How to Hide Apps on Android Without Root – Safe & Easy Methods

Ever wanted to hide apps on your Android phone? Maybe you have some private apps you don’t want others to see, or you just like keeping your home screen clutter-free. Either way, Android gives you several ways to hide apps, and in this guide, we’ll walk through all the options in simple terms.

Quick Answer

To hide apps on an Android device open Settings, go to Home Screen (or Apps settings), and select Hide Apps. Then, choose the apps you want to hide. Some devices may have this option under their launcher settings. If your phone doesn’t support it, you can use third-party launchers or app hiders for extra privacy.

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1. Hiding Apps with Built-in Features

Many Android brands offer a built-in option to hide apps, making the process quick and easy. If your phone has this feature, you won’t need to install anything extra.

Samsung’s Secure Folder

Samsung phones come with a feature called Secure Folder, which creates a hidden, password-protected space for your apps.

To set it up:

1. Open Settings and go to Security & Privacy.
2. Tap on Secure Folder and sign in with your Samsung account.
3. Choose a lock method (PIN, password, fingerprint).
4. Once Secure Folder is set up, tap Add Apps and select the ones you want to hide.
5. These apps will now be available only inside Secure Folder, requiring authentication to access.

This method ensures complete privacy, as the apps inside Secure Folder are invisible outside of it.

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OnePlus Hidden Space

If you have a OnePlus phone, you can use the Hidden Space feature.

Here’s how:

1. Open the App Drawer by swiping up on your home screen.
2. Swipe right to enter Hidden Space.
3. Tap the + icon and select the apps you want to hide.
4. To further protect the apps, enable password protection.

With Hidden Space, the apps stay out of sight but can be accessed whenever you need them.

Xiaomi’s Hidden Apps Feature

Xiaomi phones also come with a built-in App Lock feature that allows you to hide apps.

To hide apps using Xiaomi’s built-in settings:

1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
2. Tap on App Lock, then set up a password if prompted.
3. Go to the Hidden Apps section and select the apps you want to hide.

Once hidden, these apps won’t appear in the app drawer unless you enter the unlock pattern or password.

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2. Using Third-Party Launchers to Hide Apps

If your phone doesn’t have a built-in hide-app feature, don’t worry. You can use a custom launcher to hide apps easily.

Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher is a popular choice for customizing Android devices. It also allows you to hide apps from the app drawer.

To hide apps using Nova Launcher:

1. Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Set it as your default launcher.
3. Open Nova Settings and go to App & Widget Drawers.
4. Scroll down and tap Hide Apps.
5. Select the apps you want to hide.

With this method, the apps won’t be visible in the app drawer, but they can still be opened by searching for them.

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Apex Launcher

Apex Launcher is another good alternative for hiding apps.

To use it:

1. Install Apex Launcher from the Play Store.
2. Set it as your default launcher.
3. Open Apex Settings, go to Drawer Settings, then tap Hidden Apps.
4. Choose the apps you want to hide.

This method is simple and effective, allowing you to keep your private apps away from prying eyes.

3. Using App Hider Apps

If you want a dedicated app to hide other apps, there are many available in the Play Store. These apps allow you to move selected apps into a private vault, keeping them hidden from the main interface.

App Hider

App Hider is a powerful tool that not only hides apps but also disguises itself as a calculator for extra security.

To use App Hider:

1. Install App Hider from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and add the apps you want to hide.
3. If needed, enable the calculator disguise mode so that App Hider appears as a calculator.
4. To access hidden apps, enter a special code inside the calculator.

This method is excellent for keeping sensitive apps completely hidden.

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Vault App

Vault is another app that helps you hide apps, photos, and videos.

To use it:

1. Download Vault from the Play Store.
2. Set a password or PIN to protect your hidden apps.
3. Add apps to the hidden section.

Once hidden, apps will only be accessible through the Vault app.

4. Disabling Pre-installed Apps

Some Android phones come with pre-installed apps that can’t be uninstalled but can be disabled. When you disable an app, it disappears from the app drawer and stops running in the background.

To disable an app:

1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
2. Select the app you want to hide.
3. Tap Disable.

This method works well for system apps that you don’t use but cannot remove completely.

5. Using Guest Mode or Multiple Users

If you want to hide apps without uninstalling them, you can use Android’s Guest Mode or Multiple Users feature.

To enable Guest Mode:

1. Open Settings and go to System.
2. Tap Advanced and select Multiple Users.
3. Enable Guest Mode.

When you switch to Guest Mode, your apps, messages, and accounts remain hidden.

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6. Locking Apps Instead of Hiding Them

If you don’t want to completely hide an app but want to prevent unauthorized access, you can use an App Lock tool.

AppLock

AppLock allows you to lock apps using a password, fingerprint, or pattern.

To set it up:

1. Install AppLock from the Play Store.
2. Set a password or fingerprint for protection.
3. Select the apps you want to lock.

Now, whenever someone tries to open these apps, they’ll need to enter the password.

7. Advanced Methods: Custom ROMs and Rooting

For those who want full control over their device, advanced methods like installing a custom ROM or rooting the phone can offer more privacy features.

Custom ROMs

Installing a custom ROM like LineageOS provides advanced app privacy options, but it requires flashing a new operating system, which may void your warranty.

Rooting Your Phone

Rooting allows you to modify your system deeply and use tools like Xposed Framework to hide apps at a system level. However, rooting can be risky and may compromise security.

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Final Thoughts

There are plenty of ways to hide apps on an Android device, depending on your needs. If your phone has a built-in hide-app feature, that’s the easiest way to go. Otherwise, third-party launchers and app hiders can do the job effectively. For added security, you can also use guest mode, disable apps, or lock them with passwords.

If privacy is a top concern, Secure Folder (Samsung), Hidden Space (OnePlus), or Guest Mode are great options. If you want more control, custom ROMs and rooting offer deeper customization. Just be careful when using third-party apps—always download from reputable sources to keep your data safe.

No matter which method you choose, keeping your private apps hidden gives you peace of mind and helps maintain security on your Android device.

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FAQs

Can you hide an app on Android?

Yes, Android allows you to hide apps using built-in features, third-party launchers, or app hider apps. Some phones, like Samsung and OnePlus, have a built-in option to hide apps, while others require a third-party launcher or app locker.

How do I make apps not visible on Android?

You can make apps disappear by using a hide-app feature, moving them to a Secure Folder, disabling them, or using a launcher that supports hiding apps. Another option is to use an app hider that disguises apps as something else.

How do I hide apps on my app screen?

You can hide apps from the app screen by going to your phone’s settings, using a launcher like Nova or Apex, or moving them to a hidden folder. If your phone supports it, look for a "Hide Apps" option under settings.

How do you find hidden apps on Android?

To find hidden apps, open your app drawer and tap the three-dot menu to check if there’s a "Show Hidden Apps" option. You can also go to Settings > Apps and look for apps that are installed but not visible.

How do I safely hide apps?

The safest way to hide apps is by using your phone’s built-in Secure Folder or Hidden Space feature. If you use a third-party app, make sure it's from a trusted developer and doesn’t ask for unnecessary permissions.

Where is the hidden menu on Android?

Many Android devices have a hidden menu called Developer Options or System UI Tuner. You can access it by going to Settings > About Phone and tapping "Build Number" multiple times until Developer Mode is enabled.

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