Protect Your Secrets: How to Hide Sensitive Apps on Your Phone

Protect Your Secrets: How to Hide Sensitive Apps on Your Phone

Learn simple steps for Android and iPhone to keep your sensitive apps private and ensure your personal information stays secure.

Want to keep certain apps private on your phone? Whether it's personal content, banking apps, or messaging platforms, you can now hide them on both Android and iPhone. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Hiding apps ensures they won't be visible on your phone's screen, preventing others from detecting or accessing them. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they'll need a password or biometrics to access hidden apps. Plus, this feature can help declutter your home screen, creating a cleaner, more organized interface.

What You Need

The ability to hide apps is available on the latest versions of Android and iOS. To use this feature, ensure your device is updated to Android 15 or iOS 18.

Note: Hidden apps remain inactive while hidden, meaning you won't receive notifications from them until you unhide them.

How to Hide Apps on Android (Version 15)

On Android, you can use the Private Space tool, a secure folder protected by a password or biometric lock. Here's how to set it up

Set Up Private Space

  • Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Private Space.
  • Select a Google account and tap Create.
  • Set a login method (PIN, pattern, biometric authentication, or your phone's screen lock).

Hide Private Space from Your Screen

  • Open the app drawer and find Private Space.
  • Unlock it using the method you set earlier, then tap the gear-shaped settings icon.
  • Under Access Restriction, enable Hide Private Space When Locked.

Access Your Hidden Apps

  • To open Private Space, go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Private Space.

How to Hide Apps on iPhone (iOS 18)

Hide an App

  • Touch and hold the app icon you want to hide.
  • Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
  • Select Hide App.

Find Hidden Apps

  • On the home screen, swipe left until you see the App Library.
  • Scroll down and select Hidden Apps.
  • Choose the app and authenticate to access it.

By following these steps, you can keep your apps hidden from curious strangers, children, or anyone else who might snoop on your phone. This simple method protects your privacy and sensitive information with ease.