Today, we’re going to learn a super cool trick – how to hide apps on Android phone without disabling them. Have you ever wanted to keep some apps secret from your friends or family? Well, you’re in luck! By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to do it.
So, let’s dive right in and discover how to hide apps on Android without disabling them. Remember to pay close attention, and you’ll become an Android expert in no time!
Why Would You Want to Hide Apps?
Before we learn how to hide apps on android, let’s understand why someone might want to do this. Sometimes, you might have apps on your phone that you don’t want others to see. Maybe it’s a game you like to play during your free time, or a private diary app where you write your thoughts. Hiding these apps can help you keep your secrets safe.
The Stock Android Way
The first way to hide apps is by using the built-in features of your Android phone. Here’s how:
Go to your Home Screen:
This is the main screen where you see all your apps.
Pinch In:
Place two fingers on the screen and pinch them together. This will zoom out and show you all your home screens.
Find the App to Hide:
Locate the app you want to hide. Once you’ve found it, long-press on it (that means hold your finger on it for a few seconds).
Select “Remove” or “Disable”:
You’ll see options at the top of the screen. Choose “Remove” or “Disable” (remember, we want to hide, not disable, so this isn’t the best option).
Create a Folder:
Drag the app icon to the top of your screen where it says “Create Folder.” This will put the app in a folder, making it less visible.
This method is okay, but it’s not the best way to hide apps because the apps are still there in the folder. If someone looks closely, they can still find them. So, let’s learn a better way.
The Best Way to Hide Apps on Android
To really hide apps without disabling them, we need to use a special app called “Nova Launcher.” It’s like a magical tool that helps us make our Android phone do amazing things. Follow these steps:
Install Nova Launcher:
Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Nova Launcher.” Download and install it.
Set Nova Launcher as Your Default Launcher:
After installing Nova Launcher, open it and set it as your default launcher. Don’t worry; it’s easy. Just follow the instructions when you open it for the first time.
Create a New App Drawer:
Nova Launcher lets you create a secret place to hide your apps. Here’s how:
Pinch Out:
Just like we did before, pinch two fingers on the home screen to zoom out.
Add a New Page:
Swipe to the right until you see a blank page. Press and hold on that page until a menu appears.
Add Apps:
In this menu, you can add apps that you want to hide. Just choose the apps you want and tap the checkmark.
Customize Your App Drawer:
To make it even sneakier, you can give your app drawer a cool name like “My Secret Apps.” Long-press on the app drawer and choose “Edit.” Now, you can change the name to something mysterious!
Hide the Apps from Your Home Screen:
Go back to your main home screen and remove the apps you want to hide. Just like before, long-press on the app and drag it to the “Remove” option. But don’t worry; they are safe in your secret app drawer now.
Keeping Your Secret Safe
Now that you’ve hidden your apps using Nova Launcher, here are some tips to keep your secret safe:
Don’t Tell Anyone:
The best way to keep a secret is not to tell anyone about it. If you show your friends or family what you did, they might figure it out.
Lock Your Phone:
Set a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint lock on your phone. This way, even if someone gets curious and tries to open your hidden apps, they won’t be able to without your permission.
Regularly Check Your Hidden Apps:
Sometimes, apps get updates, and they might appear on your home screen again. So, check your secret app drawer once in a while to make sure everything is still hidden.
Conclusion
Remember, this is a responsible trick, so use it wisely and only for good reasons. Everyone deserves some privacy, and now you know how to keep your secrets safe.
By using Nova Launcher, you’ve unlocked the power to customize your Android phone in amazing ways. So, keep exploring and discovering new tricks to make your phone truly yours.
Now, go out there and show off your new skills to your friends, but don’t reveal all your secrets – keep them safely hidden on Android phone!
Read Also: Easy Steps to Delete App Store on iPad
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between hiding an app and disabling it on Android?
Hiding an app means making it less visible on your home screen, but the app is still functional and can be accessed when needed. Disabling an app, on the other hand, essentially turns it off, and it won’t run or show up in your app list until you enable it again.
Can I hide apps on Android phone without using any third-party apps?
Yes, you can hide apps on Android without third-party apps, but the built-in method varies depending on your device’s manufacturer and Android version. The steps may differ, so it’s recommended to check your device’s settings or manual for specific instructions.
Why should I use Nova Launcher to hide apps instead of the default method?
Nova Launcher provides a more effective way to hide apps on andorid because it allows you to create a separate app drawer where you can store your hidden apps. This makes them less visible and harder to find compared to the default method, which simply puts them in a folder on your home screen.
Can I unhide apps that I’ve hidden using Nova Launcher?
Yes, you can unhide apps that you’ve hidden using Nova Launcher. To do this, simply go back to your secret app drawer in Nova Launcher, press and hold the app you want to unhide, and then drag it back to your main home screen.
What should I do if I forget which apps I’ve hidden using Nova Launcher?
If you forget which apps you’ve hidden, you can go back to Nova Launcher’s settings and review the apps you’ve added to your secret app drawer. You can also check the names of the hidden apps by editing the app drawer’s label.
Can I hide pre-installed apps that came with my Android device?
Yes, you can hide pre-installed apps using Nova Launcher or other third-party app hiders. However, please be cautious when hiding system apps, as disabling some of them may affect the functionality of your device. Only hide pre-installed apps that you are sure won’t cause any issues.
