Introduction
If you’re like many Android users, you may have some apps on your device that you’d like to keep hidden from others. Whether it’s for privacy reasons, or simply to tidy up your app drawer, there are a number of ways to hide apps on Android. In this article, we’ll cover six different solutions, each with its own pros and cons. By the end of the article, you’ll have a variety of tools at your disposal for keeping your sensitive apps out of sight.
Using an App Hider
One of the easiest ways to hide apps on Android is to use an app hider app. These apps work by creating a separate space within your device where you can move the apps you want to hide. The apps will still be installed on your device, but won’t be visible in your app drawer or on your home screen. One app hider app we recommend is the ‘Calculator Lock’ app, which creates a hidden space within a working calculator.
To use the Calculator Lock app, simply download the app from the Google Play store and follow the setup instructions. Once the app is installed, you can access your hidden space by entering a specific code within the calculator. You can then move any apps you want to hide into this space. To keep the apps hidden, it’s important to avoid accessing the hidden space in public, and to use a secure code to prevent others from accidentally discovering it.
Disabling Apps
Another simple way to keep apps hidden on Android is to disable them. Disabling an app means that it will no longer be visible in your app drawer or on your home screen, and won’t be able to run in the background. This can be useful for apps that you don’t need to use frequently but don’t want to uninstall entirely.
To disable an app on an Android device, go to your Settings, then Apps. From there, scroll through your list of installed apps until you find the one you want to disable. Tap on the app, then select ‘Disable’. Note that some system apps may not be able to be disabled, and disabling certain apps can affect the overall functionality of your device. To keep disabled apps hidden from view, organize your app drawer and home screen so that they’re not visible.
Private Mode
Many Android devices offer a private or secure mode that can be used to keep certain files, apps, or other data hidden. Private mode typically requires a password or PIN to access, and can be useful for storing sensitive information or apps that you don’t want others to see.
To enable private mode on your Android device, go to your Settings and look for the option labeled ‘Security’ or ‘Privacy’. From there, you’ll be able to set up a PIN or password and choose which apps or files to keep hidden. Some devices may call this feature by a different name, so check your device’s user manual or online help resources if you’re not sure how to access it.
Using a Launcher
A launcher is an Android app that lets you customize the look and feel of your device’s home screen and app drawer. Some launchers offer app-hiding features that allow you to move specific apps into a hidden folder that’s only accessible with a certain swipe or button press. One launcher we recommend is the Nova Launcher, which offers a variety of customization options including app hiding.
To use the app-hiding feature within Nova Launcher, open the app and go to ‘Nova Settings’, then ‘App and widget drawers’. From there, you can choose which apps to hide and how to access them. In addition to app hiding, Nova Launcher offers a number of other customization options that can help you personalize your Android device.
Creating a Hidden Folder
Another way to keep apps hidden on Android is to create a hidden folder on your home screen or app drawer. This can be done by using a third-party app or by creating a new folder and customizing its settings. One app we recommend for this purpose is the ‘App Hider’ app, which allows you to create a hidden folder within an existing folder.
To create a hidden folder using the App Hider app, first install the app from the Google Play store. From there, you can select a folder on your home screen or app drawer, then choose ‘Add to App Hider’. This will move the folder and any apps within it into the hidden space. To keep the folder hidden from view, avoid adding any icons or widgets to it, and place it in an inconspicuous location on your device.
Changing App Icons
Finally, a less direct way to hide apps on Android is to change their icons to something less recognizable. This can be done using a variety of third-party icon packs or by customizing the icon for each app individually. Choosing a less conspicuous icon can help keep sensitive apps hidden and reduce the chances of accidental discovery.
To change the icons for your apps, you can either install a new icon pack from the Google Play store or use a launcher like Nova Launcher that allows for more extensive customization. In either case, it’s important to choose an inconspicuous icon that won’t attract unwanted attention.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered six easy solutions for hiding apps on Android, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Whether you prefer to use an app hider, disable apps, enable private mode, use a launcher, create a hidden folder, or change app icons, there are a variety of tools at your disposal. To keep your sensitive apps hidden, experiment with these different options and find the one that works best for you. Remember to always use a secure password or PIN to keep unwanted users from discovering your hidden apps, and avoid accessing sensitive apps in public places. With a little effort, you can maintain your privacy and enjoy a tidier, more organized Android experience.
