How to Hide Apps on Android
As smartphones become an integral part of our daily lives, we rely on apps for various purposes- from connecting with friends, working, shopping, or entertainment. While there are apps that we often use, some we don’t. But they can’t be deleted from our phones, and it can become frustrating when they clutter our home screen, making it harder to navigate.
The good news is that we can hide apps on our Android phones. It’s an easy process that doesn’t require any technical skills. Here are some ways to hide apps on Android:
1. Use the built-in feature
Android has a built-in feature that allows us to hide apps. Depending on your phone model, the setting may be located in a different location, but it should be accessible from the app drawer, home screen, or settings. Here are the steps to follow:
a) Go to the app drawer or home screen and find the app you want to hide.
b) Tap and hold it for a few seconds until a menu appears.
c) Depending on your phone model, you may see options like ‘Uninstall, App info, and Disable.’ Tap ‘Disable’ or ‘Remove from home screen.’
d) The app should disappear from the home screen or app drawer.
Note that this only hides the app, and it’s still installed on your phone. You could still access it from the settings menu or by searching for it in the Play Store.
2. Use a third-party app launcher
If you use a third-party launcher on your Android phone, you could use it to hide apps. Third-party launchers come with enhanced features, including the ability to hide apps and customize your phone’s look and feel. Here’s how to do it:
a) Download and install a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Action Launcher from the Google Play Store.
b) Open the launcher and go to the home screen.
c) Long-press on an empty area of the screen, and a menu will appear.
d) Select ‘Widgets,’ and scroll down until you see ‘Activities.’
e) Tap and hold ‘Activities’ and drag it to the home screen.
f) A list of apps will appear. Scroll down to find the app you want to hide and tap it.
g) You will see a list of activities for that app. Find and select ‘App Info.’
h) The app should disappear from the home screen.
3. Use a third-party app locker
Another way to hide apps on Android is by using a third-party app locker. An app locker enables you to lock apps or hide them from prying eyes. You’ll need to download and install an app locker app from the Google Play Store. Here’s how to do it:
a) Download and install an app locker app like AppLock or Norton App Lock from the Google Play Store.
b) Open the app and set up a PIN or pattern lock.
c) Select the apps you want to lock or hide.
d) The apps will either disappear from the home screen or require a PIN or pattern to access them.
In conclusion, hiding apps on Android is an easy process that can help you declutter your phone, improve privacy, or security. You can either use the built-in feature, a third-party app launcher, or an app locker. Regardless of the method you choose, remember that the hidden apps are still on your phone, and you can still access them from the settings menu or Play Store.