Hide Apps on Android: Simple Steps

Learn how to hide apps on Android easily using built-in settings, third-party launchers, or app-hiding tools. Keep your personal apps private and secure without uninstalling them. Explore the best methods now.
Hide Apps on Android: Price in India, Features and Specifications
3 min
5 March 2025
Easily hide apps on Android to keep your personal or work-related applications private. Whether you want to declutter your home screen or secure sensitive apps from prying eyes, Android offers multiple ways to conceal them. Use built-in settings, third-party launchers, or dedicated app-hiding tools to maintain your privacy effortlessly. This feature is especially useful for hiding social media, banking, or confidential apps without uninstalling them. With just a few taps, you can ensure better security and organisation on your device. Keep reading to explore the best methods to hide apps effectively on your Android phone.

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Why you might want to hide apps on Android

Managing privacy on your smartphone is crucial, and hiding apps on Android is an effective way to keep sensitive apps secure. Whether you want to safeguard personal data or prevent unnecessary clutter, there are multiple ways to do this. If you are wondering how to hide apps without any app, you can use built-in settings like guest mode or app drawer customisation. Some smartphones even offer a hidden space feature, allowing you to hide apps effortlessly. For those who require extra storage and smoother performance, 12GB RAM mobile phones provide seamless multitasking while keeping your private apps safe.

If you prefer third-party solutions, custom launchers and dedicated app-hiding tools are excellent alternatives. These apps allow you to disguise or password-protect hidden applications for enhanced security. Learning how to hide apps is particularly useful for securing social media, banking, or confidential work-related apps. Many users also prefer phones with advanced security features to enhance their privacy. The best 5G mobile phones offer not only faster connectivity but also better in-built security options, making it easier to hide apps on Android. By exploring these methods, you can keep your smartphone organised and protected while enjoying a hassle-free user experience.

Discover a wide range of Android phones with top-tier security features on the Bajaj Mall website or visit one of 1.5 lakh+ stores across 4,000+ cities in India. After you select the product based on your requirements, choose a preferred repayment tenure between 1 month to 60 months and shop on Easy EMIs. Shopping on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network also comes with additional benefits such as zero down payment and free home delivery on select products.

How to hide apps on Android: Step-by-step guide

Hiding apps on Android can help protect your privacy, keep your home screen clutter-free, and secure sensitive information. Whether you want to hide social media apps, banking apps, or work-related applications, there are several ways to do it. Some smartphones offer built-in features to conceal apps, while others may require third-party tools. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you hide apps on your Android device.

Use built-in app hiding features: Many Android phones come with a built-in app hiding feature. Check your device’s settings or app drawer options to enable it. Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi devices have this function under their launcher settings.

Disable apps from settings: If you want to hide system apps that you do not use, go to Settings > Apps > Select the App > Disable. This method works best for pre-installed apps but will not work for downloaded apps.

Use a third-party launcher: Popular launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher allow you to hide apps within the home screen settings. These launchers offer password protection for added security.

Utilise guest mode or multiple users: Android’s Guest Mode creates a separate user profile without showing certain apps. You can switch to this mode when handing over your phone to others.

Hide apps using third-party apps: Various applications on the Play Store let you hide apps securely. These apps work by disguising the hidden apps as different icons, such as a calculator or notes app.

Use secure folders: Some brands, like Samsung, offer a Secure Folder feature that allows you to lock apps inside a private folder accessible only with authentication.

Rename and change app icons: Some custom launchers allow you to change app names and icons, making it harder for others to find them on your device.

Following these steps ensures that your personal apps remain hidden, giving you better control over your privacy and device organisation.

Best practices for hiding apps without deleting them

If you want to keep certain apps out of sight without uninstalling them, there are a few best practices you should follow. Hiding apps without deleting them helps maintain access while ensuring privacy, especially for personal or confidential applications. Whether using built-in features or third-party tools, these methods will help you hide apps effectively.

Choose the right hiding method: Depending on your smartphone model, select the most secure way to hide apps. Some phones offer an app hiding feature, while others may require third-party launchers or security folders.

