Hide apps in Android built-in settings
You can hide apps from most Android devices’ home screen settings. These settings are available directly on the phone and don’t need third-party apps to be adjusted.
As of October 2024, Samsung had 22.82% of the global smartphone market, followed by Xiaomi with 10.62%. Vivo and Oppo came third and fourth with 5.67% and 5.39%.
To hide apps on a Samsung phone, open the device settings, then scroll down to the Home screen. Search for Hide Apps. Now, select the apps you want to hide on short notice, and they won’t appear in the home screen menu.
Xiaomi also offers the option to hide some apps as part of its MIUI operating system. Open the device settings and press “App lock,” followed by “Hidden apps.” Choose “Manage hidden apps” and then the ones you don’t want people to see.
Hide apps in iPhone settings
Samsung is only first among Android users. In fact, Apple holds the lion’s share with 28.38% of the smartphone market. If you have an iPhone, you can hide your phone apps in several ways, depending on your preferences and the version of iOS you’re using.
For version 14 or later, you can do it using the App Library. Long-press the app you want to hide on the Home Screen, then tap Remove app and choose Remove from Home Screen. The app will still be accessible in the App Library by swiping to the right-most screen.
Hiding apps in folders is even quicker. Drag the app you want to hide into a folder and place it on the second or third page. This reduces visibility but only partially hides the app.
You can also use screen time to restrict apps. Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions under Screen Time in your settings. Enable the restrictions and choose Allowed Apps. Here, you toggle off the ones you want to hide. Apps hidden this way won’t appear anywhere on your device until you re-enable them.
Finally, you can conceal purchases from the App Store. Open the App Store and go to My Purchases under your profile picture. Swipe left on the app you want to hide and tap Hide. The app won’t appear in your purchase history but is still installed on your device.
Rename apps
You can use this simple method to reduce the prominence of an app by changing its name. Go to the App Drawer and find the app you wish to hide. Press the app’s icon continuously until a contextual menu pops up. Then, choose either the Rename or Edit option. Enter a new name for the app in the field provided.
This is a fast technique, but it only offers a basic way to conceal apps. They’re still identifiable by their icons. Consider downloading an app icon changer or third-party launcher.
Set up a secret mode or guest account
This method will help you conceal apps while they remain accessible. It’s a great solution if you’re loaning your phone to a relative or a friend. A guest account lets you hide apps from your main account.
Go to your device’s Settings, choose System, and click Multiple Users> Guest. Tap Add new user to set up their profile. You can switch to Guest mode by choosing the human head icon in the notifications menu (look for it by the date).
Samsung devices have Secret mode settings to keep confidential files and apps. Check if you’ve configured this mode in your settings. In the notification panel, click on Secret mode and enter a strong password to add the apps.
Final thoughts
Now, you can enjoy your apps without worrying someone will see them. You can hide them in no time if needed and then revert back when the danger of being caught has passed.
