How to Hide Apps in Android

How to Hide Apps in Android Introduction

In today’s digital world, privacy has become a major priority for smartphone users. Whether you want to hide personal apps, secure banking apps, protect social media, or simply keep your phone screen clean, learning how to hide apps in Android is extremely useful.
The best part? Android gives you multiple built-in methods to hide apps safely — without rooting your device or installing any third-party app.

This detailed guide explains different ways to hide apps on Android across brands like Samsung, Xiaomi (MI), Realme, Vivo, Oppo, OnePlus, Pixel, and more.

⭐ Why Do People Want to Hide Apps in Android?

Here are the most common reasons:

  • To keep banking apps private
  • To hide social media apps from others
  • To keep work and personal apps separate
  • To prevent kids from opening unwanted apps
  • To maintain a clean home screen
  • To add an extra layer of security

Regardless of the reason, knowing how to hide apps in Android helps improve your privacy and phone security.

⭐ Method 1: How to Hide Apps in Android Using Built-In Launcher (Most Phones)

Most Android phones today include a built-in option to hide apps.
Here’s the easy step-by-step process:

Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Long-press on the Home Screen
  2. Tap Home Settings / Settings
  3. Look for Hide apps or Hidden apps
  4. Select the apps you want to hide
  5. Tap Done

Your selected apps will disappear from the home screen and app drawer.

Advantages
  • Easy and quick
  • No third-party app required
  • Clean UI
  • Perfect for privacy

This is one of the simplest ways to hide apps in Android without any app.

Method 2: How to Hide Apps in Samsung Phones (One UI)

Samsung devices have one of the most advanced app hiding systems.

Steps to Hide Apps in Samsung:
  1. Long-press on the Home screen
  2. Select Settings
  3. Tap Hide Apps
  4. Choose the apps you want to hide
  5. Tap Done
Extra Privacy Feature in Samsung

Samsung also provides Secure Folder, which allows you to hide apps with a password or fingerprint.

Method 3: How to Hide Apps in MI/Xiaomi/Redmi Phones (MIUI)

MIUI has a built-in “App Lock & Hidden Apps” feature.

Steps to Hide Apps in MIUI:
  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Apps
  3. Tap App Lock
  4. Enable App Lock (set password if required)
  5. Now tap Hidden Apps
  6. Select apps to hide

These hidden apps remain fully secure and only open using your password

Method 4: Hide Apps in Android Without App (Using App Drawer Settings)

This method works on many stock Android phones and custom launchers.

Steps:
  1. Open App Drawer
  2. Tap 3-dot menu
  3. Select Hide apps
  4. Select apps
  5. Save

This is one of the simplest ways to hide apps in Android without installing any external app.

Method 5: Hide Apps Using Secure Folder / Hidden Space (Brand-Specific)

Different brands offer different hidden spaces.

✔ OnePlus (Hidden Space)
  1. Swipe right in the app drawer
  2. Tap Hidden Space
  3. Add apps
✔ Realme / Oppo (Hide Apps Using App Lock)
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Privacy
  3. Hide Apps
  4. Select apps
✔ Vivo
  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Fingerprint, Face & Password
  3. Select Privacy & App Encryption
  4. Hide apps
✔ Samsung Secure Folder
  1. Settings → Biometrics & Security
  2. Secure Folder
  3. Add apps inside the folder

These brand-specific options give your apps maximum privacy.

Method 6: Hide Apps Using Guest Mode or Multiple User Mode
Steps:
  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Users & Accounts
  3. Enable Guest Mode
  4. Switch to Guest Profile

This removes all your personal apps from the guest user interface.

Method 7: Rename or Change Icon of App (Disguise Method)

Some launchers allow you to modify app names and icons.

Example:
  • WhatsApp → Notes
  • Instagram → Calculator

This method is perfect if you want to hide apps in Android without disabling them and without removing them from the home screen.

Method 8: Hide Apps Using Third-Party Launchers (Nova Launcher Prime)

Although not required, third-party launchers offer advanced app hiding features.

Best Launchers to Hide Apps:
Steps (Nova Launcher Prime):
  1. Long-press home screen
  2. Tap Settings
  3. Go to App Drawer
  4. Tap Hide Apps
  5. Select apps
How to Unhide Apps in Android
Steps:
  1. Go back to Hide apps settings
  2. Untick the app you want to unhide
  3. Tap Done

Your app will reappear immediately.

Important Notes for Better Privacy
  • Use passwords for hidden apps
  • Avoid unknown hiding apps from Play Store
  • Keep device updated
  • Use fingerprint lock for extra security
  • Don’t disable apps (it may affect device functions)

Learning how to hide apps in Android is essential for maintaining privacy and controlling access to personal information. Android provides several reliable methods to hide apps — including built-in hide app options, Samsung Secure Folder, MIUI hidden apps, guest mode, and third-party launchers.

Whether you want to hide apps in Android without installing any app, hide banking apps, or simply organize your home screen, these methods allow you to protect your data easily.

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