Do you have sensitive photos, videos or private information stored in apps on your Android device that you want to keep hidden from prying eyes? Or perhaps there are certain inappropriate apps not suitable for kids to see? As an Android user, luckily you have more options when it comes to hiding apps compared to iPhone users.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 4 key methods Android users can utilize to hide apps on their devices:
- Disabling/Uninstalling Pre-Installed Apps
- Using Secure Folders
- Locking Apps Individually
- Using Third-Party "App Hider" Apps
We will also discuss the pros and cons of each method and walk through how to set them up step-by-step. Let‘s get started!
Why Would You Want to Hide Apps on Android?
Before we dive into the "how", let‘s discuss some common reasons you may want to hide certain apps on your Android device:
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Privacy from family/friends – You probably don‘t want nosy parents or siblings poking around your personal photos and videos. Hiding those apps will prevent uncomfortable situations.
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Hiding inappropriate content from children – As a parent, you may have apps on your phone not suitable for kids. Hiding them is vital for protecting young eyes.
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Securing sensitive personal/business data – Apps containing financial information, business contacts, trade secrets or intellectual property need to be kept private.
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De-cluttering your home screen – Pre-installed "bloatware" apps on Android devices clutter up your app drawer making it hard to find apps. Hiding little-used apps helps de-clutter.
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Protecting privacy if device is lost/stolen – If you ever lose your device, you want personal content and info to be inaccessible to whoever finds it. Hiding those apps provides security.
Now let‘s explore methods to hide apps and better protect your privacy.
Method #1: Disabling/Uninstalling Pre-Installed Apps
If your Android device comes with pre-loaded apps you never use and want to hide, try disabling or uninstalling them.
While disabling an app won‘t completely remove it, it will hide the app and also prevent it from running in the background slowing your device down.
How to Disable Apps:
- Open your device‘s Settings app
- Tap on "Apps" or "Apps & Notifications"
- Select the pre-installed app you want disabled
- Tap the "Disable" button
Once disabled, the app disappears from your home screen/app drawer. Most phones will have a section in Settings called "Disabled apps" where you can re-enable them.
If the Disable option isn‘t available for an unwanted pre-loaded app, you may be able to uninstall it completely instead. Just tap "Uninstall" on the app‘s info page.
Method #2 Using Secure Folders (Samsung Devices Only)
If you own a newer Samsung Galaxy device, take advantage of the integrated Secure Folder feature. It lets you hide apps behind a password-protected virtual space.
To set up Secure Folder:
- Open Settings then tap "Biometrics and security"
- Select "Secure Folder"
- Enter a password or enable iris/fingerprint unlock
- Choose apps you want protected inside the folder
Once configured, Secure Folder containing your hidden apps is accessible behind the password/biometric lock you set. This keeps them hidden and secure.
Method #3 Locking Apps Individually
Some Android manufacturers build in an option to password protect apps individually. The functionality varies by device brand but generally works the same:
- Long press the app icon and select "Lock"
- Set up screen lock password or pattern
- App is now locked until password/pattern entered
So when you next try accessing that app, you‘ll be prompted to unlock it first adding security.
If your device lacks a native app locking feature, a third-party app we recommend farther below can add similar functionality.
Method #4 Third-Party "App Hider" Apps
For more robust functionality around hiding apps on Android, dedicated third party apps are available. Let‘s compare some top options:
Nova Launcher Prime
Nova Launcher Prime replaces your phone‘s default home screen/app drawer with a highly customizable alternative.
Alongside cosmetic changes, it has an "Hide Apps" feature letting you conceal apps without uninstalling them.
Pros
- Free trial available
- Choose custom icon theme/layout
- Set custom gestures
- Hide status bar icons
Cons
- No other security functionality
- Annual subscription fee
App Hider Master Pro
App Hider Master Pro disguises itself as a fully working calculator app but inside hides a password-protected vault for concealing other apps.
Pros
- Clone apps for multi-accounts
- Works with social media apps
- Affordable one-time payment
Cons
- Clone feature doesn‘t work with some apps
- Ads in free version
App Hider by 2 Face Studio
App Hider by 2 Face Studio similarly masquerades as fully functional calculator while letting you secretly vault away apps behind a numeric password.
Pros
- Clones hidden apps for multi-accounts
- No app symbol visible after hiding
- Affordable cost
Cons
- Doesn‘t work for certain apps
- Occasional glitches reported
App Hider by Smart Store
App Hider by Smart Store lets you conceal apps behind a variety of lock including password, pattern and fingerprint.
Pros
- Multiple lock options
- Free version available
- Easy import of apps to hide
Cons
- Heavy battery drain
- Prone to occasional crashes
Recommendation
While all 4 app hider apps have merits, based on consistently positive user reviews and better battery/memory optimization, App Hider by 2 Face Studio emerges as our top recommendation with the best blend of security and reliability.
It‘s also affordably priced as a one-time payment for all features with no ads or subscription. Similar apps cost much more long term.
Unhiding Your Hidden Android Apps
Once you hide apps using any technique, you may later want to access them again. Here is how to unhide apps on Android:
- Disabled pre-installed apps – Re-enable apps in the Settings > Apps > Disabled apps menu
- Samsung Secure Folder apps – Open Secure Folder and enter password
- Individually locked apps – Launch app and enter setup password/pattern/biometric
- 3rd party app hider apps – Open the "dummy" app (e.g. calculator) and enter vault password
So in all cases, hidden apps are recoverable once you enter the required credential.
Final Tips for Privacy Protection
Alongside hiding sensitive apps on your Android device, here are bonus tips for keeping your data secure:
- Password protect your lockscreen
- Encrypt your device storage
- Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app to browse anonymously
- Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords
- Install anti-virus and anti-malware apps as added protection
Following this advice coupled with hiding your most private apps using methods above will help you defend your Android phone or tablet from prying eyes!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions on hiding apps and securing your Android device.
