Keep Your Apps Private: Top 5 Ways To Hide Apps On Your Android Device

Whether you want to keep payment apps away from children or protect sensitive apps from prying eyes, hiding apps on your Android device is an excellent way to maintain your privacy . Here are five effective methods to make apps vanish from your app drawer .

1. Use Built-in Hide Apps Feature
Many Android phones and tablets come with a built-in tool for hiding apps. If you own a Samsung, Poco, Realme, or Xiaomi phone, you can access this feature through the launcher settings. On Realme, Oppo, and OnePlus devices, look for the 'Dialer' option. For Samsung, you can find it in the Settings app, and Xiaomi users should search for 'Hidden apps' in their Settings.

2. Rename App and Change Its Icon
If your device lacks a built-in hide apps feature, consider using third-party launchers like Nova, Apex, or Microsoft Launcher. These launchers not only allow you to hide apps from the home screen and app drawer but also let you rename the app and change its icon to make it less conspicuous.

3. Move Apps to a Folder
An easy way to make an app less visible is to move it into a folder. Both first-party and third-party launchers, such as Nova, allow you to create app folders in the app drawer. While this method is not as secure as others, it helps reduce visibility and clutter.

4. Use Third-Party Apps
For more security , you can download third-party apps from the Google Play Store that hide apps behind secure authentication mechanisms like fingerprints, passwords, patterns, or PINs. Many of these apps are free and provide an added layer of security.

5. Create a New User Profile
Similar to how multiple user profiles work on Windows and Mac PCs, most Android devices support creating multiple user profiles. Each account can have separate settings, apps, and data. To set this up, search for 'Multiple users' in the Settings app. This method allows you to effectively segregate apps and data between different profiles.