Ever felt like you wanted to keep some apps on your Android device private? Maybe you have apps that you don’t want others to see when they borrow your phone. Or perhaps you just like a clean home screen. Whatever the reason, hiding apps on Android is a pretty straightforward process. In just a few steps, you can make those apps disappear from view.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Hide Apps on Android
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. By hiding apps on your Android device, you’re not uninstalling them; you’re simply removing their visibility from your home screen and app drawer. This means you can still use the app, but it won’t be in plain sight.
Step 1: Open your App Drawer
Access your app drawer where all your installed apps are displayed.
When you open the app drawer, you typically do so by tapping on the apps icon located at the bottom of the home screen. This will bring up a list or grid of all the apps installed on your device.
Step 2: Tap on the Menu Icon
Look for the menu icon which is usually three dots or lines in the top-right or top-left corner.
The menu icon will open up additional options or settings related to the app drawer. This is where you’ll find the ability to manage your apps.
Step 3: Select ‘Home Screen Settings’ or ‘App Drawer Settings’
Find and select the appropriate settings option that relates to modifying the home screen or app drawer.
Not all Android devices are the same, so the exact wording of this option may vary. It could be labeled as ‘Settings’, ‘Home Screen Settings’, ‘Display Settings’, or anything similar.
Step 4: Choose ‘Hide Apps’ or ‘Hide Applications’
Look for the option to hide apps and select it.
Again, depending on your device, this option might be worded differently. It could be ‘Hide Apps’, ‘Hide Applications’, ‘Privacy Mode’, etc.
Step 5: Select the Apps You Want to Hide
A list of your apps will appear, and you can select the ones you want to hide.
Tap on the apps that you want to disappear from your home screen and app drawer. Some devices allow you to select multiple apps at once, while others might require you to select them one by one.
Step 6: Confirm Your Selection
After selecting the apps, confirm your action, usually by hitting ‘Apply’ or ‘Done.’
Make sure you’ve selected all the apps you want to hide before confirming. Once you hit ‘Apply’ or ‘Done’, those apps will no longer be visible in your app drawer or home screen.
After completing these steps, the selected apps will be hidden from your home screen and app drawer. To access these hidden apps, you’ll either need to search for them using the search function on your device or unhide them following a similar process to the one above.
Tips for Hiding Apps on Android
- Consider using a third-party app launcher that offers advanced features for hiding apps if your default launcher doesn’t have this function.
- Remember that hiding an app does not remove it from your device; it simply removes its visibility.
- To ensure privacy, clear your search history if you access the hidden app through the device search function.
- Some devices have a secure folder or private space where you can move apps for added security.
- Always check for software updates, as sometimes new updates provide better options for managing app visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide apps on any Android device?
Yes, most Android devices have the option to hide apps, but the exact method may differ based on the device’s manufacturer and the Android version.
Will hiding apps affect their functionality?
No, hiding apps will not affect how they function. They will continue to work as normal; they just won’t be visible on your home screen or app drawer.
Is it possible to password protect hidden apps?
Some devices and third-party app launchers offer the ability to password-protect hidden apps for an extra layer of security.
Can I still receive notifications from apps that are hidden?
Yes, you will still receive notifications from the apps you’ve hidden unless you’ve specifically turned off notifications for those apps.
How do I access an app once I’ve hidden it?
You can access a hidden app by using the device’s search function to find and open the app or by unhiding the app through the settings.
Summary of Steps
- Open your App Drawer.
- Tap on the Menu Icon.
- Select ‘Home Screen Settings’ or ‘App Drawer Settings’.
- Choose ‘Hide Apps’ or ‘Hide Applications’.
- Select the Apps You Want to Hide.
- Confirm Your Selection.
Conclusion
Hiding apps on an Android device is a simple and effective way to keep your home screen tidy or to keep certain apps away from prying eyes. Whether you’re handing your phone to a curious child or just prefer a minimalist setup, knowing how to hide apps can come in handy. Remember, hiding the app doesn’t remove it; you can still use it whenever you want. With the tips and frequently asked questions provided, you should now have a good grasp of how to hide apps on android devices and maintain your privacy. So go ahead and declutter that home screen with confidence!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.