How to Hide Apps on Android: An In-Depth Guide from a Cyber Security Expert
As a cyber security expert with over a decade of experience, I‘ve seen the many reasons people want to hide apps on their Android phones. Privacy is a growing concern, with 90% of consumers saying they care about privacy and 32% saying they care more than they did a year ago. Hiding sensitive apps can keep prying eyes from your personal data.
Maybe you want to declutter your home screen and tuck away rarely-used apps. Or perhaps you want to prevent your kids from accessing certain apps on the family tablet. According to a Pew Research study, 71% of parents are concerned their child spends too much time on screens. Hiding distracting or mature apps can help.
Whatever your reasons, there are several ways to hide apps on Android. You can use built-in settings, third-party apps, secure folders, and more. Here‘s a comprehensive look at how to hide apps on your Android phone.
Use Your Phone‘s Built-In Settings to Hide Apps
Most Android phones have a native way to hide apps without installing anything extra. The exact steps differ between phone brands and Android versions, but generally:
- Open Settings
- Go to Home Screen, App Drawer, or Apps
- Look for an option like "Hide apps"
- Select the apps to hide and confirm
Here are detailed steps for popular Android phones:
Hide Apps on Samsung Galaxy Phones
- Settings > Home Screen
- Tap "Hide apps"
- Choose the apps to hide
- Tap "Apply"
To unhide apps, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes.
Hide Apps on Google Pixel Phones
- Open the app drawer and tap the 3-dot menu
- Select "Hide apps"
- Check the box next to apps to hide
Hide Apps on OnePlus Phones
- Settings > Home Screen & Lock Screen Magazine
- Tap "Hidden Space"
- Select apps to hide and tap "+"
The hidden apps will appear in a separate Hidden Space accessible with your fingerprint or a password.
Hide Apps on LG Phones
- Settings > Display > Home Screen
- Tap "Hide apps"
- Select the apps to hide
- Tap "Apply"
Use Third-Party App Hider Apps
If your phone lacks a built-in app hiding option, try a third-party app hider. They often provide extra features like the ability to hide photos and videos.
Popular app hider apps include:
| App | Ratings | Downloads | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppLock | 4.5 | 100M+ | Lock apps with PIN/pattern/fingerprint, photo/video vault |
| Calculator Vault | 4.4 | 10M+ | Disguised as calculator, hides apps/files with code |
| Nova Launcher | 4.5 | 50M+ | Customizable launcher with app hiding feature |
| Apex Launcher | 4.4 | 10M+ | Launcher app with hidden apps and protected folders |
Always download apps from trusted sources like the Play Store to avoid malware. Be aware that no hiding method is foolproof against motivated intruders.
Use Secure Folder to Hide Sensitive Apps/Files
Secure Folder, available on many Samsung phones, creates an encrypted separate space for private apps and files. It‘s locked by your choice of password, PIN, pattern, or biometrics.
To set up Secure Folder on a Samsung phone:
- Settings > Biometrics and Security
- Tap "Secure Folder"
- Tap "Start" and sign into Samsung account
- Select a lock method
- Customize the folder name and icon
- Add apps/files to the Secure Folder
Secure Folder protects hidden apps with Samsung Knox security platform. It encrypts the data with AES-256, a military-grade encryption approved by the NSA for top secret data.
Use Guest Profiles to Control App Access
If you share your phone with others, set up a guest profile or secondary user account. Your main profile‘s apps and data will be inaccessible to other profiles.
On a Google Pixel/stock Android phone:
- Settings > System > Multiple Users
- Tap "Add user" or "Add guest"
- Switch profiles from the lock screen
Not all Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy, support multiple user profiles currently. Check your phone‘s settings to see if the feature is available.
Disable Bloatware and Unused Apps
Many Android phones come preloaded with bloatware apps you don‘t need. Disabling them hides them from the app drawer and frees up system resources.
