The easiest way to hide apps on Android phones is to long-press the app icon on your Home Screen and choose “Remove” or “Hide from Home Screen”. The app stays installed but disappears from view. For stronger privacy on Samsung, use Secure Folder. Other phones can use folders or third-party launchers. These methods let you keep apps private without deleting them.
Why Hiding Apps on Android Is Useful
Many Android users want to hide certain apps for privacy reasons — banking apps, private messages, dating apps, or games they don’t want others to see when handing over their phone. Hiding apps also helps keep the Home Screen clean and organized, especially if you have dozens of apps installed.
Android offers several built-in and easy ways to do this without rooting or installing risky apps. Samsung has the powerful Secure Folder, while other brands rely on the App Library, folders, or launcher tricks. These methods are safe and reversible.
This guide covers the most effective methods for different Android phones. Related: See how to hide WhatsApp chats or how to lock WhatsApp.
Common Reasons to Hide Apps
- Protect sensitive or personal information
- Keep your Home Screen tidy and professional-looking
- Prevent others from easily accessing certain apps
- Create a distraction-free phone experience
Basic Method: Remove from Home Screen
This works on almost all Android phones and is the quickest option.
- Long-press the app icon on your Home Screen.
- Tap Remove or Hide from Home Screen.
- The app moves to the App Drawer/App Library but stays installed.
Samsung Secure Folder – Best Built-in Option
Samsung phones have a secure, encrypted space called Secure Folder where you can move apps and files behind a separate PIN, pattern, or biometric lock.
- Open Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure Folder.
- Set up the folder with your preferred lock method.
- Move the apps you want to hide into Secure Folder.
Apps inside Secure Folder are completely hidden from the main Home Screen and App Drawer.
Using Folders to Hide Apps
Create a folder with the apps you want to hide and place it on the last Home Screen page or inside another folder.
- Drag one app onto another to create a folder.
- Add the apps you want to hide.
- Move the folder to a less visible page.
App Library and App Drawer Tricks
On many Android versions, long-pressing and choosing “Remove” sends the app to the App Drawer only. You can still find it by swiping up, but it won’t clutter your Home Screen.
Third-Party Launchers for Advanced Hiding
Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher let you hide apps completely from the App Drawer with a gesture or password. They are safe when downloaded from the Play Store.
Handling Notifications for Hidden Apps
Hidden apps still send notifications. Go to Settings > Notifications and turn them off for the hidden apps if you want full privacy.
Benefits of Hiding Apps on Android
| Method | Privacy Level | Ease |
|---|---|---|
| Remove from Home Screen | Basic | Very easy |
| Samsung Secure Folder | High (encrypted) | Medium |
| Folders + Launcher | Medium | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Long-press the app icon and select 'Remove' or 'Hide' (varies by launcher). On Samsung, use Secure Folder. Most phones allow hiding via App Library or by moving to a hidden folder.
Yes – Samsung Secure Folder is the best option. It creates a private, encrypted space where you can move apps and files. You can also hide apps from the Home Screen using the App Library.
Yes. Samsung Secure Folder uses a separate PIN/biometrics. For other phones, use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher with hide options or Screen Pinning combined with app lockers.
No – hidden apps still receive notifications unless you turn them off in Settings > Notifications. The apps continue running normally in the background.
Swipe up to open the App Drawer or App Library. On Samsung, open Secure Folder with your PIN. Some launchers have a hidden apps section accessible by gesture or search.
Final Thoughts on Hiding Apps on Android
Hiding apps on Android is easy and gives you better privacy and a cleaner Home Screen. Start with the simple “Remove from Home Screen” method, then try Secure Folder on Samsung or a good launcher for more control.
Pick the method that fits your phone and needs. For more Android tips, see how to hide WhatsApp chats or securing your Google account.