In the digital age, privacy and organization have become essential elements of smartphone usage. For Samsung S20 users, hiding specific apps can take your device’s privacy to the next level. Whether you want to keep sensitive information away from prying eyes or simply declutter your app drawer, knowing how to hide apps on your Samsung S20 is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll explore various methods that make it easy to manage your private apps on the Samsung S20 seamlessly.
Why You Might Want to Hide Apps on Your Samsung S20
Hiding apps on your Samsung S20 can serve multiple purposes, catering to various needs and user preferences. Here are a few reasons why individuals choose to hide their applications:
Increased Privacy
For users with sensitive content, such as banking apps, messaging platforms, or personal notes, maintaining privacy is crucial. Hiding such apps prevents unauthorized access and keeps your personal information secure.
Organization and Clarity
Over time, our devices accumulate a plethora of apps, some of which we no longer use. Hiding unused applications can lead to a cleaner and more organized interface, making it easier to locate essential tools and apps that you use regularly.
Preventing Accidental Deletion
Sometimes, children or other individuals might use your phone and accidentally delete apps that you need. By hiding these applications, you minimize the risk of accidental removal.
How to Hide Apps on Samsung S20: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we understand the reasons behind hiding apps, let’s delve into how you can accomplish this on your Samsung S20. The Samsung interface offers several methods to hide apps. Below, we will explore various practical techniques.
Method 1: Using the Built-in Feature
One of the simplest ways to hide apps on your Samsung S20 is by utilizing the built-in feature in the app drawer settings.
Step 1: Open the app drawer by swiping up on the home screen.
Step 2: Tap on the three Vertical Dots (menu icon) located at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: In the settings menu, look for the “Hide apps” option. Tap on it.
Step 5: A list of your apps will appear. Select the apps that you want to hide by tapping on them. A checkmark will appear next to the selected apps.
Step 6: Once you have made your selections, tap “Done” to finalize the hiding process.
Step 7: The selected apps will no longer be visible in your app drawer.
Method 2: Using Secure Folder
For an added layer of privacy, Samsung devices offer a feature called Secure Folder. This is particularly useful for sensitive apps and data.
Step 1: Go to “Settings” on your Samsung S20.
Step 2: Scroll down and select “Biometrics and Security”.
Step 3: Tap on “Secure Folder”.
Step 4: If you haven’t set up your Secure Folder, you will need to do so now. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a Secure Folder using your Samsung account.
Step 5: Once your Secure Folder is set up, tap on it to open. You will see an option to add apps to this folder.
Step 6: Tap on “Add apps,” and select the apps you would like to move into the Secure Folder.
Step 7: After adding the required apps, they can only be accessed by logging into the Secure Folder. You will need to enter a password, PIN, or use biometrics to access them.
Additional Tips for Managing Your Samsung S20 Apps
While hiding apps is an excellent way to enhance privacy, consider these additional tips to manage your applications better:
Organizing Apps into Folders
If you’d rather not hide apps but want a more organized home screen, consider creating folders for similar applications. To create folders:
Step 1: Long press on an app icon you want to add to a folder.
Step 2: Drag the app icon over another app you want to group it with.
Step 3: A folder will be created containing both apps. You can then add more apps by dragging and dropping them into this newly created folder.
Utilizing Third-Party Launchers
If you desire more customization and control over how your apps are displayed, consider using a third-party launcher. These applications often provide unique features, including more options for hiding apps.
Step 1: Download a trusted third-party launcher from the Google Play Store, such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher.
Step 2: After installing the launcher, follow the setup instructions, and designate it as your default launcher.
Step 3: Within the launcher’s settings, you will typically find options to hide apps, provide gesture controls, and further customize app arrangements.
Restoring Hidden Apps on Your Samsung S20
If you ever need to access the apps you have hidden, the process is just as simple as hiding them.
Restoring Hidden Apps via Settings
Step 1: Open the app drawer and tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
Step 2: Select “Settings”, then tap “Hide apps”.
Step 3: You will see a list of hidden applications. Tap on any app you want to restore, removing the checkmark next to it.
Step 4: Hit “Done” to see the app back in your app drawer.
Restoring Apps from Secure Folder
Step 1: Access the Secure Folder on your device.
Step 2: Open the Secure Folder to view the apps within it.
Step 3: To remove an app from Secure Folder, long press the app and select “Remove from Secure Folder”.
