How to Hide Apps on Your Phone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

App ManagementPrivacySecuritySmartphoneAndroidiPhoneUser InterfaceCustomizationMobileDevice Management

In today's digital age, privacy is a significant concern for many smartphone users. Whether you want to keep certain apps away from curious eyes, prevent others from accessing them, or simply de-clutter your home screen, hiding apps is an essential skill to learn. This detailed guide will show you the different ways to hide apps on both Android and iOS devices, ensuring your secrets stay safe and your phone stays organized.

Why hide apps?

• Protects the privacy of apps with sensitive information (e.g., banking apps).
• Prevents children or other individuals from accessing certain apps.
• Reduces clutter on the home screen, giving it a more organized look.
• Increases the security of apps that hold personal media or data.

How to hide apps on Android

Using built-in features (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.)

Many Android phones have built-in features for hiding apps. The steps vary depending on the brand and model of the phone. Here are some methods for popular brands:

Samsung

1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone.
2. Scroll down and tap Display.
3. Select Home screen.
4. Tap Hide apps.
5. Select the apps you want to hide by tapping their icons.
6. Once selected, tap Apply to hide the apps.

Xiaomi (MIUI)

1. Open the Settings app on your Xiaomi phone.
2. Select App Lock, which you'll find under the Apps category.
3. If you haven't set a password yet, please set it.
4. Once the password is set, go to the Hidden Apps section.
5. Select the apps you want to hide by toggling the switch next to them.

OnePlus

1. Open the app drawer on your OnePlus phone.
2. Swipe right to open the hidden space.
3. Tap the + icon or the Add button.
4. Select the apps you want to hide.
5. To further secure these apps, you can enable password protection by tapping the three dots in the upper-right corner and selecting Enable Password.

Using a third-party launcher

If your phone doesn't have a built-in app hiding feature, you can use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher. These launchers offer more customization and privacy options.

Using Nova Launcher

1. Download and install Nova Launcher from Google Play Store.
2. Set Nova Launcher as your default launcher. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app and select Nova Launcher.
3. Open Nova Launcher settings by long-pressing on the home screen and selecting Settings or by opening the app drawer and finding Nova Settings.
4. Navigate to the Apps & widget drawer.
5. Scroll down and tap Hide apps.
6. Select the apps you want to hide by checking the box next to them.

Using Apex Launcher

1. Download and install Apex Launcher from Google Play Store.
2. Set Apex Launcher as your default launcher, just as you did with Nova Launcher.
3. Open Apex Launcher Settings.
4. Go to Hidden apps under the Privacy and Security section.
5. Select the apps you want to hide by tapping them.

Disabling apps

Disabling an app will remove it from the app drawer and prevent it from running. However, this method only applies to system apps that you cannot uninstall.

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to Apps or Applications depending on your device.
3. Scroll through the app list to find the app you want to disable.
4. Tap the app and select Disable.
5. Confirm your choice. The app will now be hidden and disabled.

How to hide apps on iPhone

Using the App Library (iOS 14 and later)

Apple introduced the App Library in iOS 14, which lets you hide apps from your home screen. Apps will still be accessible through the App Library, but they'll be out of sight.

1. Find the app you want to hide on your home screen.
2. Long press and hold the app icon until the menu appears.
3. Select Remove app.
4. Select Move to App Library. The app will be removed from the Home screen and stored in the App Library.

Using folders

If you're using an older version of iOS or don't want to use the App Library, you can hide apps by placing them in folders.

1. Press and hold an app icon until the icons begin to jiggle.
2. Drag the app you want to hide onto another app to create a folder.
3. Alternatively, name the folder something obscure.
4. Place the app you want to hide in one of the last pages of the folder.
5. Tap Done or press the Home button to save the changes.

Using Screen Time restrictions

Screen Time on iOS lets you set restrictions on app usage. You can also use this feature to hide apps.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
3. If you haven't done so already, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the prompts to set it up.
4. Once Screen Time is enabled, select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
5. Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
6. Tap Allowed apps.
7. Toggle off the apps you want to hide. These apps will no longer appear on the home screen.

Using third-party apps

There are many third-party applications available on the App Store that can help you hide apps. These apps often offer additional features such as password protection and secure storage.

Example: Secret Folder app

1. Download and install a Secret Folder app, such as Secret Folder App, from the App Store.
2. Open the app and set a password or PIN.
3. Add the apps you want to hide to a secret folder within the app.
4. These apps will now be moved to a secret folder and hidden from the home screen.

Additional tips and ideas

Hiding apps is just one step toward securing and organizing your phone. Here are some additional tips to enhance your privacy and keep your phone organized:

• Use strong passwords: Whether you’re using built-in features, third-party launchers, or special apps, always use strong passwords to protect your hidden apps.
• Update your phone regularly: Make sure your phone's operating system and all installed apps are up-to-date. Updates often include security enhancements and new features that can help with app hiding and privacy.
• Beware of malicious apps: Only download apps from trusted sources. Malicious apps can compromise your privacy and security.
• Back up your data: Back up important data regularly to prevent loss in case of accidental deletion or other problems.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for apps that support it. This adds an extra layer of security in addition to hiding the app.

Hiding apps provides peace of mind and increases the usability of your phone. Whether you're using an Android or iOS device, there are several methods available to suit your needs. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that your private apps stay hidden and secure.

Remember to review your hidden apps regularly and update your settings as needed to maintain the level of privacy and organization that best suits you.

In short, hiding apps on your phone may seem daunting at first, but it's a straightforward process once you're familiar with the available methods. Whether you choose built-in features, third-party launchers, screen time restrictions, or special apps, you have many options at your disposal. Take the time to explore these options and choose the one that best suits your needs.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update