Protecting your privacy and maintaining control over your Android phone is essential in today's age. Many people are looking for How to hide apps on Android step by stepWhether for security reasons, to avoid prying eyes, to create a safe environment for minors, or simply to keep your digital space more organized and personalized, this comprehensive tutorial covers all the known methods, including the most recent and manufacturer-specific ones and the most effective launchers.
Why hide apps on Android? Common reasons and benefits
There are numerous reasons why Android users decide to hide apps on your devices, and they all revolve around privacy, organization, and security:
- Personal and family privacy: Protect chats, banking apps, social networks, or work apps.
- parental control: Limit minors' access to inappropriate applications or prevent accidental purchases.
- Organization and cleaning: Hide apps that you rarely use or that you simply wish not to have visible.
- Additional security: Add a layer of protection to vulnerable apps or those with sensitive information.
Is it possible to hide apps natively on Android?
The functionality of hide apps It's not part of the standard Android version, but it has been added through custom layers by manufacturers. Popular brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, LG, Huawei, Honor, and OnePlus already have their own options, while other brands rely on system settings, profiles, or third-party solutions. Below, we break down all the alternatives tailored to each brand, as well as universal methods.
Universal methods to hide apps on Android
Before reviewing manufacturer-specific methods, there are universal solutions compatible with most Android users. These options don't require rooting your device and pose no risk to your device.
1. Use an application launcher
The pitchers or launchers These are apps that customize your home screen and app menu. Many of them allow you to hide apps from the app drawer and/or the home screen. These solutions don't delete or uninstall the app; they simply hide it from view. They include:
- Nova Launcher: One of the most popular, with both free and paid (Prime) versions. It lets you hide apps, change icons and names, and organize your app drawer in advanced ways.
- Microsoft Launcher: Allows you to hide apps and customize your Android experience with multiple security options.
- Action Launcher: Similar to Nova, it offers options to hide apps with full control from the launcher itself.
- App hider: In addition to hiding, you can disguise access as a fake calculator or calendar, adding PIN protection.
Example: How to hide apps with Nova Launcher
- Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store and set it as default.
- Access the launcher settings (gear in the app drawer).
- Select the “Apps” or “Drawer Settings” section.
- Go to “Hide Apps” and check the ones you want to hide.
- Optionally, change the name and icon to hide the app from suspicious searches.
- You can access the hidden app through the Play Store, System Settings, or internal search if you have permission.
Keep in mind that apps hidden with launchers often still appear in the list of installed apps (for example, from Settings > Apps) and can be visible if someone digs deep enough.
2. Disable or disable apps from Settings
Some system apps or pre-installed apps (bloatware) cannot be uninstalled, but they can be disable u hide from the home screen and app drawer using the system's own settings. This hides them from the interface, preventing their use and avoiding background resource consumption.
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Find the app you want to disable and select it.
- Click "Deactivate" or "Disable." Confirm the process.
Caution! This option only appears for system apps or bloatware, not for all user apps. Disabling highly integrated apps could affect other device functions.
3. Create a new user profile or guest account
Android allows you to have multiple users or guest accounts, which creates separate spaces on the same device. One user's apps, settings, and files don't appear on the other. It's a safer and more effective way to "hide" apps or sensitive information if you're going to share your phone with third parties.
- Open Settings > System > Multiple Users.
- Create a new user or activate guest mode.
- Switch between users depending on who's using the device. Each user only sees their own apps.
4. Use "Private Space" or "Secret Mode" (Android update and supported manufacturers)
Recently, Android has introduced the Private space: A separate section of your phone where you can install additional apps, configure them only there, and add a password or one-time biometric authentication. It's perfect for hiding sensitive apps and keeping them invisible on your main profile.
- Go to Settings > Security & privacy > PrivateSpace.
- Set up your private space with a PIN or fingerprint. Optionally, add a dedicated Google account.
- From the regular profile, you won't be able to view or access apps in the Private Space.
- Apps and data in Private Space are isolated and only visible when you unlock this area.
This feature is gradually arriving and may be available on some recent devices from Google, Honor, Huawei, and other major manufacturers.
Methods depending on the manufacturer and model of your Android device
Here's a look at the major manufacturers and their native or custom ways of hiding apps.
How to hide apps on Samsung phones
- Long press on the home screen and select “Home screen settings.”
- Look for the “Hide apps” option.
- Select the apps you want to hide from the list and confirm with “Done.”
- Optionally, use the function Secure Folder, where you can move private apps and files and protect them with a PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or password.
To set it up: Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure Folder.
Secure Folder adds an extra layer of privacy, ideal for banking apps, sensitive apps, photos, videos, and more.
How to hide apps on Xiaomi (MIUI)
- Go to Settings > Apps > App Lock.
- Activate “Hidden Apps” and select the apps you want to hide.
- Access them from the "Hidden Apps" section or with a custom gesture.
- Optionally, use Dual Apps to create a clone of the app and isolate information.
MIUI stands out for its flexibility: you can hide apps, lock them with a password, and even clone sensitive apps for different users.