Step 4: Confirm your action, and the app will return to your app drawer.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Samsung S20
Navigating digital privacy and managing the plethora of apps on your Samsung S20 is crucial for an optimal smartphone experience. Knowing how to hide apps not only promotes a cleaner, more organized interface but also boosts your overall security. By leveraging the methods described above—using built-in features, utilizing Secure Folder, and exploring third-party launchers—you can effectively manage your applications to suit your preferences.
Remember, whether it’s for privacy or simply creating a more accessible device, taking control ensures that your Samsung S20 serves you in the best way possible. So, why wait? Start organizing and hiding your apps today, and enjoy a more secure and tailored mobile experience!
What is the easiest way to hide apps on my Samsung S20?
To hide apps on your Samsung S20, you can use the built-in features in the launcher settings. First, tap and hold on an empty area of your home screen until the options menu appears. From there, select “Home screen settings” or “Settings,” depending on your version. Look for the “Hide apps” option in the menu.
Once you find it, tap on “Hide apps,” and it will show you a list of all installed applications. You can select the apps you want to hide by tapping on them. After making your selection, confirm by pressing “Apply” or “Done.” The selected apps will no longer be visible on your home screen or app drawer, but they are still accessible through search.
Can I recover hidden apps on my Samsung S20?
Yes, recovering hidden apps on your Samsung S20 is straightforward. To do this, you’ll need to follow the same steps you used to hide them. Start by tapping and holding on an empty area of your home screen, then select “Home screen settings” from the options that appear.
Once you’re in the settings menu, look for the “Hide apps” option again. Tap on it, and you will see a list of currently hidden apps. To unhide an app, simply select it from the list. After you finish, make sure to hit “Apply” or “Done,” and the apps will reappear on your home screen and app drawer.
Does hiding apps uninstall them from my Samsung S20?
No, hiding apps on your Samsung S20 does not uninstall them. When you hide an app, it simply removes its shortcut from the home screen and app drawer, but the app remains installed on your device. This means all of its data and functionality are still intact.
If you wish to uninstall an app, you’ll need to do that separately through the app settings or by long-pressing the app icon and selecting the uninstall option. Hiding an app is a useful way to declutter your home screen or maintain privacy without losing access to your installed applications.
Can I hide system apps on my Samsung S20?
Yes, you can hide some system apps on your Samsung S20; however, your options may be limited compared to third-party apps. Many built-in applications can be hidden using the “Hide apps” feature mentioned earlier. Keep in mind that certain critical system apps may not be available for hiding due to system restrictions.
To hide a system app, follow the same process of accessing the “Home screen settings” and tapping on “Hide apps.” If the app you want to hide is available in the list, you can select it and confirm your choice to hide it. Just remember that hiding a system app might still affect some functionalities, depending on your usage.
Is there a way to password-protect my hidden apps on Samsung S20?
While the Samsung S20 does not have a built-in feature to password-protect hidden apps directly, you can use third-party applications that offer this functionality. Numerous app lockers are available on the Google Play Store that allows you to lock down specific apps with a password, PIN, or biometric authentication.
To set this up, download a trusted app locker from the Google Play Store and follow its installation instructions. After setting it up, you can choose which apps you want to protect. This way, even if an app is hidden, unauthorized users will be unable to access it without the correct password or authentication method.
Will hiding apps free up storage on my Samsung S20?
Hiding apps does not free up storage space on your Samsung S20, as the applications remain installed on your device. The storage occupied by the app, its data, and cache are unchanged by hiding it. This feature is primarily for organizational purposes and privacy rather than optimizing device storage.
If you are looking to free up storage, consider uninstalling apps that you no longer use or clearing the cache of applications you have hidden. You can also manage storage settings from your device’s “Settings” menu to identify and remove unnecessary files, ultimately improving your storage capacity.
What happens to notifications from hidden apps on my Samsung S20?
When you hide an app on your Samsung S20, notifications from that app will still appear in the notification panel. Hiding an app only affects its visibility on the home screen and app drawer, not its notifications. This means that you will still receive alerts and updates from hidden apps unless you customize their notification settings.
If you prefer not to see notifications from hidden apps, you can turn off or customize notifications within the app’s settings. Go to “Settings,” then “Apps,” select the app you wish to modify, and adjust the notification preferences: either turn them off entirely or customize them as needed. This way, you maintain your privacy while controlling your notification experience.