known for its reliability, AppLock by DoMobile allows users to lock apps, photos, videos, and even contacts. It also has a feature to hide apps entirely from the app list.
Norton App Lock: Developed by Norton, this app provides solid security with app-locking features and hides app notifications for added privacy.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on configuring AppLock by DoMobile to hide and lock your apps for maximum privacy.
Open the AndroBranch App Store or Google Play Store and search for AppLock by DoMobile
Download and Install the app on your device.
Open AppLock and grant the necessary permissions it requests to work effectively.
When you open AppLock for the first time, it will ask you to set up a password or pattern.
If your device supports fingerprint scanning, you can enable fingerprint lock in the settings for added convenience.
For backup, AppLock may prompt you to set up security questions in case you forget your password.
In the main menu of AppLock, you’ll see a list of apps installed on your device.
Tap the lock icon next to each app you want to lock. These apps will now require your password, pattern, or fingerprint for access.
You can customize when the app requires you to re-enter your password (e.g., after closing the app or after a certain time).
Some versions of AppLock offer a feature to hide apps entirely. This option can be accessed under Advanced Settings or App Lock Vault.
Choose the apps you want to hide from the list.
For complete privacy, AppLock also allows you to hide its own icon. To access it, you’ll need to dial a special code in your phone’s dialer (provided in AppLock settings).
AppLock offers an “Intruder Selfie” option that takes a photo of anyone who tries to access a locked app with the wrong password.
To keep app activities private, enable the “Hide Notifications” option to prevent notifications from hidden apps from appearing.
Using an app lock that has a hiding feature is the most efficient way to safeguard some things on your android. You can thus hide sensitive apps and again secure them with a password, pattern, or even fingerprint lock. Use the best app, then explore its advanced settings for more security options such as hidden icons and intruder detection.
Safety and Security Tips for Hiding Apps
While hiding apps may be a good tool for maintaining private space, security and safety best practices always come first. Here are some key recommendations about keeping your apps safe while hidden, as well as some insights regarding the risks and benefits involved with third-party applications.
Risks and Benefits of Using Third-Party Apps for Hiding Apps
Many third-party apps, like launchers and app lockers, offer convenient ways to hide and lock your apps, but they come with their own sets of risks and benefits.
Benefits:
Enhanced Privacy: Third-party apps often have advanced privacy features, like hiding icons and password-protecting hidden apps.
Customization Options: Many apps allow greater control over the appearance and behavior of hidden apps, which can be ideal for personalizing your device.
Ease of Use: Third-party apps are generally straightforward to set up and offer a variety of privacy features in one place, such as locking, hiding, and restricting access.
Risks:
Data Privacy Concerns: Some third-party apps may collect and store user data, potentially exposing private information.
Security Vulnerabilities: Third-party apps, particularly lesser-known ones, can introduce malware or spyware if they aren’t from trusted sources.
Device Performance: Some privacy apps consume significant resources, potentially slowing down your device.
Before installing one should check the apps' and developer's reputation, as well as read some reviews from actual users. In this case, well-known applications like AppLock by DoMobile and Nova Launcher are relatively safe, and less known ones require more research.
Importance of Verifying App Permissions and Developer Reputation
When installing any app - particularly those that have permissions to control other apps or conceal content - it's crucial to review the permissions and the reputation of the developer. Here are some steps to consider:
Check Permissions Carefully: Most of these 'hide and lock apps' request you to permit accessing your phone's contacts, or even storage, or your phone's camera. See the permissions requested if it truly corresponds with what is described by the purpose of using the app. Example storage might be necessary for a need to lock up applications in the app but no one needs permission concerning their locations and microphone.
Research the Developer: Check the developer's website, read the reviews and comments that people have about the app, and find out what other apps this developer has on the Google Play Store. Developers who have earned the trust of people always have good app ratings.
Use Google Play Protect: Google Play Protect scans apps for malicious behavior. Make sure this feature is enabled on your device to detect any potentially harmful apps.
Opt for Known Apps: Stick to well-reviewed apps with high download counts and positive feedback from users. Avoid apps with low ratings, bad reviews, or questionable permissions.
Safeguarding Hidden Apps from Accidental Exposure
Even after hiding your apps, they could still be exposed unintentionally if not managed properly. Here are a few tips to keep them safe:
Disable Notifications for Hidden Apps: Some hidden apps may display notifications on your screen to alert you of their presence. Most app locks or hiding apps will have options that include the ability to turn off notifications for apps when they are locked. Locate the application settings and disable notifications or use "silent" notifications to avoid being exposed to hidden apps.
Use a Strong Password for App Lockers: If you’re using an app locker, set a strong password or pattern. For maximum security, enable fingerprint authentication if your device supports it.
Avoid Accidental Removal from Hidden Status: Occasionally check that your hidden apps are still hidden in your app settings. Updates or device resets might occasionally revert the app to its visible status.
Use Disguise Options: Some of the privacy applications allow disguise capabilities, such as an app for a fake calculator that acts as a launcher for your secret applications. This will prevent the chances of accidentally discovering your secret applications for others.
Restrict App Uninstallation: Some launchers and privacy apps offer a feature that can prevent hidden apps from being uninstalled. When you have this feature enabled, you can rest assured that such applications will not be removed or altered by anyone trying to do so.
Hide applications can be really useful for increasing your privacy, but you need to be careful about using trusted and secure methods for hiding apps so that you are not exposing your device to any potential risks. Make use of known third-party apps, verify the permissions, and look up the reputation of the developer before installing the app. Follow these tips and be attentive to permissions, and you will be able to safely hide apps on your Android and avoid accidental exposure, making the most of the privacy benefits.
Comentarios