How to Hide Apps on Android Phones (and Show Them Again Later)
Most modern Android smartphones include a built-in feature that allows you to hide apps from your home screen and app drawer without uninstalling them. This feature is particularly useful if you want to keep your phone uncluttered, protect sensitive apps, or control what others see when they use your device.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to hide apps on Android, how to bring them back, and when this feature can be most helpful.
Why Would You Want to Hide Apps?
Hiding apps on Android can serve many purposes beyond privacy. Some of the most common reasons include:
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Privacy and Security – Keep financial apps, health trackers, or personal journals out of sight.
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Parental Control – Parents can temporarily hide gaming or social media apps to limit screen time.
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Work-Life Balance – Hide distracting apps during work hours, or keep work-related tools hidden during weekends.
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Cleaner Interface – Reduce clutter on your home screen by removing rarely used apps.
How to Hide Apps on Android
The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.), but most Android phones have a similar process.
Step 1: Open Home Screen Settings
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On the home screen, press and hold an empty area until customization options appear.
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Tap Home Screen Settings or Settings, depending on your device.
Step 2: Find the “Hide Apps” Option
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Look for a menu item labeled Hide Apps or Hidden Apps.
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On Samsung, this option is located under Home Screen Settings.
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On some other devices, it may appear in the launcher settings.
Step 3: Select Apps to Hide
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You’ll see a list of installed apps.
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Tap the apps you want to hide.
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Once selected, confirm by tapping Done or Apply.
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The chosen apps will disappear from your home screen and app drawer.
How to Unhide Apps on Android
To bring back hidden apps:
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Return to Home Screen Settings → Hide Apps.
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Hidden apps will be marked as selected.
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Uncheck them, tap Done, and they’ll reappear.
Extra Tips for Hiding Apps
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Use Parental Controls – Combine app hiding with parental control settings for better supervision.
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Secure Sensitive Apps – Banking and password apps can be hidden and also locked with fingerprint or PIN for double protection.
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Organize Work and Personal Life – Hide work-related apps after office hours to keep your personal time distraction-free.
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Break Habits – If you find yourself checking crypto, stock, or social media apps too often, hiding them can reduce the temptation.
Final Thoughts
The ability to hide apps on Android phones is a simple yet powerful feature. It helps you stay organized, protect your privacy, and manage how you interact with your device. Since the apps remain installed, you can always bring them back when you need them.
Personally, I use this feature to hide financial apps and certain work tools. It not only keeps my home screen clean but also helps me stay focused by reducing distractions.
If you use an Android smartphone, try out the Hide Apps feature—you might find it improves both security and usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does hiding an app delete it?
A: No. The app stays installed on your phone; it just won’t appear on the home screen or in the app drawer.
Q: Can hidden apps still run in the background?
A: Yes. Unless you disable background activity, hidden apps may still send notifications.
Q: Do all Android phones have a hide apps option?
A: Most modern Android devices (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.) include it, but some stock Android phones may require a third-party launcher.
Q: Can I password-protect hidden apps?
A: Hiding alone doesn’t require a password. For more security, you can use features like Secure Folder (Samsung) or third-party app lockers.
