How to Hide Apps Without Uninstalling Them
In today’s digital world, smartphones hold nearly everything—from personal chats and financial apps to work-related tools and entertainment. While apps make our lives easier, sometimes you may want to hide certain apps without uninstalling them. Whether it’s to protect your privacy, declutter your home screen, or prevent others from accessing sensitive apps, there are simple ways to do it.
The good news is that both Android and iPhone devices offer multiple options to hide apps while still keeping them installed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different methods so you can decide which one works best for you.
Why Hide Apps Instead of Uninstalling?
There are many reasons why you may prefer to hide apps instead of deleting them:
■ Privacy Protection: Keep banking, social media, or dating apps away from prying eyes.
■ Parental Control: Prevent kids from accessing certain apps without removing them completely.
■ Declutter Your Home Screen: Hide apps you don’t use often but still need occasionally.
■ Work-Life Balance: Temporarily hide work apps during vacations or weekends.
By hiding apps, you maintain both functionality and privacy, without losing data or needing to reinstall later.
How to Hide Apps on Android
1. Use Built-In Settings (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.)
Many Android phone brands come with built-in options to hide apps.
■ Samsung:
- Open the App Drawer.
- Tap the three-dot menu > Settings.
- Select Hide Apps.
- Choose the apps you want to hide and confirm.
■ OnePlus:
- Swipe up to open the App Drawer.
- Swipe right to access Hidden Space.
- Tap the “+” icon and select apps to hide.
■ Xiaomi/MIUI:
- Go to Settings > App Lock > Hidden Apps.
- Choose apps to hide.
2. Use a Third-Party Launcher
Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher allow you to hide apps easily.
■ Download and install the launcher.
■ Go to Settings > App Drawer > Hide Apps.
■ Select the apps you want to hide.
3. Disable Apps (System or Pre-Installed Apps)
For apps you rarely use (like bloatware), you can disable them instead of uninstalling.
■ Go to Settings > Apps.
■ Select the app and tap Disable.
This removes the app from your home screen but keeps it installed.
How to Hide Apps on iPhone
1. Use App Library (iOS 14 and Later)
■ Long press the app you want to hide.
■ Tap Remove from Home Screen.
■ The app will remain in the App Library but disappear from the main screen.
2. Use Screen Time Restrictions
If you want to hide entire app categories:
■ Go to Settings > Screen Time.
■ Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
■ Select Allowed Apps and toggle off the ones you want hidden.
3. Use Folders
While not a true hiding feature, placing apps in folders and moving them to secondary pages can help conceal them.
Best Third-Party Apps to Hide Apps
If your phone doesn’t offer built-in features, you can use third-party apps:
■ App Hider (Android): Lets you clone and hide apps inside a secure vault.
■ Calculator Vault: Masks hidden apps behind a fake calculator interface.
■ Secure Folder (Samsung): Keeps apps and files inside a private, password-protected space.
⚠️ Tip: Always download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to avoid security risks.
Tips for Keeping Hidden Apps Secure
■ Use Strong Passwords: If using a vault or secure folder, set a unique password.
■ Enable Biometric Locks: Protect hidden apps with fingerprint or face ID.
■ Check Permissions: Avoid third-party apps that request unnecessary permissions.
■ Update Regularly: Keep your phone and apps updated for better security.
Learning how to hide apps without uninstalling them gives you more control over your privacy and phone organization. Whether you’re using built-in settings on Android or iPhone, third-party launchers, or secure folders, you can choose the method that fits your needs.
By hiding apps, you enjoy the best of both worlds: a clutter-free home screen and enhanced privacy—without losing access to important apps.
