How to hide apps

What Does It Mean to 'Hide' an App?

Hiding an app generally refers to making it less visible or inaccessible on your smartphone's main interface. This doesn't mean the app is deleted or uninstalled; it's merely concealed from casual view. Users might want to hide apps for various reasons, such as decluttering their home screen, protecting privacy by concealing sensitive applications (like banking apps or personal diaries), or preventing children from accessing certain games or social media platforms.

How to Hide Apps on Android

Android offers several ways to hide apps, with methods varying slightly depending on the manufacturer's custom interface (e.g., Samsung's One UI, Google's Pixel UI, OnePlus's OxygenOS).

Using the App Drawer (Manufacturer Specific)

Many Android devices, particularly those with customized interfaces like Samsung, allow you to hide apps directly from the app drawer. The app drawer is the screen where all your installed applications are listed.

For Samsung Devices:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your Home screen to open the app drawer.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
3. Select 'Settings' or 'Home screen settings'.
4. Choose 'Hide apps on Home and apps screens'.
5. Select the apps you wish to hide and tap 'Done'.

These apps will be moved to a hidden section, often accessible through the same settings menu.

Using Third-Party Launchers

For a more universal and advanced solution, third-party launchers are highly recommended. Launchers replace your device's default home screen and app drawer, offering extensive customization options, including robust app hiding features.

Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher provide options to hide apps. Typically, you'll find this feature within the launcher's settings, often under 'App Drawer' or 'Privacy' sections. Some launchers allow you to hide apps by creating a PIN-protected folder or by simply removing them from the app list.

Steps with Nova Launcher (Example):

1. Install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Set it as your default launcher.
3. Go to Nova Settings.
4. Navigate to 'App Drawer'.
5. Select 'Hidden Apps'.
6. Tap the '+' icon and choose the apps to hide.
7. You can often set a password or PIN for accessing these hidden apps.

Using Built-in 'Vault' or 'Secure Folder' Features

Some manufacturers offer dedicated secure folders or private spaces where you can move apps and files. These are usually protected by a password, PIN, or fingerprint.

For Samsung's Secure Folder:

1. Find and open the 'Secure Folder' app (you may need to download it from the Galaxy Store).
2. Set up a secure lock method (PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint).
3. Tap the '+' icon within Secure Folder.
4. Select 'Add apps'.
5. Choose the apps you want to move into the Secure Folder.
6. Once added, you can uninstall the app from your main system, and it will only exist within the Secure Folder.

How to Hide Apps on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

iOS offers different approaches to managing app visibility, focusing more on decluttering the Home Screen and utilizing the App Library.

Removing Apps from the Home Screen

You can remove apps from your Home Screen without deleting them. They will then reside in the App Library, which is automatically organized by category.

1. Tap and hold an app icon on your Home Screen until the context menu appears.
2. Select 'Remove App'.
3. Choose 'Remove from Home Screen'. The app will still be searchable and available in the App Library.

Using the App Library

The App Library automatically organizes all your apps into categories. While not a 'hiding' feature in the privacy sense, it effectively declutters your Home Screens.

To access it, swipe left past your last Home Screen page. You can search for apps here by name or scroll through the categories.

Restricting App Access with Screen Time

While not strictly hiding, you can use the 'Screen Time' feature to limit access to specific apps or categories of apps based on time limits or passcodes.

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap 'Turn On Screen Time' if you haven't already.
3. Set up a Screen Time passcode (this is crucial to prevent changes).
4. Tap 'App Limits'.
5. Tap 'Add Limit'.
6. Select the apps or categories you want to limit.
7. Set the time limit (e.g., 1 minute), which effectively locks the app after that time unless the passcode is entered.

Using Third-Party Apps (Limited)

Unlike Android, iOS has a more locked-down system, and third-party apps cannot fundamentally change the Home Screen or hide other apps in the same way. However, some apps designed for specific purposes, like password managers or note-taking apps, offer internal locking mechanisms or hidden vaults.

Considerations When Hiding Apps

• Accessibility: Ensure you can still easily access the apps you need, even if hidden. Remember how you hid them and how to unhide them.
• Security vs. Privacy: Hiding apps is primarily for privacy and decluttering. For true security against unauthorized access, use app lockers with strong passwords or biometrics.
• Updates: Hidden apps may still receive updates in the background.
• Searchability: On many systems, hidden apps can still be found using the device's search function. True hiding often requires specialized launchers or secure folders.