In the modern world where smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, privacy has become an essential topic. Whether you want to keep certain apps hidden from prying eyes or to declutter your home screen, Samsung devices offer various methods to hide apps that cater to your needs. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to hide apps on Samsung phones, diving into the settings, utilizing third-party applications, and offering tips on how to maintain your digital privacy.
Why Hide Apps on Your Samsung Device?
In an age dominated by digital communication, the question arises: why might you want to hide certain apps on your Samsung device? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Enhancing Privacy: Whether it’s sensitive banking apps, social media, or personal messaging services, hiding apps can help protect your privacy from those who might borrow your phone.
- Decluttering Your Interface: A clean and organized home screen can enhance your user experience, making it easier to find the apps you use most frequently.
To achieve these goals, Samsung offers built-in features, while there are also excellent third-party applications available. Let’s explore both options in detail.
Method 1: Using Samsung’s Built-in Features
Samsung devices come equipped with useful features for organizing your apps. Here are two official methods for hiding apps directly from the Samsung settings.
1. Hiding Apps Using the Home Screen Options
Samsung allows users to hide apps directly from their home screen. This is an efficient and straightforward way to maintain your privacy without needing additional software. Here’s how to do it:
Steps to Hide Apps from the Home Screen:
- Unlock your Samsung Device and go to the Home Screen.
- Pinch the home screen with two fingers to enter the Home screen settings.
- Tap on the ‘Home Screen Settings’ option.
- Scroll to find the ‘Hide apps’ option and select it. You might need to swipe or scroll to find it.
- Choose the apps you want to hide by tapping on them. A checkmark will appear beside them.
- Once you’ve selected the apps, tap ‘Done’ to finalize your selection.
The apps you selected will no longer appear in your app drawer or on the home screen.
2. Hiding Apps from the App Drawer
If you prefer to keep all your apps in the app drawer while choosing specific apps to hide, Samsung has a handy feature for that as well.
Steps to Hide Apps from the App Drawer:
- Open the App Drawer (Swipe up from the home screen).
- Tap the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose “Hide apps,”
- Tap on the apps you wish to hide and then press ‘Done’ or ‘Apply’ at the bottom.
These apps will be removed from your app drawer but can be accessed again through the same process.
Method 2: Using Samsung Secure Folder
For those looking for more robust security, Samsung’s Secure Folder offers a powerful way to hide and protect apps and files. This feature essentially creates a secure environment to store your sensitive apps and information.
What is a Secure Folder?
Secure Folder is a built-in application that uses the Knox security platform. It allows you to keep apps, photos, documents, and files securely separated from the rest of your device. Here’s how to use it.
Setting Up Secure Folder:
- Search for “Secure Folder” using the app drawer.
- Follow the prompts to set it up, which may include signing in to your Samsung account.
- Choose the security method—pattern, PIN, or password—that suits your preference.
Once set up, you can add apps to your Secure Folder.
Adding Apps to Secure Folder:
- Open Secure Folder from your app drawer.
- Tap on “Add Apps.”
- Select the apps you want to add and hit “Add.”
Your apps are now securely housed within the Secure Folder and are hidden from normal access.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
There are various third-party applications available on the Google Play Store that can help you hide apps on your Samsung device. While built-in features are handy, third-party apps offer added customizability and features.
Popular Third-Party Apps for Hiding Apps
While there are many, here are a couple of popular options:
- Nova Launcher: This app allows users to customize their home screens and includes a feature to hide apps. It provides a unique experience allowing for extensive modifications beyond hiding.
- App Hider: A straightforward app specifically designed for hiding applications. It creates a separate space where you can clone and hide apps securely.
How to Use Nova Launcher for Hiding Apps
If you’ve opted for Nova Launcher, follow these steps to hide apps:
Steps to Hide Apps Using Nova Launcher:
- Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
- Set it as your default home screen by pressing the home button when prompted.
- Long press on the home screen and go to “Settings.”
- Select “App & widget drawers.”
- Tap on “Hide Apps” and select the apps you want to hide.
- Confirm your selections.
With Nova Launcher, you not only hide apps but also transform your device to suit your style.
How to Use App Hider for Hiding Apps
App Hider is particularly user-friendly and focuses solely on app concealment. Here’s how to utilize it:
Steps to Hide Apps Using App Hider:
- Install App Hider from the Google Play Store.
- Open the application and go through the setup process.
- Tap the “+” icon to add apps you want to hide.
- Follow the displayed prompts to hide your selected applications.
