How To Hide Apps, Photos, And Files On Android Devices

Often times we have certain images and data on our computer that we don’t want our families to see. There could be confidential documents and files which should be kept concealed. Whatever be the reason there could be various ways in which you may hide apps, photos, and files on the Android device. Here we show you how to hide apps on android.

Hiding apps on Android

There are two methods to hide apps on Android. The first method is suitable for hiding any pre-installed apps where you can hide any kind of app. On the other hand, the second method is for system apps that cannot be installed as such. This requires less effort and does not bring about any changes to your mobile set up.

Using Nova Launcher

A lot of apps provide the facility to hide apps but by far Nova launcher is the fastest to do so. You will have to take its paid version in order to derive benefit out of the same. Its free version does not have the required features. Once you install the app from the play store set it as your default launcher. Now go to App drawer and open Nova settings. Then go to the App Drawer> Hide apps and check all the apps you wish to hide. You will be able to see the apps still by opening the app drawer, type its name in the search bar, and then open it.

Download Nova Launcher Prime
Set the same as your default launcher
Now open the Nova settings app
Go to App Drawer> Hide apps
Check box next to apps you wish to hide
Later go to app drawer and search for the apps you wish to use

You could also go with the Apex launcher app. It is not as good but provides the service free of cost

Disabling apps in the settings

In order to remove some apps from the app drawer, you may disable them. But this method can be used only for system apps- that is those apps that are preinstalled and cannot be deleted otherwise. To disable apps go to the settings of the device and select “Apps and notifications” and then tap upon “See all apps.” Find the app you wish to hide and then click on “Disable” and then “Disable App.”

Open settings menu
Select the “Apps and notifications”
Tap upon “see all apps”
Find the app you wish to hide
Tap upon “Disable” and then “Disable App.”

Hiding apps on phones from Samsung and One plus

One plus

In the case of One plus phones, there is the Hidden Space feature that allows you to hide apps. Open up the app drawer and then swipe towards the right. Now tap the + icon choose the apps you wish to hide and then tap on the checkmark.

Open app drawer
Swipe right and access the hidden space feature given
Tap on + icon
Select the apps you wanted to hide
Click on the checkmark and you are done

Samsung phones

Hiding the apps is much easier on Samsung phones. Open the app drawer and then you have to tap on the three vertical dots icon given. Now select the “Home screen settings” option and find and click on the “ hide app” option. There would be a list of apps displayed and you can choose the ones you wish to hide and then tap “ Apply.”

Open the app drawer
Tap on three vertical dots icon
Now you should select the “Home screen settings” icon
Find the “Hide app” option and click on it
Choose the apps you wish to hide from list of apps and then click on “Apply”

Huawei Phones

In Huawei as well as Honor phones there is a feature known as Private space. Here you can create a separate space in your phone where you can store files, apps, and other stuff. Go to settings

Go to Settings Follow instructions and set up your own Private space
Now unlock the phone and go to this Private space
Download the apps you wish no one to see

Xiaomi phones

In Xiaomi phones, you need to enable a feature in order to hide apps. Go to Settings< App lock and tap on the gear icon present on the top. Scroll down and find the “Hide apps” option. Now tap on the “Manage hidden apps” option. Promptly a list of apps would be displayed and you can choose ones that are to be hidden.

Go to Settings< App lock
Click on “Hide apps”
Tap on the “Manage hidden apps” options
Choose the apps you wish to hide from the list displayed to you

LG phones

There are two ways in which you may hide apps on an LG phone. The first method is used if the app drawer is not enabled on your mobile and the second if it is enabled. Open the settings and go to the “Home screen” option that should be under the “Display” tab. You can now choose the “Hide apps” menu, choose apps you wish to hide, and tap on done to complete.

Long press the home screen
Go to “Home screen” settings
Choose “Hide apps”
Select apps you want to hide and then tap on done to make it complete

In case the app drawer is enabled process is different. Open the app drawer and choose “Hide apps.” Now select the apps you wish to hide and you are done.

Hiding photos and files on any android phone

Again there are two methods to do so successfully. Both require an app that needs to be downloaded from the Play store.

Gallery Vault app

This app is like a vault where you can keep all the files and documents safe. You may move the files into the vault and access them only using a pin. Upon downloading tap the + button and select whether you wish to add pictures or videos. Select files, tap Add, and then choose the folder where you would like to place them.

Download app and launch
Press the + button
Select the type of file you wish to add
Select the files
Tap “Add” button
Select the folder where they should be placed

App lock

If in case you do not want to move your files anywhere you can install the App lock app from the play store. It will put a lock on your apps and no one except you would be able to open them. Install the app and then see the list of apps. Choose the ones you wish to lock and if need be add a fingerprint for more privacy.

Download App lock app
Scroll down the apps that you would want to protect
Enable the “ Fingerprint Lock” under the “Protect” tab

Hiding pictures and files on phones from Samsung and One plus

One plus

One plus has a unique feature that is not known to many. It is known as Lockbox and is seen in the File manager. Tap on the files and documents you wish to move, long press on it, and tap the three vertical dots icon to choose “Move to Lockbox.”

Open the File Manager app in your phone
Open the folder where the files are
Long press on any file
Tap on the three vertical dots icon
Now tap on “Move to Lockbox” and you are done

Samsung Phones

The secure folder available on your phone is the easiest way to keep your files safe. Sign up to your Samsung account and then choose the “Add files” option given on top. Now choose what you wish to add and select files, press “Done” and select “Move”.

Open the Samsung Secure folder app
Tap on “Add files” option given on top
Choose the type of files you wish to add
Select the files and then tap “Done”
Now select the “Move” option.

Huawei phones

The Huawei phones have a built-in safe. To access go to Settings > Security & privacy > Safe. Now tap on “Add” choose type of files you wish to add. Select the files you want to add and then tap on “ Add” again.

Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Safe.
Select “Add” and choose the type of files you wish to add
Now choose the files
Tap on “Add” again

Xiaomi phones

In Xiaomi phones also you have to go to file manager to hide files. Once there choose the file you want to hide and then long-press on it. Now select the “More” button at the bottom of the screen and choose “ Hide.” You may now follow instructions to set up a password to these files.

Open File manager
Long press on Folder
Tap on the “More” button
Select the “Hide” option
Set up a password

LG phones

Use the Gallery app to hide files on an LG phone. Launch the app and then choose the photo you want to hide. Tap on the three vertical dots option and choose the “Lock” option.