How do I hide app lock apps?

Hiding app lock apps generally involves disguising the app itself or concealing its presence on your phone's interface. Here are a few methods:

1. Hiding the App Lock App's Icon

Most app lock apps do not offer a built-in feature to directly hide their icon. However, you can achieve a similar result using your phone's native features or third-party launchers:

• Using a Launcher: Some custom Android launchers (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Action Launcher) allow you to hide apps from the app drawer.

  • Steps (example using Nova Launcher):
    1. Install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
    2. Open Nova Settings.
    3. Go to "App drawer" or similar.
    4. Find the option to "Hide apps" or "Drawer groups".
    5. Select the app lock app you want to hide.

• Using Secure Folder (Samsung Devices): Samsung phones have a Secure Folder that acts as a separate, encrypted space where you can store apps and files.

  • Steps:
    1. Enable Secure Folder in your settings (usually under "Biometrics and security").
    2. Move the app lock app to the Secure Folder. Apps within the Secure Folder are not visible outside of it.

2. Disguising the App Lock App

Some app lock apps allow you to change their icon and name to something less conspicuous. Check your app lock app's settings for such an option. This makes it harder for someone to recognize it as an app lock at a glance.

3. Using Built-in App Lock Features (if available)

Certain phone manufacturers (like OnePlus or Xiaomi) include native app lock features within their operating system. These are often less obvious than standalone apps. Check your phone's security settings for options like "App Lock" or "Privacy Protection." If available, using the built-in feature eliminates the need for a separate app, therefore bypassing the need to hide a separate app lock application. The reference example from 26-May-2023 only speaks about using the app lock after it is installed and not hiding it.

4. Renaming the App

While not true "hiding," renaming the app might make it less obvious. Android generally doesn't provide a native way to rename apps without rooting, but some launchers do offer this function along with icon changing. This is not fool-proof, but could be useful in some situations.

Important Considerations:

• Hiding an app doesn't necessarily prevent someone from accessing it if they know what they're doing. It mainly reduces its visibility.
• Remember your chosen method of accessing the hidden app!