How to Hide Apps on Your Phone: A Comprehensive Guide

Is your home screen cluttered with apps you rarely use? Or perhaps there are some apps you’d rather keep private? Hiding apps on your smartphone can be an effective way to organize your screen or maintain privacy. Fortunately, both iOS and Android offer multiple ways to hide apps, making it easy to keep your screen tidy and your content secure.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to hide apps on both iOS and Android devices, including built-in options and popular third-party tools. Follow these steps to customize your device according to your preferences.

Why Hide Apps?

Hiding apps can serve various purposes: - Organization: Reduce clutter on your home screen. - Privacy: Hide apps that contain personal information or sensitive data. - Focus: Keep only essential apps visible for a minimalist approach.

Hiding Apps on Android

If you're using an Android device, you’ll find several ways to hide apps, whether through built-in settings or using third-party launchers.

Method 1: Using Lawnchair Launcher (Free)

If your Android phone doesn’t have a built-in feature to hide apps, the free Lawnchair Launcher is an excellent alternative. It not only allows you to hide apps but also gives you control over your home screen’s look and feel.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hide Apps with Lawnchair Launcher

1. Download and Install Lawnchair: Open the Google Play Store and install Lawnchair Launcher.
2. Access Launcher Settings: Tap and hold on an empty space on your home screen, select Settings, and navigate to the App Drawer section.
3. Choose Hidden Apps: Under Hidden Apps, check the apps you want to keep private.
4. Save Changes: Exit the settings. The selected apps will no longer appear in the app drawer or on your home screen.
5. Unhide Apps: To make an app visible again, go to Hidden Apps and uncheck the app.

Key Takeaway: Lawnchair offers a user-friendly interface, making it simple to control app visibility and personalize your device layout.

Method 2: Using the Built-in Launcher (If Available)

Some Android phones, such as Samsung and OnePlus models, have built-in features to hide apps. Here’s how:

1. Open Home Screen Settings: Press and hold on an empty part of your home screen, then tap Home Screen Settings or similar.
2. Select Hide Apps: Scroll down to find Hide Apps or Hidden Apps.
3. Choose Apps to Hide: Tap the apps you want to keep hidden from your home screen and app drawer.

Additional Tips for Android Users

• Hidden apps remain installed and accessible through settings or a third-party launcher, but won’t appear on your main screen.
• For more flexibility and customization, you can explore other third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, both of which offer similar options to hide apps and customize the interface.

Hiding Apps on iOS

For iPhone users, iOS offers built-in features to hide apps, so there’s no need to install third-party software. Apple’s App Library and folders allow you to keep your home screen organized and clutter-free.

Method 1: Using the App Library

With iOS 14 and later, the App Library enables iPhone users to hide apps without uninstalling them. You can store apps in the library instead of on the main home screen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hide Apps with the App Library

1. Access the App Library: Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library.
2. Locate the App: Find the app you want to hide. Tap and hold it.
3. Remove from Home Screen: Select “Remove from Home Screen.” The app will still be available in the App Library but will no longer appear on your home screen.

Key Takeaway: The App Library organizes apps automatically by category, so even hidden apps are easy to locate when needed.

Method 2: Using a Folder to Hide Apps

Another way to hide apps on iOS is by using folders. Although it won’t completely remove apps from view, this method makes them less noticeable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hide Apps in a Folder

1. Create a Folder: Tap and hold on an app icon until it starts to jiggle. Drag it onto another app to create a folder.
2. Add Apps to Folder: Place additional apps you’d like to hide into this folder.
3. Name the Folder: Give the folder a generic name, such as "Utilities" or "Extras."
4. Move the Folder to a Secondary Screen: Drag the folder to the last page of your home screen, making it less visible.

Key Takeaway: While not a perfect hiding solution, folders can help reduce clutter and obscure certain apps from immediate view.

Advanced Tips for Hiding Apps on iOS and Android

Want to take your app hiding to the next level? Here are a few extra tips:

1. Set Up Screen Time Restrictions on iOS

For sensitive apps that you rarely use, consider enabling Screen Time restrictions. This allows you to restrict access to certain apps based on usage or time.

• Go to Settings > Screen Time: Choose App Limits and set restrictions for specific apps.
• Hide Using Content Restrictions: Under Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can hide certain app categories entirely.

2. Enable Private Mode on Android

Some Android devices have a Private Mode or Secure Folder feature, which can help hide apps and files securely.

• Samsung Users: Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security and select Secure Folder to store apps privately.
• OnePlus Users: Use the Hidden Space feature by swiping right in the app drawer and selecting apps to hide.

3. Use a VPN for Enhanced Privacy

For added privacy while using hidden apps, consider setting up a VPN. This can help protect your data and maintain privacy while using apps, especially on public networks. Check out our article on How to set up and use a VPN for a detailed guide.

FAQs on Hiding Apps

Q: Can I still receive notifications for hidden apps?
A: Yes, hiding an app usually does not affect notifications. You will continue to receive notifications unless you disable them for that specific app.

Q: Will hidden apps still use data?
A: Yes, hidden apps can still consume data and update in the background. If you want to restrict data usage, go to Settings > Apps and turn off background data for specific apps.

Q: Are hidden apps secure?
A: While hidden apps are less visible, they aren’t fully secure. For sensitive apps, consider using secure folders or installing security apps that offer password protection.

Conclusion

Hiding apps on your smartphone is a practical way to declutter your home screen and protect your privacy. Whether you're an Android user taking advantage of third-party launchers or an iPhone user leveraging the App Library, hiding apps is straightforward with the right tools and settings.

For iPhone users, options like the App Library and folders make it simple to remove apps from sight, while Android users benefit from customizable launchers like Lawnchair and built-in settings on certain models. With these methods, you can easily hide apps, reduce home screen clutter, and enjoy a more streamlined, personalized phone experience.

Take a moment to try these techniques today, and enjoy a more organized and private smartphone experience!