Keeping certain apps private on your Android device is a common need. While Android doesn't have a single universal "hide app" button built into every version, there are effective methods you can use. These often involve utilizing third-party launchers or leveraging features specific to your phone's manufacturer.
Once an app is hidden, accessing it requires specific steps. Based on information from a video titled "How to hide apps on your Android to keep them secret | Kurt the CyberGuy", there's a straightforward way to open apps you've previously hidden.
Common Methods to Hide Apps on Android
Here are some popular ways users hide apps:
- Using a Third-Party Launcher: Many custom Android launchers (like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, etc.) offer features to hide apps from the app drawer. You typically access this through the launcher's settings.
- Pros: Often customizable, works on many devices.
- Cons: Requires installing a new app, changes your home screen look.
- Utilizing Manufacturer-Specific Features: Some Android manufacturers include built-in privacy features that allow you to hide apps or create a secure, separate space for them. Examples include:
- Samsung Secure Folder
- OnePlus Hidden Space (or Shelf)
- Xiaomi Second Space / App Lock
- Pros: Often well-integrated, no third-party app needed.
- Cons: Feature availability varies by brand and model.
- Disabling Apps: While not truly "hiding," you can disable pre-installed apps you don't use. This removes them from your app list, but they cannot be re-enabled like opening a hidden app. User-installed apps can often be uninstalled completely.
Choosing the right method depends on your device and desired level of security and convenience.
Opening Hidden Apps Based on Video Reference
The provided video segment, "How to hide apps on your Android to keep them secret | Kurt the CyberGuy," specifically details how to open apps after they have been hidden.
According to the video segment:
Done if you wish to open hidden apps afterward you can navigate to settings go to apps. Again select whichever app you want and then tap open to open it.
This suggests a method where, even after hiding, the app remains accessible through the main device settings. Here are the steps based on this information:
- Navigate to Settings: Open your Android device's main Settings app.
- Go to Apps: Scroll down and tap on Apps (or "Applications," "App Manager," etc., depending on your device's Android version).
- Select the App: Find the specific app you wish to open in the list of installed applications. Tap on its name.
- Tap Open: On the app's info screen, there should be an Open button. Tap this button to launch the hidden app.
This method provides a way to access apps that might be hidden from the home screen or app drawer using one of the methods described above, offering a direct path to launch the application when needed.
Summary Table
| Action | Common Methods | How to Open (per Video Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Hiding | Third-Party Launchers, Manufacturer Features | Video reference does not detail hiding steps |
| Opening | Often via specific launcher/feature settings or... | Settings > Apps > Select App > Tap Open |
By combining common hiding techniques with the knowledge of how to access hidden apps via Settings as shown in the video reference, you can manage app visibility on your Android device effectively.
