
Hide apps on an android Tutorial
Hiding apps on an Android device can help keep your home screen uncluttered and maintain privacy. There are several methods to hide apps, including using built-in features of certain Android versions, using third-party launchers, and using app lockers. Here are detailed steps for each method:
Method 1: Using Built-in Features (If Available)
Some Android devices come with built-in features that allow you to hide apps. This functionality is often found in Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus devices.
For Samsung Devices:
- Open the App Drawer: Swipe up from the home screen to access the app drawer.
- Tap on the Three Dots Menu: This is usually found in the upper-right corner.
- Select Home Screen Settings: This option may be labeled differently, such as “Settings” or “Home screen settings.”
- Select Hide Apps: Scroll down and find the “Hide apps” option.
- Select the Apps to Hide: Choose the apps you want to hide and then tap “Apply” or “Done.”
For OnePlus Devices:
- Open the App Drawer: Swipe up from the home screen.
- Swipe Right to Access Hidden Space: On the leftmost screen of the app drawer, you will find the Hidden Space feature.
- Tap the Plus Icon: Tap the “+” icon in the upper-right corner.
- Select the Apps to Hide: Choose the apps you want to hide and confirm.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Launchers
Third-party launchers often provide more customization options, including the ability to hide apps. Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher can be used.
Using Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher: Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
- Set Nova Launcher as Default: Set it as your default home screen launcher.
- Open Nova Settings: Long press on the home screen and select “Settings,” or open the Nova Launcher app directly.
- Go to App & Widget Drawers: Navigate to “App & widget drawers.”
- Select Hide Apps: Scroll down and find “Hide Apps.”
- Select the Apps to Hide: Choose the apps you want to hide from the list.
Using Microsoft Launcher:
- Install Microsoft Launcher: Download and install Microsoft Launcher from the Google Play Store.
- Set Microsoft Launcher as Default: Set it as your default home screen launcher.
- Open Microsoft Launcher Settings: Long press on the home screen and select “Launcher settings.”
- Navigate to Hidden Apps: Scroll to find “Hidden apps.”
- Select the Apps to Hide: Tap “Hide apps” and choose the apps you want to hide.
Method 3: Using App Lockers
App lockers can hide apps and also add a layer of security by requiring a PIN, password, or fingerprint to access the hidden apps.
Using AppLock:
- Install AppLock: Download and install AppLock from the Google Play Store.
- Set Up AppLock: Open the app and follow the setup instructions to create a PIN, password, or pattern.
- Hide Apps: In the AppLock interface, go to the “Privacy” tab and select “Hide apps.”
- Choose the Apps to Hide: Select the apps you want to hide and enable the option.
Method 4: Disabling Apps (Built-in Apps Only)
For pre-installed system apps that you can’t uninstall, you can disable them to hide them from the app drawer.
- Open Settings: Go to your device’s Settings.
- Navigate to Apps or Application Manager: This option may vary depending on your device.
- Select the App to Disable: Find the app you want to hide and select it.
- Disable the App: Tap “Disable” and confirm. The app will be hidden from the app drawer and will not run.
These methods provide various ways to hide apps on your Android device, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you use built-in features, third-party launchers, app lockers, or disable built-in apps, you can keep your home screen organized and maintain your privacy.