Phones are an essential part of our day-to-day lives. They serve as a boon in many ways, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools closed and online classes became the norm. 

Even after the pandemic, students and teachers continue to rely on phones to send notes, share important documents, and access online learning platforms. 

But what if your child, instead of focusing on studies, is misusing this opportunity to play games, watch YouTube, or browse social media? According to survey reports, 40% of Indian parents with children aged 9-17 admit that their kids have an addiction to smartphones. This is a concern we cannot ignore.

If you're worried that your child will get distracted by apps, or if you want to hide certain apps you use from others, it is easy to hide now. Whether it's social media apps, games, or payment apps, you can keep these apps out of sight without uninstalling them.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through easy and effective ways on how to hide apps on Android. Let’s dive in!

Why You Need to Hide Apps

Hiding apps on your Android phone can offer a range of benefits, whether you're concerned about privacy, reducing distractions, or simply organising your phone better. In today's digital age, keeping your apps accessible yet hidden can help maintain control over how and when you use them. 

Here are a few reasons why you might want to hide apps on your phone:

• Protect Your Privacy: You should keep sensitive apps like banking, payment, or personal messages hidden to prevent unauthorised access.
• Reduce Distractions: If you find yourself wasting time on games or social media, hiding these apps can help you focus on more important tasks.
• Keep Kids Safe: If you're a parent, hiding apps can keep children away from inappropriate content or addictive games, promoting better usage of their device.
• Organise Your Phone: Hiding rarely-used apps can declutter your home screen and keep only the essential ones visible.
• Prevent App Misuse: You can hide apps that others might misuse or misinterpret, especially in shared family or work environments.
• Boost Battery Life: By hiding certain apps, you can reduce the temptation to open them and, therefore, cut down on battery-draining usage.

Hiding apps can be a simple yet effective solution to manage your device and keep it tailored to your needs. Now, let’s find out how to hide apps on Android phones.

Watch the video Whatsapp Account Ko Secure Kaise Kare to learn how to secure your WhatsApp account and check if someone has hacked it.

Suggested Read: Secure your phone from hackers by blocking unwanted Ads and preventing risks by reading our 5-minute read How to Block Unwanted Ads on Android Phone. 

How to Hide Apps on Android phone

If you're looking for ways to keep certain apps on your Android phone out of sight, hiding apps is a great solution. It helps with privacy, reduces distractions, and tidies your home screen. 

In this section, we’ll walk you through different ways to make apps less visible or inaccessible without having to uninstall them.  Let's explore how you can regain control of your phone!

How to Hide Apps on Android through Built-in Settings

Most Android phones come with built-in settings that allow you to hide apps without needing any third-party apps or tools. This method is simple and effective, making it ideal for those who want a quick solution. While the general process is similar across Android devices, there might be minor differences in the process depending on your phone's brand. 

Below are the common steps to hide apps using your phone's built-in settings:

Common Steps to Hide Apps:

1. Open the App Drawer: Swipe up from the home screen to access all your apps.
2. Open the Menu: In the top-right corner of the app drawer, tap the three vertical dots or the "Settings" icon.
3. Select "Hide Apps" or "Home Screen Settings": Depending on your phone, you’ll either find an option to hide apps directly, or you may need to select "Home Screen Settings."
4. Choose the Apps to Hide: A list of your installed apps will appear. Simply select the apps you want to hide.
5. Confirm Your Selection: After selecting, confirm by tapping “Done” or “Apply.”

Device-Specific Variations:

• How to Hide Apps on Samsung (One UI)

Samsung phones often have an option labelled “Hide Apps” in the App Drawer settings. Follow the same steps and look for this specific option.

• How to Hide Apps on Xiaomi (MIUI)

In MIUI, the process is slightly different. You need to go to the "Settings" > "Apps" > "App Lock" option to hide apps using the app lock feature.

• How to Hide Apps on Oppo/Realme 

You can find the hiding option for Oppo and Realme devices under Settings > Privacy > App Lock, where you can pick the apps you'd like to hide.

• How to Hide Apps on OnePlus

For OnePlus devices, you can hide apps using the "App Locker" feature. Go to Settings > Privacy > App Locker, and then select the apps you wish to hide. You may also need to set up a PIN or fingerprint for access.

