So, in this guide, I’ll share with you how to hide apps on your Samsung smartphone.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, our smartphones have become more than just communication tools; they are our personal assistants, entertainment hubs, and gateways to the vast world of information. However, with this convenience comes the need for privacy and organization.
Picture this: you’re scrolling through your Samsung device, filled with numerous apps, and suddenly, you wish to keep a few of them away from prying eyes or simply declutter your home screen. This is where the art of hiding apps on your Samsung device comes into play.
Hiding apps will require moving things from one place to another on your phone. So, in the spirit of moving things ha ha ha, you should check out how to move apps to SD card.
In this article, we’re about to embark on a journey that will empower you with the knowledge to safeguard your privacy, streamline your smartphone experience, and maintain a clutter-free digital environment. Yes, we’ll show you how to hide apps on your Samsung smartphone.
QUICK ANSWER:
To hide apps on your Samsung device, go to the Home screen, pinch your fingers together to access the Home screen settings, tap “Home screen settings,” and then select “Hide apps.” You can choose which apps you want to hide from the list.
Why might you want to hide apps on your Samsung device? Well, sit tight because the answers are compelling and deeply rooted in the essence of modern life.
Let’s dive into the world of digital privacy and organization, discovering the hows and whys of concealing apps on your Samsung device.
Related: How to Download Apps on iPhone
Reasons For Hiding Apps On Samsung
Hiding apps on a Samsung device has become a common practice for several reasons, each of which brings its benefits.
1. Privacy:
One primary reason individuals hide apps on their Samsung devices is to safeguard their privacy. Some apps contain sensitive information, such as personal messages, photos, or financial data, which users prefer to keep hidden from prying eyes. Users can ensure that their private data remains secure by concealing these apps.
2. Decluttering:
Smartphones often come preloaded with numerous apps; over time, users accumulate even more from app stores. This can lead to a cluttered home screen and app drawer, making finding and accessing frequently used apps difficult. Hiding less-used apps helps declutter the interface, making it more organized and user-friendly.
3. Preventing Unwanted Access:
In households where multiple people share a Samsung device, hiding apps can serve as a protective measure. Parents may hide certain apps to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content, or users may hide financial or work-related apps to keep them secure from unauthorized access.
4. Streamlining Access:
Sometimes, users prefer to streamline their app access. They hide apps they rarely use to create a simplified and efficient user experience. This allows them to focus on the most essential apps to their daily routines.
Related: How to Lock Apps on Samsung Smartphones
How to Hide Apps on Samsung Smartphone Step-by-Step
Whether you want to keep sensitive apps away from prying eyes or declutter your app drawer, hiding apps on your Samsung smartphone can be done easily.
This guide will explore two methods to achieve this: using built-in features and employing third-party apps.
METHOD 1: Using Built-in Features
Samsung smartphones have native features that allow you to hide apps easily. However, the steps may vary slightly depending on your specific Samsung model or Android version. Here’s a general guideline:
Step 1: Access the App Drawer
– Swipe up from your home screen to open the app drawer. This step is consistent across most Samsung devices.
Step 2: Open the Hide Apps Menu
– Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the app drawer.
– Select “Home Screen Settings” or a similar option, depending on your device.
Step 3: Choose Apps to Hide
– Look for the “Hide Apps” or “App Hide” option within the settings.
– Select the apps you want to hide from the list. You can typically check multiple apps.
Step 4: Confirm the Action
– After selecting the apps, tap “Apply” or a similar confirmation button.
– A prompt may ask for authentication, such as your PIN, password, or biometric data.
Step 5: Verify Hidden Apps
– Return to your app drawer, and you’ll notice that the selected apps are no longer visible.
These steps may vary slightly depending on your Samsung model and Android version. Some older models have different menu options or require using a secure folder for app hiding.
METHOD 2: Using Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps can be a great choice if you prefer more advanced features or additional security for hiding apps on your Samsung device. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Choose a Reliable Third-Party App
– Visit the Google Play Store on your Samsung device.
– Search for “App Hider” or “App Lock” and browse the available options.
– Select a highly rated and reputable app that suits your needs.
Step 2: Download and Install the App
– Tap the chosen app and click “Install.”
– Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Step 3: Set Up the Third-Party App
– Launch the app and go through any initial setup, which may include granting permissions.
