Ever found yourself swiping through your phone’s app drawer and thinking, “I wish I could hide some of these apps I never use”? Maybe you have apps that came pre-installed on your Android device that you don’t want others to see or simply to declutter your screen. Whatever the reason, hiding default apps on your Android phone is not as tricky as it may seem. With a few simple steps, you can clean up your app drawer and keep things looking neat and tidy.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Hide Default Apps in Android
Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. We want to hide the default apps that we don’t use often or want to keep private, without uninstalling them. This keeps our app drawer organized and tailored to our needs.
Step 1: Open your Android device’s settings
In order to hide apps, you’ll need to start in your Android smartphone’s settings menu.
Once you open the settings, you’ll be greeted with a variety of options. Don’t worry; we’re here to guide you through the maze.
Step 2: Navigate to the apps section
Within settings, find and select the ‘Apps’ section, which will show you a list of all the apps installed on your device.
This is where you will be able to manage all the applications on your phone, including disabling or hiding the ones you don’t want to see.
Step 3: Select the app you wish to hide
Scroll through the list of apps and select the one you want to hide from your app drawer.
Remember, you’re not uninstalling the app, just hiding it. So it will still be on your device and can be accessed whenever needed.
Step 4: Tap on the “Disable” or “Hide” option
After selecting the app, you’ll see the option to “Disable” or “Hide” it. Tap on this option to hide the app from your app drawer.
Disabling an app will prevent it from showing up in your app drawer, but you can always re-enable it if you change your mind.
After you complete the action of hiding an app, it will no longer be visible in your app drawer. However, it’s important to note that the app is not deleted from your device. It’s simply hidden from view. If you ever need to access the app again, you can go back into your settings and re-enable it.
Tips on How to Hide Default Apps in Android
- Before hiding an app, make sure you won’t need to access it frequently.
- Remember that hiding an app does not free up storage space on your device.
- If an app can’t be disabled or hidden, consider using a third-party launcher that supports hiding apps.
- Always double-check if hiding an app might affect the functionality of other apps or your device.
- If you’re hiding an app for privacy reasons, ensure that its notifications are also turned off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still receive updates for hidden apps?
Yes, your hidden apps will still receive updates as they are not uninstalled.
Will hiding an app affect its performance?
No, hiding an app does not affect its performance. It simply removes it from view in the app drawer.
Can I hide system apps?
Yes, most system apps can be hidden but be cautious as this could affect your device’s performance.
How do I find a hidden app if I need to use it?
You can find hidden apps by going back into your settings and re-enabling them.
Is hiding apps the same as uninstalling them?
No, hiding apps is not the same as uninstalling. When you hide an app, it remains installed on your device but is not visible in the app drawer.
Summary
- Open your Android device’s settings.
- Navigate to the apps section.
- Select the app you wish to hide.
- Tap on the “Disable” or “Hide” option.
Conclusion
Hiding default apps on your Android device can be a great way to declutter your app drawer and keep your essential apps within easy reach. Whether you’re looking to hide apps for privacy reasons or simply to tidy up your interface, the steps outlined in this article should have you covered. It’s important to remember that hiding an app doesn’t delete it – it’s still there on your device, just out of sight. By following the tips and FAQs provided, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your app visibility like a pro. So go ahead, give your Android device a little spring clean and enjoy the streamlined look and feel of your customized app drawer.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.