These built-in options are quick and don’t require additional downloads, making them a convenient choice for many users.

Learn to secure all apps on your phone and ensure your privacy; watch the Seekho video Mobile Tricks - Android Screen Pin to learn foolproof tricks to secure your account.

How to Hide Apps on Android by Creating a Secure Folder

Creating a secure folder is a great way to keep your apps safe and hidden, especially for sensitive information or personal apps. This method protects your hidden apps with a PIN, password, or fingerprint, adding an extra layer of security.

Here’s how you can hide apps on your Android phone by creating a secure folder:

Steps to Create a Secure Folder:

1. Open Settings: Go to your phone’s Settings menu.
2. Navigate to Biometrics and Security: Look for the Biometrics and Security option in the settings menu.
3. Select Secure Folder: Tap on Secure Folder (the name may vary depending on the phone).
4. Set Up Your Lock Method: Choose how you want to protect your secure folder (PIN, password, or fingerprint).
5. Add Apps to the Secure Folder: Once the folder is set up, tap on “Add Apps” and choose the apps you need to hide. Now, you have moved these apps to the secure folder and you can only access them with your chosen lock method.

Using a secure folder hides our apps from prying eyes and keeps them more secure, especially for apps containing sensitive or personal information.

Discover essential WhatsApp tricks to ensure your privacy and prevent scams through video and audio call settings in the Seekho video WhatsApp Settings To Avoid Scam.

How to Hide Apps on Android by Renaming the Apps

Renaming apps is a clever trick to make them less noticeable on your phone. By changing the name of an app, you can effectively hide it in plain sight. While this method doesn't hide the app entirely, it helps by making it harder for others to recognise. Here's how you can rename apps on your Android phone:

Steps to Rename Apps:

1. Go to the Home Screen: Navigate to the home screen where you can find the app.
2. Long press the app icon: Hold down the app icon you want to rename until a menu shows up.
3. Select "Edit": Tap on the "Edit" option, which may appear as a pencil icon or "Edit Name", depending on your phone.
4. Change the Name: Erase the current name and type a new one. You can even use characters that make it harder to recognise (e.g., symbols or spaces).
5. Save Changes: Once you've renamed the app, tap "Done" or "Save" to confirm the change.

Now, the app will appear with its new name, making it less obvious to anyone who isn't looking closely.

Learn how to protect your bank account linked with GooglePay, or PhonPe in the Seekho video PhonePe, Gpay Safety Tips.

How to Hide Apps on Android by Disabling Apps

This method is especially useful for system apps or pre-installed apps that you may not use but don't want cluttering your phone. By disabling an app, you prevent it from appearing in your app drawer and stop it from consuming resources by running in the background. Here's how to do it:

Steps to Disable Apps:

1. Open Settings: Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps: Tap on Apps or Apps & Notifications (depending on your device).
3. Select the App You Want to Disable: Browse through the list and select the app you want to disable
4. Tap "Disable": Once you’re on the app’s details page, select the Disable option. The system might ask you to confirm your choice.
5. Confirm the Action: A warning may appear, notifying you that disabling the app will stop it from functioning. Tap OK to confirm.

The app will be no longer visible in your app drawer and will no longer run in the background. You can re-enable the app later by repeating the same steps as above and choosing the Enable option.

Learn how to clear app caches effortlessly with the Zero Cleaner app, and maximise your phone storage by watching the Seekho video Ye App karega Phone Storage Clean.

How to Hide Apps on Android by Creating a Guest Account or Secret Mode

Creating a guest account or using secret mode is another excellent way to hide apps on your Android device. This method lets you create a distinct profile or temporary space on your phone to hide specific apps. 

It's perfect if you want to share your phone with someone else without exposing your personal apps. Here’s how you can set up a guest account or use secret mode:

Steps to Create a Guest Account:

1. Open Settings: Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Users & Accounts: Look for Users & Accounts or System (depending on your device).
3. Select "Add Guest": Tap on Add Guest or Add User to create a new guest profile.
4. Set Up the Guest Account: After creating the guest account,  you can customise it by selecting which apps you want to allow access to hiding apps from the guest profile.
5. Switch to Guest Mode: To switch to guest mode, you can just swipe down the notification panel and select the guest profile.

