Do you want to keep some apps on your Android phone hidden from others? It could be because you want to keep your personal information private or you just don’t want anyone to know what apps you have installed. Whatever your reason may be, hiding your apps is easy and there are several ways to do it. Here are some methods you can try:
Method 1: Use a Third-Party App
There are many third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you hide your apps. These apps work by creating a secure folder where you can move your apps and hide them from the app drawer. Some popular apps are:
- Nova Launcher
- Apex Launcher
- Smart Launcher
- GO Launcher
Method 2: Disable Apps
If you don’t want to use a third-party app, you can disable the apps you want to hide. Disabling an app will remove it from the app drawer and it won’t be visible to anyone else using your phone. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications
- Select the app you want to hide
- Tap on Disable
Method 3: Create a New User Profile
If you share your phone with someone else, you can create a new user profile and hide your apps there. This will keep your apps separate from the other user’s apps and they won’t be able to access them. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings > System > Multiple Users
- Tap on Add user or profile
- Select User
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the new user
- Switch to the new user profile
- Install and move the apps you want to hide
- Switch back to your original profile
Method 4: Use a Custom Launcher
A custom launcher can also help you hide your apps. These launchers have features that allow you to hide apps from the app drawer or create a secure folder for your apps. Some popular custom launchers are:
- Nova Launcher
- Apex Launcher
- Smart Launcher
- GO Launcher
Method 5: Use the Built-In App Hider
Some Android phones come with a built-in app hider feature. This feature allows you to hide apps from the app drawer without using a third-party app. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings > Home screen & Recents
- Select Hide apps
- Select the apps you want to hide
Method 6: Use a File Manager
You can also hide your apps using a file manager. This method involves renaming the app’s package name, which will make it invisible to the app drawer. Here’s how to do it:
- Download and install a file manager app
- Navigate to the app you want to hide
- Rename the package name by adding a dot (.) before the name
- The app will now be hidden from the app drawer
FAQs
Q: Can I unhide the apps?
A: Yes, you can unhide the apps by reversing the method you used to hide them.
Q: Will hiding apps affect the phone’s performance?
A: No, hiding apps will not affect the phone’s performance in any way.
Q: Can I hide system apps?
A: Yes, you can hide system apps by disabling them in the Settings.
Q: Can I use more than one method to hide my apps?
A: Yes, you can use multiple methods to hide your apps for added security.
Q: Are third-party app hiders safe?
A: Yes, most third-party app hiders are safe to use. However, make sure to read reviews and check the app’s permissions before installing.
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Third-Party App | Easy to use, secure folder feature | May require payment for full features |
Disable Apps | No need for third-party app, doesn’t affect phone performance | Apps can still be re-enabled easily |
Create New User Profile | Keeps apps separate, adds extra layer of security | Requires more setup time |
Custom Launcher | Customizable, has additional features | May require payment for full features |
Built-In App Hider | No need for third-party app, easy to use | May not be available on all Android phones |
File Manager | No need for third-party app, can hide any app | May be more complicated for some users |