Hiding apps on your Android phone can help keep your home screen organized and provide additional privacy for apps containing personal information. Learning how to hide apps on Android phone depends on the brand and software version of your device. Some phones have a built-in app-hiding feature, while newer Android devices may offer a private space or secure folder for sensitive apps.
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Check Your Phone’s Built-In App Hiding Feature
Some Android manufacturers provide a direct option for hiding apps. The setting is usually available through the Home screen or Apps screen settings.
Look through your phone’s Settings app or Home screen settings for an option such as “Hide apps.”
- Open Settings
- Search for “Hide apps”
- Check Home screen settings
- Select the apps you want to hide
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Hide Apps on a Samsung Galaxy Phone
Samsung Galaxy phones provide an option to hide apps from both the Home screen and Apps screen. Touch and hold an empty area on the Home screen, open Home screen settings, and select “Hide apps on Home and Apps screens.” Select the apps and tap Done.
- Open the Home screen
- Touch and hold an empty area
- Tap Settings
- Select Hide apps on Home and Apps screens
- Choose the apps
- Tap Done
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Use Private Space on Supported Android Phones
Android 15 and later can provide Private Space on supported devices. It creates a separate area where you can install apps and protect them with a separate lock. When Private Space is locked, its apps are hidden from the main Apps screen and other areas of the phone.
- Open Settings
- Tap Security & privacy
- Select Private space
- Set up a lock
- Install the apps you want to keep private
- Lock Private Space when finished
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Hide Private Space When It Is Locked
On supported Android devices, you can also hide the Private Space container itself when it is locked. This provides an additional layer of privacy.
Open Private Space settings and enable the option to hide Private Space when it is locked.
- Open Private Space
- Unlock it
- Open its settings
- Turn on Hide private space when it’s locked
- Lock Private Space
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Use Secure Folder on Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy devices that support Secure Folder can provide a protected location for apps and personal information. You can add apps to Secure Folder and protect access using an authentication method such as a PIN, password, or biometric authentication.
- Open Secure Folder
- Set up authentication
- Tap Add apps
- Select the apps
- Lock Secure Folder when finished
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Remove Apps From the Home Screen
If you only want an app to disappear from the Home screen, you may not need to hide it completely.
Touch and hold the app icon and choose the available option for removing it from the Home screen. The app can remain installed and accessible through the Apps screen.
- Touch and hold the app
- Select Remove from Home screen
- Keep the app installed
- Find it later through the Apps screen
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Disable Certain Pre-Installed Apps
Some Android phones allow you to disable certain pre-installed applications. Disabling an app can remove it from the normal app list and prevent it from running, although this option is generally intended for apps you do not use rather than for personal privacy.
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select the app
- Tap Disable if the option is available
- Confirm the action
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Avoid Untrusted App Hiding Tools
Be careful when installing third-party applications that promise to hide other apps. Some may request unnecessary permissions or account information.
Whenever possible, use the privacy features built into your Android phone.
- Avoid suspicious app lockers
- Do not provide unnecessary permissions
- Download apps from trusted sources
- Review app permissions regularly
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Remember That Hidden Does Not Always Mean Completely Invisible
The exact level of privacy depends on the method and device you use. For example, a simple launcher-based hiding feature may only remove an app icon, while Private Space can isolate apps and hide them from several parts of the operating system when locked.
If an app contains sensitive information, consider using a properly protected private space or secure folder rather than simply removing its icon.
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Unhide Apps When Needed
You can usually reverse the process whenever you want. On Samsung Galaxy devices, return to the “Hide apps on Home and Apps screens” setting and remove the app from the hidden list.
For Private Space, unlock the space to access its apps.
- Open the relevant privacy settings
- Find the hidden app
- Remove it from the hidden list
- Unlock Private Space when necessary
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