How to Hide Apps on Android Phone

Damaris Gatwiri

1 hour ago

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.