How to hide apps on LG devices
- Long press on the home screen to open the options and select “Hide apps.”
- Check the apps you want to hide and tap “Done.”
- To restore them, access this menu again and uncheck the apps.
LG doesn't require a PIN or password to hide apps; they simply disappear from the home screen and app drawer. For extra protection, use solutions like Samsung's Secure Folder or similar features if available.
Hide apps on Huawei and Honor phones
- Open Settings > Security & Privacy > PrivateSpace.
- Set up PrivateSpace with a special fingerprint or password.
- From there, download the apps you want to hide, which will only be accessible in that alternative space.
- Complete separation between apps in the main and private spaces.
Huawei and Honor's Private Space works like a "secret account" within your phone, perfect for those seeking a higher level of privacy and isolation.
How to hide apps on OnePlus (OxygenOS)
- Swipe sideways in the app drawer to access Hidden Space.
- Tap the “+” symbol to add apps to hide.
- You can set a password for this secret space, increasing security.
OnePlus Hidden Space is easily accessible to the primary user and allows you to protect both apps and files or documents.
Google Pixel devices
- By default, Pixel doesn't include a native app hiding feature, but you can use user profiles, the new Private Space (if available after the latest updates), or launcher solutions like Nova Launcher.
Other manufacturers: Motorola, Oppo, Realme and more
In these cases, check your Home Screen or Apps settings to see if they include a hide apps section. If not, use launchers or the user profiles option.
Third-party apps to hide apps: Launchers and specialized apps
If your device doesn't offer these native options, there are dozens of third-party apps that do the job, though you should consider the privacy and permissions they require.
- App hider: Disguise and hide apps, can be disguised as a calculator or calendar. PIN lock and secure browsing.
- CalculatorVault: Similar to App Hider, it simulates being a simple calculator and hides apps inside.
- Vault: Allows you to hide not only apps, but also photos, videos and files.
- AirDroid Parental Control: Parental control app with a function to list and display apps that have been hidden, especially useful for parents.
Always download these apps from the Google Play Store or official stores and check the reviews and access permissions.
Rename and change icons to camouflage applications
Some launchers also allow rename and change the icon apps without completely hiding them. It's a way of "camouflaging" them so they go unnoticed if someone quickly checks the device.
- Long press on the app and select “Edit”.
- Change the name to something generic (for example, “Calculator” or “Notes”).
- Change the icon to a less striking one.
This method is less secure but useful if you just need to mislead, not really hide.
Secure folders to hide data, files and applications
Some manufacturers (especially Samsung and Huawei) integrate the so-called Secure Folder or "Private Folder," which allows you to hide not only apps but also files, photos, and documents within a container protected by a PIN, password, pattern, or fingerprint. Once configured, you can move sensitive apps to this space and they'll disappear from the main menu.
- Configure Secure Folder from the security settings.
- Move or install the apps you want to protect inside the folder.
- Only you (or whoever knows the PIN/password) will be able to access it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiding Apps on Android
- Does hiding an app uninstall it or delete its data? No, the app simply becomes unseen, but remains installed and its data remains intact.
- Do hidden apps stop working/syncing? It depends. If they're just hidden (launcher, secure folder, etc.), they'll still work. If you disable them in Settings, they'll stop running.
- Can banking or messaging apps be hidden? Yes, but make sure you have additional security methods like PIN or biometric authentication to protect access.
- Can you hide apps without installing anything additional? It depends on the model and manufacturer. Many brands allow it as standard, while others require third-party apps.
How to find and show hidden apps
If you want to restore hidden apps or detect them on your device:
- Go to Settings > Apps and review the entire list, filtering by disabled or invisible apps.
- In launchers, look for the “Hidden apps” option in the launcher settings.
- For apps in PrivateSpace, log in again with the configured password or fingerprint and manage the apps from there.
- In the Secure Folder (Samsung), log in with your security method, and from there, you can move the apps out again if you want to make them visible.
- When using user profiles, return to your main profile to see the original apps.
Myths and warnings about hiding apps
- Hiding is not the same as uninstallingThe app still takes up space and is accessible only to experts or those with administrator permissions.
- Root the device This is not necessary and may cause serious safety issues or void your warranty.
- Some third-party solutions may invade your privacy; always check permissions before installing.
How to further protect your privacy and security
Hiding apps is just one of the basic measures to protect your digital privacy. Also, take advantage of these best practices:
- Always set up a secure unlock method (PIN, pattern, fingerprint, facial recognition).
- Keep your operating system and all installed applications up to date.
- Use security apps, such as antivirus and VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Periodically review the permissions you give to apps and delete those you no longer use.
- Change your passwords regularly and avoid sharing your phone without supervision.
Mastering these options is a key skill for any user seeking privacy and control over their digital life. With the variety of methods available, from native solutions to third-party apps, each person can adapt the strategy that best suits their device and needs. Don't forget that the best privacy is one that combines multiple layers of protection. Take advantage of your manufacturer's benefits and stay informed about the latest mobile security developments.