This guide teaches you how to hide apps on your Android device, whether from the home screen, app drawer, or by disabling pre-installed applications. You’ll learn methods for popular brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, and LG, as well as a solution for other Android models using a third-party tool.
How to hide apps on your Android phone
Follow these detailed steps to hide applications on various Android devices and through different methods.
Method 1: Hiding apps on a Samsung
- Open your Android’s Settings app. It’s the gear icon in the app drawer.
- Tap Display. It’s the option with a green gear icon.
- Tap Home Screen.
- Scroll down and tap Hide apps. It’s near the bottom of the page.
- Tap the app icon(s) you want to hide. You can hide multiple icons if you’d like.
- Tap Done. It’s at the bottom of the screen.
Method 2: Hiding apps on a OnePlus
- Open the app drawer by swiping up on the home screen.
- Swipe right to the Hidden Space folder.
- Tap +. It’s the plus symbol at the top-right corner.
- Select the app(s) you want to hide.
- Enable a password (optional). If you don’t want anyone to swipe over to Hidden Space, tap the three dots at the top-right and select Enable Password.
- Tap the checkmark to save. It’s at the top-right corner.
Method 3: Hiding apps on Huawei
- Open your Android’s Settings app. It’s the gear icon in your app drawer.
- Tap Privacy. Additional settings will appear.
- Tap PrivateSpace. If PrivateSpace is not enabled, you’ll be prompted to enable it now.
- Tap Enable and follow the on-screen instructions to create your PrivateSpace. You’ll create a separate password, PIN, pattern, or biometric.
- Enter your PrivateSpace. You can do this from the lock screen by entering your PrivateSpace credentials or by going to Settings > Privacy > PrivateSpace and tapping Log in.
- Download any apps that you want to hide from your MainSpace. Apps downloaded in PrivateSpace are only visible within PrivateSpace.
Method 4: Hiding apps on an LG
- Check your home screen settings:
- If Home screen settings is available: Tap and hold a blank area of the home screen, then tap Home screen settings.
- If no Home screen settings: Open your app drawer, tap the menu at the top-right corner, and select Hide apps.
- Tap Hide apps (if you accessed via Home screen settings).
- Select the app(s) you want to hide by tapping their icon.
- Tap Done. The selected apps are now hidden.
Method 5: Hiding apps with Nova Launcher
- Install Nova Launcher on your Android from the Google Play Store.
- Tap and hold a blank area on the home screen. A menu will appear.
- Tap Settings. This opens the Nova Settings menu.
- Tap App drawer. It’s near the top of the menu.
- Scroll down and tap Hide apps. It’s under the “Apps” header.
- Select the apps you want to hide. Tapping an app places a checkmark beside it.
Method 6: Disabling pre-installed apps
- Open your Android’s Settings app. It’s the gear icon in the app tray.
- Tap Apps or Apps & notifications. The name may vary by model.
- Select the option to show all apps.
- If Samsung Galaxy: Tap the All drop-down menu and select Enabled, then tap the three-dot menu at the top-right and select Show system apps.
- If Google Pixel: Tap See all apps.
- For others: Choose the option that lets you view all apps (including system apps).
- Tap the app you want to hide.
- Tap Disable. If you don’t see this option, you may have to tap Force Stop first. Warning: Not all pre-installed apps can be disabled.
After successfully hiding or disabling apps, take some time to organize your home screen and app drawer. You can create folders for frequently used apps or rearrange icons to optimize your workflow. This can make your phone feel more personalized and efficient.
Consider exploring other customization options available on your Android device or through third-party launchers. Many launchers offer extensive features for themes, icon packs, gesture controls, and more, allowing you to tailor your mobile experience even further.