Using App Hider ensures that your chosen apps remain hidden and can only be accessed through the App Hider interface.
Best Practices for Maintaining Digital Privacy
With various methods available for hiding apps on Samsung devices, it’s essential to maintain general digital hygiene and privacy. Here are a few best practices:
Keep Your Device Updated
Regular updates for your device and apps not only introduce new features but also patch essential security vulnerabilities. Always keep your Samsung device and the applications installed up to date.
Use Secure Passwords
For additional security, utilize strong and unique passwords for your apps, especially those related to banking or personal information. Consider a password manager to help manage multiple passwords efficiently.
Regularly Review App Permissions
Being aware of the permissions you grant to your apps helps maintain your privacy. Regularly check app permissions in your device’s settings to revoke any unnecessary access.
Conclusion
Hiding apps on your Samsung device offers both privacy and organization. Whether leveraging built-in features like the home screen settings and Secure Folder or incorporating third-party apps like Nova Launcher and App Hider, you have multiple options at your disposal.
By applying the methods laid out in this guide, you can effectively manage and customize your app visibility, securing your personal information and enjoying a cleaner user interface on your device.
In this digital age, taking control of your privacy and digital space is more crucial than ever. With these solutions, hiding apps on your Samsung device is a perfect step towards a more organized and secure digital life.
What are the methods to hide apps on Samsung devices?
There are several ways to hide apps on Samsung devices, including using the built-in app drawer settings, creating a secure folder, or employing third-party applications. To use the built-in settings, simply go to your app drawer, tap on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner, and select “Hide apps.” This option will allow you to select which apps you want to conceal from your main screen and app drawer.
Creating a Secure Folder is another effective method, especially for sensitive applications. This feature allows you to store apps, files, and data in a protected space that requires authentication to access. You can set it up through the Device Care menu in your settings. You can then move apps into the Secure Folder, keeping them hidden from the primary interface of your device.
Will hiding an app delete it from my device?
No, hiding an app will not delete it from your Samsung device. When you choose to hide an app, it simply removes the app icon from your home screen and app drawer. The app will still be installed and functional; you can access it by searching for the app in the settings or using voice commands.
If you decide that you want to unhide the app later, you can easily do so. Go back to the app drawer, access the “Hide apps” option in the menu, and deselect the apps you want to show again. This process ensures that your applications remain installed while providing the option to keep them out of sight.
Can I use third-party apps to hide applications on my Samsung device?
Yes, there are various third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to hide applications on Samsung devices. Apps such as Nova Launcher and App Hider provide additional features not available in the default settings. These applications usually offer more customization and can hide apps, maintain privacy, and even disguise app icons as different entities.
Using third-party apps typically involves additional steps, such as configuring the launcher or setting a password for hidden apps. Make sure to read reviews and check the credibility of any application you choose to install, as privacy and security should be your top priorities when dealing with sensitive information.
How do I access hidden apps after hiding them?
To access hidden apps after you’ve hidden them, you can follow a straightforward process. If you used the built-in hiding feature, simply go to your app drawer, tap on the three-dot menu, and choose “Hide apps” to unhide them. You can then view and select the possibility to make them visible again. If you need immediate access to a hidden app, you can also search for it directly in the settings.
If you’ve used the Secure Folder for hiding apps, you will have to access the Secure Folder to use the apps stored there. Ensure that you have the appropriate authentication set up to unlock the Secure Folder, such as a PIN, password, or biometric recognition. Once inside, you can use the apps as needed while keeping them hidden from the main interface.
Will hiding apps affect app notifications?
Hiding apps on a Samsung device does not affect the app notifications for those applications. You will continue to receive notifications from apps that you have chosen to hide; however, those notifications will not appear in the app drawer or home screen. Notifications will continue to show in the notification center unless settings are changed through the app itself.
If you want to manage notifications while keeping specific apps hidden, you can usually adjust the notification settings within each app. This setup allows you to control how and when you receive alerts, providing a balance between privacy and usability of the app features when needed.
Is it possible to hide system apps on Samsung devices?
Yes, you can hide system apps on Samsung devices, but it’s essential to understand the distinction between hiding and disabling them. To hide system apps, you can use the same method as hiding regular apps through the app drawer settings. This action will merely hide the icons from view without affecting their operation.
Disabling system apps is a different process, as disabling will render the app unusable and remove it from your device. Be cautious when disabling system apps, as it may affect the functionality of other applications or features on your device. Ensure that you only hide or disable apps that you are confident won’t disrupt your device’s operating system.