How To Hide Apps On Android?

How To Hide Apps On Android? Android smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, serving multiple purposes beyond just making phone calls. With the plethora of apps available on the Google Play Store, we often find ourselves with an abundance of apps cluttering our home screens. Sometimes, we may also have certain apps that we would like to keep hidden from prying eyes. Whether it's for privacy reasons or to keep certain apps away from the curious eyes of children, hiding apps on your Android device can be a useful feature to have. In this article, we will explore different methods to hide apps on Android devices.

Method 1: Using the Built-in App Drawer

Most Android devices come with a built-in app drawer that allows you to organize and hide apps. Here's how you can use this feature:

1. Open the app drawer by swiping up or tapping on the app drawer icon on your home screen.
2. Tap on the three-dot menu icon located at the top-right corner of the app drawer.
3. Select "Hide apps" from the menu options.
4. A list of all your installed apps will appear. Choose the apps you want to hide by tapping on their respective checkboxes.
5. Once you have selected the apps, tap on the "Apply" or "Done" button to hide them.

This method allows you to easily hide multiple apps without the need for any third-party applications. However, do note that these hidden apps can still be accessed through the Settings menu, so it's not foolproof.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party App

If you're looking for a more robust solution to hide apps on your Android device, you can turn to third-party apps available on the Google Play Store. These apps offer additional features and enhanced privacy options. One such app is Nova Launcher, which is known for its customization options. Here's how you can use Nova Launcher to hide apps:

1. Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Set Nova Launcher as your default launcher by going to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home App and selecting Nova Launcher.
3. Long-press on your home screen and select "Widgets" from the options.
4. Scroll through the widgets and find the Nova Launcher widget called "Activities."
5. Drag the "Activities" widget to your home screen.
6. A list of activities will appear. Scroll down and find "Nova Settings" and tap on it.
7. A list of options will appear. Scroll down and find "App drawer" and tap on it.
8. Another list will appear. Scroll down and find "Hide Apps" and tap on it.
9. A list of all your installed apps will appear. Select the apps you want to hide by tapping on their respective checkboxes.
10. Once you have selected the apps, go back to your home screen, and you will find the hidden apps missing from your app drawer.

Using a third-party app like Nova Launcher provides a more secure way of hiding your apps. These hidden apps won't be easily accessible through the Settings menu, providing an additional layer of privacy.

Method 3: Creating Hidden Folders

Another method to hide apps on Android is by creating hidden folders on your home screen. Here's how you can do it:

1. Long-press on your home screen and select "Widgets" from the options.
2. Scroll through the widgets and find the "Folder" widget.
3. Drag the "Folder" widget to your home screen.
4. A blank folder will appear on your home screen. Tap on it to open.
5. Tap on the folder's name at the top of the screen to rename it to something inconspicuous, like "Utilities" or "Settings."
6. Drag the apps you want to hide into the folder.
7. Once you have added the apps, tap outside the folder to exit editing mode.

The hidden folder will now blend in with your other app icons, making it difficult for others to notice. However, do note that this method is not as secure as using a third-party app, as anyone can still access the hidden folder by tapping on it.

Method 4: Using App Lockers

If you want an extra layer of security for your hidden apps, you can use app lockers that require a passcode or fingerprint to access specific apps. These app lockers not only hide the apps but also protect them from unauthorized access. One popular app locker is AppLock, which offers a wide range of features. Here's how you can use AppLock to hide apps:

1. Download and install AppLock from the Google Play Store.
2. Open AppLock and set up a passcode or pattern lock.
3. Grant the necessary permissions to AppLock.
4. Tap on the "+" icon located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
5. A list of all your installed apps will appear. Select the apps you want to hide by tapping on their respective checkboxes.
6. Once you have selected the apps, tap on the "Add" button to hide them.

AppLock will now require a passcode or fingerprint authentication to access the hidden apps, providing an additional layer of security and privacy.

Conclusion

Hiding apps on your Android device can help you keep certain apps private and away from prying eyes. Whether you choose to use the built-in app drawer, third-party apps, hidden folders, or app lockers, you can find a method that suits your needs. Remember, while these methods provide varying levels of privacy, they are not foolproof, and some tech-savvy individuals might still be able to access the hidden apps. Use these methods as an additional layer of privacy, but always exercise caution and choose apps from trusted sources. With the right tools and techniques, you can maintain the privacy and security of your Android device.