How to Hide Apps: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Apps Private

I. Introduction

With access to our smartphones becoming increasingly commonplace, it can be difficult to keep certain apps private. Maybe you have a dating app that you don’t want your friends or family discovering, or perhaps you have sensitive work-related apps that you need to keep secure. Whatever the reason, there are several ways you can hide apps on your phone. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best methods for doing just that.

II. Use an App Hider

An app hider is a third-party app that allows you to hide other apps. These apps typically require a password or fingerprint in order to access your hidden apps. Some popular app hiders on the market include App Hider, Hide App-Hide Application, and Calculator Vault.

To use an app hider:

1. Download and install the app hider of your choice from the app store.
2. Open the app hider and set a password or fingerprint lock.
3. Add the apps you want to hide to the app hider.
4. Remove the original app from your phone’s home screen.
5. In the app hider, you can open your hidden apps by entering your password or using your fingerprint.

III. Create a Hidden Folder

Another way to hide apps is by creating a hidden folder on your device. This method is particularly useful for organizing apps as well as hiding them.

To create a hidden folder on iOS:

1. Long-press on an app to enter editing mode.
2. Drag the app over another app to create a folder.
3. Click on the folder to enter it.
4. Drag the apps you want to hide to the second page of the folder, which is empty.
5. Click and hold the app you want to keep visible and drag it to the bottom dock.

To create a hidden folder on Android:

1. Create a new folder on your home screen.
2. Click on the folder to open it.
3. Rename the folder so that it appears as a blank space. You can do this by holding down on the title of the folder.
4. Add the apps you want to hide to the folder.
5. You can now access your hidden apps by clicking on the invisible folder.

IV. Change the App Icon

Changing your app icon is another effective way of hiding apps from prying eyes. You can use apps like Icon Changer and Awesome Icons to change your app icons.

To change your app icon:

1. Download and install an app that allows you to change app icons from the app store.
2. Select the app you want to change the icon for.
3. Select the new icon you want to use.
4. Confirm your selection and exit the app.
5. The app icon on your home screen will now be changed.

V. Disable Notifications

Disabling notifications is another simple method for hiding apps. This method is particularly useful if you’re concerned about sensitive information appearing in your notifications.

To disable notifications for specific apps:

1. Go to your device’s settings.
2. Select “Notifications.”
3. Select the app you want to disable notifications for.
4. Toggle off “Allow Notifications.”

VI. Use Private Browsing

Private browsing is a feature on most modern web browsers that allows you to browse the internet without saving your search history or storing cookies. By using private browsing mode, you can keep your web searches and online activity private.

To use private browsing mode:

1. Open your web browser of choice.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper-right hand corner (for Android) or bottom-right corner (for iOS).
3. Select “New Private Tab” or “New Private Window.”

VII. Use a Different User Profile

Some devices allow for multiple user profiles, such as Android tablets and iPads. By creating a separate user profile, you can install private apps and keep them separate from your main profile.

To create a different user profile and install private apps on Android:

1. Go to your device’s settings.
2. Select “Users & accounts.”
3. Select “Add user.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user profile.
5. Once you’ve created a new user profile, install the apps you want to keep private.

To create a different user profile and install private apps on iOS:

1. Go to your device’s settings.
2. Select “Screen Time.”
3. Select “Continue.”
4. Select “This is My [Device].”
5. Select “Add User.”
6. Create a passcode for the new user profile.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user profile.
8. Install the apps you want to keep private on the new user profile.

VIII. Conclusion

Hiding apps on your phone can help you keep sensitive information private. Whether you choose to use an app hider, create a hidden folder, change app icons, disable notifications, use private browsing, or create a different user profile, there are several methods available to you. Experiment with each method to find the one that works best for you. With these tips, you can keep your apps private and enjoy a greater sense of security and privacy.