Use app lockers for additional security: Besides hiding apps, consider using an app locker to add an extra layer of protection. This ensures that even if someone finds the app, they cannot access it without a password or biometric authentication.

Regularly update hidden apps: Ensure that the apps you hide remain functional by updating them regularly. Some hidden apps may not receive updates automatically, so check manually to keep them running smoothly.

Avoid using unreliable third-party apps: Not all third-party hiding tools are secure. Use well-rated and trusted apps to avoid malware or security risks.

Check if hidden apps are still accessible: Some Android updates or launcher changes may affect hidden apps. Periodically check that they are still hidden and accessible through the method you have chosen.

Use multiple user profiles: Creating a second user profile on your phone can help keep personal apps separate and hidden from the main profile.

Do not overload secure folders: If you use a Secure Folder or similar tool, avoid overloading it with too many apps, as this may slow down access and affect performance.

Test your privacy settings: After hiding an app, test if it appears in the app drawer, search bar, or recent apps. Adjust settings accordingly for better privacy.

By following these best practices, you can effectively hide apps without deleting them, ensuring a clutter-free and more secure smartphone experience.

Troubleshooting common issues with hidden apps

Hiding apps on Android is usually simple, but sometimes issues arise, preventing apps from staying hidden or working correctly. If your hidden apps are reappearing, inaccessible, or malfunctioning, try these troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.

Hidden apps are still visible: If your apps are not hiding as expected, check your app launcher settings or secure folder options. Some apps may require a restart to apply changes.

Unable to access hidden apps: If you can not open a hidden app, ensure that you are using the correct method to access it. Some launchers require a hidden gesture or password to reveal the app.

Apps disappeared after a system update: Android updates sometimes reset launcher settings, making hidden apps visible again. Reapply the hiding method or check if a new setting is needed.

Hidden apps not functioning properly: Some hidden apps may not receive background updates or notifications. Check if the app has restricted permissions and adjust settings accordingly.

Launcher reset caused apps to reappear: If you are using a third-party launcher to hide apps, resetting or uninstalling the launcher can restore all hidden apps. Reapply the settings after reinstallation.

App locker not working: If your app locker stops functioning, update it or reinstall it. Some apps may conflict with Android’s security settings, so ensure proper permissions are granted.

Hidden apps show up in search results: If your app appears in the search bar, disable the search indexing feature for that app in the device settings. Some launchers also allow you to exclude apps from search results.

Forgot the access method for hidden apps: If you forgot how to access your hidden apps, check the launcher settings or Secure Folder options. Some apps may provide a recovery option or reset instructions.

By applying these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve common issues with hidden apps and ensure a seamless experience while maintaining your privacy.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I hide an app in Android?
You can hide an app on Android using built-in features, third-party launchers, or secure folders. Some devices have a Hide Apps option in the home screen settings. Alternatively, you can use app lockers or guest mode to keep apps private. Custom launchers like Nova Launcher also allow you to conceal apps easily.

How to create a hidden folder?
To create a hidden folder on Android, open your File Manager, create a new folder, and name it with a dot (.) before the name (e.g.,.HiddenFolder). This prevents it from appearing in regular file searches. You can also use Secure Folder on Samsung devices or third-party file-hiding apps for better privacy.

How do I open hidden apps?
Hidden apps can be accessed based on the method used to hide them. If hidden via a launcher, go to the launcher settings. For Secure Folder, enter your password or PIN. If you used a guest mode or second profile, switch back to your main profile to access them.

Which app is best for hiding apps?
Several apps effectively hide apps on Android, including Nova Launcher (Prime), Apex Launcher, App Hider, and Calculator Vault. These apps allow you to hide or disguise apps under different icons. Samsung users can also use Secure Folder, while Xiaomi and OnePlus have built-in hiding features.

How do I unhide an app?
To unhide an app, go to your launcher settings or Secure Folder and disable the hide option. If the app was disabled, go to Settings > Apps > Enable. For third-party hiding apps, open the app and follow the unhide instructions. If hidden via a guest profile, switch back to the main account.

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