– Create a secure PIN or password for accessing the app.
Step 4: Add Apps to Be Hidden
– In the third-party app, you’ll find an option to add apps to be hidden.
– Select the apps you want to hide from the list on your device.
Step 5: Hide the Apps
– After selecting the apps, hide or lock them within the third-party app.
Step 6: Verify Hidden Apps
– Return to your home screen or app drawer, and you’ll find that the selected apps are now hidden or locked.
Whether you opt for the convenience of Samsung’s built-in features or the added versatility of third-party apps, hiding apps on your Samsung smartphone is a straightforward process.
By following these methods, you can ensure your personal information remains private, and your device stays organized while enjoying a seamless user experience.
Let me share more tips.
Tips for Effective App Hiding
1. Use the Samsung Secure Folder:
– Samsung offers a built-in solution called Secure Folder. It’s a secure and private space to store apps and data. You can move apps into this folder to hide them from your main app drawer.
2. Enable Biometric Authentication:
– If your device supports it, enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) for the Secure Folder. This adds an extra layer of security to keep your hidden apps safe.
3. App Lock or Private Mode:
– Some Samsung devices have an “App Lock” or “Private Mode” feature. This allows you to lock or hide individual apps from the app drawer.
4. Disable App Notifications:
– Even if you hide apps, notifications can reveal their presence. Go to your device’s settings and turn off notifications for the hidden apps to maintain privacy.
5. Organize Apps in Folders:
– Create folders on your home screen and move apps you want to hide into these folders. You can name these folders discreetly so they don’t attract attention.
6. Third-Party App Hiding Solutions:
– Consider using third-party app-hiding apps available on the Google Play Store. Some of these apps offer more advanced features and customization options.
7. Regularly Review and Update:
– Periodically review the apps you have hidden. Bring them back to the main app drawer if you no longer need to hide them. This helps you keep your device organized and prevents clutter.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
Forgotten Secure Folder PIN/Password: If you forget your Secure Folder PIN or password, Samsung provides a “Forgot PIN/Password” option to reset it. Ensure you have a backup of important data within the Secure Folder.
App Updates: Hidden apps may still receive updates. Be cautious when updating, as this can sometimes bring them back to the main app drawer. Check the app settings after updates to ensure they remain hidden.
Performance Impact: Using too many third-party app-hiding solutions or hiding too many apps can sometimes impact device performance. Be mindful of this and uninstall unnecessary apps.
Remember to use these tips responsibly and in accordance with your device’s terms of service. Hiding apps can be a useful privacy feature, but it’s important to respect the privacy and security of others as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I hide apps on my Samsung phone?
– To hide apps on your Samsung device, go to the Home screen, pinch your fingers together to access the Home screen settings, tap “Home screen settings,” and then select “Hide apps.” You can choose which apps you want to hide from the list.
2. Can I hide pre-installed apps on my Samsung phone?
– Unfortunately, most pre-installed apps (bloatware) cannot be hidden without rooting your device. However, you can turn off these apps to prevent them from running and remove them from your App Drawer.
3. Will hidden apps still receive notifications?
– Yes, hidden apps will continue to receive notifications. Hiding an app only removes its icon from the Home screen and App Drawer. To stop receiving notifications from a hidden app, you may need to adjust its notification settings within the app or use the “Do Not Disturb” mode.
4. How can I access hidden apps on my Samsung device?
– To access hidden apps, simply use the search function on your device. Swipe down on the Home screen to open the search bar, type the name of the hidden app, and it will appear in the search results. You can launch it from there.
5. Is there a way to secure hidden apps with a password or PIN?
– Samsung’s Secure Folder feature allows you to create a private, password-protected space on your device to hide and secure apps, photos, and files. This provides an additional layer of security for your hidden apps.
How to Hide Apps On Samsung (Conclusion)
In conclusion, hiding apps on a Samsung device can be valuable for maintaining privacy and decluttering your home screen.
Utilizing the built-in features or third-party apps lets you discreetly tuck away applications you’d rather keep private. Remember, while these methods provide obscurity, exercising caution and responsibility in their use is crucial.
Whether securing personal information or simply streamlining your app collection, mastering the art of hiding apps on your Samsung device empowers you to customize your smartphone experience. Stay tech-savvy and safeguard your digital world with these handy techniques.