Steps to Use Secret Mode (For Browsers or Specific Apps):

1. Open the App (e.g., Browser): For apps like Google Chrome, tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Select "New Incognito Tab": This will open a private browsing window, where no history or data will be saved, and apps remain hidden.

By using either a guest account or secret mode, you can keep your apps and data protected when someone else is using your device, making sure your apps stay private.

Learn how to keep your sensitive photos and videos private by renaming files, preventing them from being seen by prying eyes in the Seekho video How to Hide Files/Notifications on Your Mobile.

Suggested Read: Find exciting content for your YouTube channel by exploring our 5-minute read Simple YouTube Video Content Ideas for Beginners. 

How to Hide Apps on Android Using Android Launcher Apps

Android launcher apps are powerful tools that allow you to customise your phone's interface, and many of them come with features to hide apps easily. These third-party apps not only give you more control over your home screen layout but also allow you to hide apps without altering system settings. 

Popular launcher apps like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Evie Launcher offer this functionality, making them ideal for users who want a more personalised, organised phone experience. Here's how you can hide apps using an Android launcher:

Steps to Hide Apps Using a Launcher:

1. Download a Launcher App: Go to the Google Play Store and download a launcher app such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Evie Launcher.
2. Set the Launcher as Default: After installing the App, open it and follow the instructions to set it as your default launcher. The system may ask you to press "Always" when it prompts you to select a launcher.
3. Access the Launcher Settings: Open the launcher’s settings by long-pressing the home screen and selecting Settings or tapping the gear icon.
4. Select App Drawer Settings: Look for the App Drawer or Privacy settings in the launcher’s menu.
5. Hide Apps: In the App Drawer settings, you should find an option like "Hide Apps" or "App Hider." Tap it and select the apps you want to hide.
6. Save Changes: After selecting the apps, save your settings. The system will now hide the apps from the app drawer, but you will still have them installed on your device.

Using a launcher app not only hides apps from plain view but also provides more control over how your phone looks and functions. It’s an excellent option for those looking for customisation and privacy all in one.

Watch the Seekho video Phone Addiction Se Bachen - Mobile Tricks and learn how to minimise distractions while giving the phone to your kid by using the O Launcher app.

Conclusion

Hiding apps on your Android phone is a simple yet effective way to improve privacy, reduce distractions, and keep your device organised. Whether you choose to use built-in settings, a secure folder, a guest account, or third-party launchers, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. 

Each method offers a unique way to keep unwanted apps out of sight, from securing sensitive apps to decluttering your home screen. By using these techniques, you can regain control over your device and ensure that your apps remain only as accessible as you want them to be.

Explore the earning potential of WhatsApp by selling products of any category or by reselling products on the Seekho video Whatsapp Se Paise Kamaye. 

Subscribe to Seekho Plus and enjoy unlimited business ideas and upskill yourself with high-value skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I hide apps without uninstalling them? 

Yes! Hiding apps does not require uninstallation. You can keep apps installed but out of sight by using methods like the built-in settings, secure folders, or third-party launcher apps.

2. How do I hide apps using built-in settings? 

Most Android phones offer a feature to hide apps through the app drawer settings. Simply open the app drawer, access the menu or settings, and select the option to hide apps. The specific steps may vary depending on your phone model.

3. Are there any risks to hiding apps? 

There are minimal risks to hiding apps, as it doesn’t delete any data or functionality. However, it's important to remember the password or PIN for secure folders or guest accounts, as losing access may make it harder to retrieve your hidden apps.

4. How secure is a secure folder for hiding apps? 

A secure folder is highly secure, as it is protected by a PIN, password, or fingerprint. It prevents unauthorized access to the apps within, ensuring your sensitive data stays safe and out of sight.

5. Can I hide apps for only certain users? 

Yes, using a guest account or creating a separate user profile allows you to hide apps specifically for that profile. This is ideal if you want to share your phone with someone else without revealing your personal apps.