Hiding apps on Android is one of those things that sounds simple… Until you realize Android doesn’t do it the same way on every phone.
Here’s the deal:
- Some Android phones (especially Samsung) let you hide apps from both the Home screen and the App Drawer in a couple taps.
- Other Android phones don’t really have a “hide apps” button, but you can still keep apps out of sight using features like Private Space (if your phone supports it) or by removing app icons from your Home screen.
This guide covers the best no-install methods, plus how to unhide everything later.
Key takeaways
- Samsung (One UI) has a built-in “Hide apps on Home and Apps screens” feature.
- Private Space is the closest “built-in hide apps” option on supported Android devices – and locking it is what actually hides those apps.
- If you only want less clutter (not privacy), removing icons from the Home screen may be all you need.
First: What “hiding an app” actually means on Android
Before you start, it helps to know what you’re trying to achieve:
1) “Hide the icon” (light privacy / declutter)
This removes the app icon from where people normally browse (Home screen / sometimes App Drawer), but:
- the app is still installed
- it may still appear in Settings → Apps
- it might still show notifications (depending on method)
2) “Lock it / separate it” (real privacy)
This puts apps into a protected area that requires authentication (PIN / fingerprint).
If privacy is the reason you’re hiding apps, this is the better route.
Quick method picker (use this if you’re in a rush)
If you have a Samsung Galaxy: Use Hide apps in One UI settings (fastest).
If your phone has Private Space: Use Private Space + lock it (best “Android-native” privacy approach).
If neither exists: Remove icons from the Home screen (works everywhere).
Method 1: Hide apps on Samsung (One UI) — no app required
Samsung makes this easy because One UI includes a built-in hide option.
Steps (Samsung Galaxy / One UI)
- Go to your Home screen
- Touch and hold an empty spot on the Home screen
- Tap Settings
- Tap Hide apps on Home and Apps screens
- Tap the apps you want to hide
- Tap Done
That’s it — the icons disappear from your normal view.
What happens after you hide them?
This is important (so you don’t overestimate the privacy):
- The apps are still installed.
- Hidden apps can still be found in certain places, for example, Samsung notes you can type the app name into the Apps screen search bar to open it.
Practical takeaway: This is great for keeping apps out of casual view, but it’s not the same as a locked vault.
Method 2: Need real privacy on Samsung? Use Secure Folder
If your goal is privacy (not just decluttering), Samsung’s Secure Folder is the stronger option.
Secure Folder gives you a protected space on your device where apps and files are locked behind a separate PIN/password/biometrics, and it can be hidden so it’s not obvious.
How to hide Secure Folder itself
Samsung’s official guidance: you can hide/unhide Secure Folder from the Quick Settings panel by tapping the Secure Folder icon.
You can also control whether Secure Folder shows on the Apps screen in Secure Folder settings.
Why this is better than “hide app icons”
Because it’s not just hiding a shortcut – it’s separating and protecting content. For sensitive apps (banking, dating, private photos/docs), this is usually the right move.
Quick note: Apps inside Secure Folder typically behave like separate copies (you may need to sign in again), which is exactly what makes it more private.
Method 3: Use Private Space on Android (if your phone supports it)
If you’re on a newer Android phone (often Pixels and other supported devices), you may see Private Space in Settings.
Think of Private Space as a separate, lockable area for sensitive apps. Here’s the key detail:
Locking Private Space is what hides those apps from your main space.
Set up Private Space
- Open Settings
- Tap Security & privacy
- Under “Privacy,” tap Private space
- Follow setup prompts (you’ll set a lock for Private Space)
Hide apps by locking Private Space
When Private Space is locked, Android states that:
- apps inside are stopped
- they don’t show notifications
- they’re hidden from the launcher / recents / sharing surfaces / and various Settings areas
- they’re not searchable in quick search
That’s a big privacy upgrade compared to “hide icon.”
Optional: Hide the Private Space container too
Some phones let you hide the Private Space section itself when it’s locked (so it’s not sitting there in your app list). If you have that setting, enable it for maximum stealth.
Method 4: Works on (almost) every Android phone – remove the icon from your Home screen
This isn’t “true hide,” but it’s extremely effective for:
- cleaning up your phone
- keeping apps out of sight from anyone casually looking at your Home screen
Steps
- Touch and hold the app icon on your Home screen
- Tap Remove (or drag it to Remove)
Important: Remove ≠ Uninstall
The app stays installed; it’s just not sitting on your Home screen anymore.
Method 5: Disable apps (useful for preinstalled/bloatware)
If your phone won’t let you uninstall an app, you may be able to Disable it.
What disabling usually does:
- removes it from your normal launcher view
- stops it from running
- prevents updates/usage until you enable it again
Caution: Don’t disable core system apps unless you know what they do.
On Samsung specifically, Samsung notes that not all pre-installed apps can be disabled — but many can.
How to unhide apps on Android
Unhide apps on Samsung (One UI)
- Touch and hold an empty spot on the Home screen → Settings
- Tap Hide apps on Home and Apps screens
- Tap the red minus / deselect the apps under Hidden apps
- Tap Done
Unhide apps in Private Space
- Unlock Private Space to access apps again.
- If you enabled “hide Private Space when locked,” it will reappear when you unlock it.
Restore an icon you removed from the Home screen
- Open your App Drawer
- Touch and hold the app
- Drag it back onto your Home screen
Re-enable a disabled app
- Settings → Apps → choose the app → Enable (wording varies)
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How to See Which Apps Use the Most Data on iPhone & Android?
FAQs
Can I hide apps on Android without installing an app?
Yes , especially on Samsung (One UI) using the built-in Hide apps feature. On supported Android devices, Private Space is a strong no-install option too.
How do I hide apps on Samsung?
Home screen → long press empty space → Settings → Hide apps on Home and Apps screens → select apps → Done.
Is hiding apps the same as locking apps?
No. Hiding usually means “hide the icon.” Locking means the app/data is protected behind authentication (Private Space / Secure Folder).
Can someone still find hidden apps?
Sometimes, yes, especially if you only hid the icon. If privacy matters, use Secure Folder or Private Space.
What’s the easiest way to hide an app quickly?
Removing it from your Home screen is the fastest universal method (but it won’t hide it from the app drawer).
Wrap-up (what I’d do)
If you want the cleanest setup with the least effort:
- Samsung user: Start with Hide apps → upgrade to Secure Folder for true privacy.
- Pixel / supported Android: Use Private Space and lock it.
- Any Android: Remove icons from the Home screen for quick decluttering.
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