To disable an app:
- Settings > Apps > All Apps
- Tap an app to disable
- Tap "Force Stop" then "Disable"
You can‘t fully uninstall pre-installed system apps without rooting your phone. But disabling neutralizes bloatware you don‘t want.
The Limitations of Hiding Apps for Security
While hiding apps provides some privacy, it‘s not a complete security solution. No hiding spot on your phone is truly safe from a determined hacker. They could still potentially access hidden apps and data with advanced tools and techniques.
Think of hiding apps like hiding valuables in your sock drawer. It might foil a casual snooper, but a burglar who ransacks your whole house could still find them. For real security, you need things like physical safes, locks, and alarms.
Similarly, the security of your hidden Android apps depends on the overall security of your phone and accounts. Are you using a strong phone passcode, or is it easily guessed? Is your Google account protected by two-factor authentication? Do you keep your phone‘s software up-to-date with the latest security patches?
Hiding apps can lull you into a false sense of security if you neglect these fundamentals. A Norton survey found nearly 70% of consumers think they‘re doing well or very well at protecting their online privacy and security. But many still had poor cyber habits like reusing passwords or sharing personal info online.
Remove Personal Info From Data Broker Sites
Hiding sensitive apps on your phone does little good if the same data is exposed online. Data brokers scrape info about you from public records, social media, and more. They package it into detailed profiles and sell it to whoever‘s buying.
That data could end up in the hands of nosy acquaintances, hacktivist doxers, stalkers, scammers, and other unsavory characters. When you consider that 85% of stalking victims are stalked online, the risk is real.
To minimize what‘s out there, use a data removal service like DeleteMe. It monitors hundreds of data brokers for signs of your personal info. When they find your profile, DeleteMe‘s operators contact the broker with an opt-out request on your behalf. It‘s an ongoing process, with removals happening every few months indefinitely.
DeleteMe offers a protected name search to verify your removals and other privacy measures like masked phone, email, and credit card numbers. Their plans start at $10.75/month for one person.
| Service | Cost | Data Brokers Monitored | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeleteMe | $10.75/mo | 750+ | Masked contact info, protected search |
| Incogni | $5.79/mo | 100+ | Real-time removal progress |
| PrivacyBee | $197/yr | 100+ | Monthly re-checks for data |
| Optery | $99/yr | 100+ | DIY opt-out guides |
Data removal pairs well with VPNs, password managers, and other tools in a complete privacy toolkit. However, modern tracking methods like browser fingerprinting can still identify you without using traditional personal info. So it‘s equally important to practice good digital habits.
Hide Apps FAQ
Can I hide apps without a third-party app?
Yes, most Android phones have a built-in way to hide apps in the settings.
Will someone know if I hide apps?
Not if you do it discreetly. Hidden apps don‘t show in the app drawer. Secure Folders add extra authentication. Still, a suspicious person could notice if an app they expect to see is missing.
Can I hide iPhone apps too?
Yes, check out our separate guide on how to hide iPhone apps.
Will hiding apps make my phone run faster?
Not by itself. Hidden apps can still run in the background. Disabling or force-stopping apps are better for improving performance.
How do I access my hidden apps?
You‘ll find them in the same "Hide apps" settings menu, Secure Folder, or hidden space where you originally hid them. You‘ll need to re-authenticate for protected app vaults.
The Bottom Line
Hiding apps is just one piece of the Android privacy and security puzzle. It‘s helpful for:
- Keeping nosy friends or family from seeing sensitive apps
- Decluttering your interface
- Hiding distracting or inappropriate apps from kids
But don‘t neglect the big picture. Strong cybersecurity requires a multi-layered approach, including:
- Unique, complex passwords
- Two-factor authentication
- Avoiding unsafe websites and downloads
- Securing your accounts and personal data
- Updating your software and operating system
- Using privacy tools consistently
Think of hiding apps as an extra step, not a complete solution. Hide apps strategically as part of a larger plan to control your privacy and digital footprint. Stay stealthy, my friends!