How to Hide Apps on Android? Tips & Precautions.

 

With the increasing use of smartphones in our daily lives, it has become essential to protect our privacy and personal data. Android devices come with various security features such as PIN, password, or biometric authentication, but they do not provide any direct method to hide apps. Hiding apps on Android can help users protect their privacy and sensitive information from unauthorized access, particularly in shared or public environments

Hiding apps can also be useful for those who do not want certain apps to be visible on their home screen or app drawer, making it easier to organize and access the apps they use frequently.

There are several ways to hide apps on Android, including using the app drawer, third-party apps, custom launchers, and the Android built-in "Guest" mode. The general steps required to hide apps on Android are:

• Determine the method you want to use to hide your apps
• Identify the app or apps you want to hide
• Follow the specific steps for your chosen method to hide the app or apps
• Verify that the app or apps have been successfully hidden and are no longer visible on the home screen or app drawer.

In the following sections, we will discuss each method in detail, including the specific steps required to hide apps using each method. Additionally, we will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and provide tips and precautions for ensuring the safety of hidden apps.

Hide Your Apps 

1. Using the app drawer to hide apps
2. Using the Android built-in "Guest" mode to hide apps
3. Using third-party apps to hide apps
4. Using a custom launcher to hide apps

1. Using the app drawer to hide apps

The app drawer is the section of the Android interface that displays all the installed apps on a device. It is the default method of organizing and accessing apps on an Android device. The app drawer can also be used to hide apps on Android. Here are the steps to hide apps using the app drawer method:

1. Open the app drawer by swiping up from the bottom of the home screen or tapping the app drawer icon (usually located in the bottom centre of the screen).
2. Locate the app you want to hide and long-press on its icon until a menu appears.
3. Select the "Remove from Home" or "Remove from Home screen" option.
4. The app will now be removed from the home screen and will no longer be visible.
5. To access the hidden app, you can either search for it using the search bar at the top of the app drawer or go to the "All apps" or "Hidden apps" section of the app drawer (depending on your Android version).

Advantages:

• The app drawer method is the simplest and quickest way to hide apps on Android since it does not require any additional apps or software.
• It is a built-in feature of the Android operating system and does not require any special skills or technical knowledge to use.
• The app drawer method does not require rooting or jailbreaking the Android device, which can be risky and void the device's warranty.

Disadvantages:

• The app drawer method does not provide any additional security features to protect the hidden apps. Anyone who has access to the device can still access the hidden apps by searching for them in the app drawer.
• Hiding apps using the app drawer method does not remove them from the device. They are still installed and can be accessed by using other methods or software.
• The app drawer method does not allow for customization or additional features to be added to the hidden apps, such as notifications or app-specific settings.

2. Using the Android built-in "Guest" mode to hide apps

The Android operating system has a built-in "Guest" mode feature that can be used to create a separate profile on the device with restricted access to certain apps and features. This can be useful for hiding apps on Android and limiting access to sensitive information.

Here are the steps to hide apps using the Android built-in "Guest" mode:

1. Open the device's settings app and go to the "Users" or "Users & accounts" section.
2. Tap on "Add user" or "Add guest".
3. Choose the "Guest" option and set up a new profile for the guest user.
4. Open the Google Play Store and download any necessary apps that the guest user may need.
5. Open the app drawer and find the app or apps you want to hide.
6. Long-press the app icon and drag it to the "Remove" or "Uninstall" option.
7. Choose the "Disable" option to hide the app from the guest user.
8. Verify that the app or apps have been successfully hidden by checking if they are no longer visible on the home screen or app drawer.

Advantages:

• The "Guest" mode is a built-in feature of the Android operating system and does not require the installation of third-party apps or custom launchers.
• The "Guest" mode can be used to create a separate profile with restricted access to certain apps and features.
• The "Guest" mode can be useful for hiding apps on Android and limiting access to sensitive information.

Disadvantages:

• The "Guest" mode may not be available on all Android devices or Android versions.
• The "Guest" mode may require additional setup and configuration to create a new user profile.
• The "Guest" mode may have limitations in terms of the number of apps that can be hidden or the specific apps that can be hidden.

3. Using third-party apps to hide apps

Third-party apps are software developed by independent developers that provide additional features and functionality beyond what is available in the default Android operating system. There are several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that can be used to hide apps on Android. These apps provide additional security features and customization options for hiding apps.

Some of the best third-party apps for hiding apps on Android include:

1. Nova Launcher - This is a popular custom launcher that allows users to hide apps, among other customization features.
2. Apex Launcher - Another custom launcher that provides app-hiding features and various customization options.
3. App Hider - A dedicated app for hiding apps that provides additional security features such as password protection and fingerprint authentication.
4. Hide It Pro - An app that can hide not only apps but also photos, videos, and other files.
5. Calculator Vault - A disguised app that appears as a calculator but can be used to hide apps and files.

The specific steps to hide apps using third-party apps vary depending on the app used. However, here are the general steps:

1. Download and install the third-party app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the app.
3. Select the app or apps you want to hide and follow the specific steps provided by the app to hide the selected apps.
4. Verify that the app or apps have been successfully hidden by checking if they are no longer visible on the home screen or app drawer.

Advantages:

• Third-party apps provide additional security features such as password protection and fingerprint authentication, making it harder for unauthorized users to access the hidden apps.
• Some third-party apps allow users to customize the hidden apps by adding notifications or app-specific settings.
• Third-party apps can hide not only apps but also other files such as photos and videos.

Disadvantages:

• Third-party apps can be risky to use as they may contain malware or viruses that can harm the device or compromise user data.
• Some third-party apps may require rooting or jailbreaking the device, which can void the device's warranty and be risky for inexperienced users.
• Third-party apps may have limitations in terms of the number of apps that can be hidden or the specific apps that can be hidden.

4. Using a custom launcher to hide apps

A custom launcher is a third-party app that replaces the default launcher on an Android device. Custom launchers provide additional features and customization options beyond what is available in the default launcher. Some custom launchers provide app-hiding features that can be used to hide apps on Android.

The specific steps to hide apps using a custom launcher vary depending on the launcher used. However, here are the general steps:

1. Download and install the custom launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the custom launcher and go to the launcher settings.
3. Look for the "App drawer" or "Drawer" settings and find the option to hide apps.
4. Select the app or apps you want to hide and confirm the selection.
5. Verify that the app or apps have been successfully hidden by checking if they are no longer visible on the home screen or app drawer.

Advantages:

• Custom launchers provide additional customization options beyond what is available in the default launcher.
• Some custom launchers provide additional security features such as password protection or fingerprint authentication for hiding apps.
• Custom launchers can be used to hide not only apps but also other elements of the Android interface such as widgets and shortcuts.

Disadvantages:

• Custom launchers can be resource-intensive and may slow down the device.
• Some custom launchers may not be compatible with certain devices or Android versions.
• Custom launchers may have limitations in terms of the number of apps that can be hidden or the specific apps that can be hidden.

Tips for hiding apps on Android

• Keep the device and apps up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
• Use a strong and unique password to protect the device and the hidden apps.
• Avoid using easily guessable passwords such as "123456" or "password".
• Use two-factor authentication for added security when logging into apps or services.
• Avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources or websites.
• Use a reputable antivirus app to scan for and remove any malware or viruses on the device.
• Keep backups of important data such as contacts, photos, and documents in case of device loss or damage.

Precautions to take when hiding apps on Android

• Be aware that hiding apps does not provide complete security and the apps can still be accessed through other means.
• Avoid hiding apps that are essential for the proper functioning of the device or apps that are used frequently.
• Be cautious when granting permissions to apps and only grant necessary permissions.
• Avoid hiding apps that contain sensitive or personal information such as banking or social media apps.
• Keep a record of the apps that have been hidden in case they need to be accessed later.
• Avoid using multiple methods for hiding apps as this can lead to confusion and make it difficult to access the hidden apps.

By following these tips and precautions, users can ensure the safety and security of their hidden apps and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Conclusion

This article has discussed several methods for hiding apps on Android, including using the app drawer, third-party apps, custom launchers, and the built-in "Guest" mode. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and users can choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.

Hiding apps on Android can be useful for several reasons, such as protecting sensitive information or preventing access to certain apps by unauthorized users. However, it is important to remember that hiding apps does not provide complete security and the apps can still be accessed through other means. Users should take precautions such as keeping their devices and apps up to date, using strong passwords, avoiding untrusted sources, and being cautious when granting permissions to apps.

The best method for hiding apps on Android depends on the individual's specific needs and preferences. Users should evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each method before choosing the one that works best for them. With the right precautions and careful consideration, users can ensure the safety and security of their hidden apps and protect their sensitive information.