The primary reason many users choose to hide apps is to safeguard sensitive information. Apps related to banking, digital payments, and personal finance often store confidential data that could be exploited if it falls into the wrong hands. Hiding these apps provides an added layer of protection, how to hide apps in samsung j6 making it more difficult for anyone who intentionally or accidentally accesses your phone to locate and open them. This simple step can help reduce the risk of identity theft or financial loss.
Samsung provides built-in tools that make hiding apps seamless and secure. This comprehensive guide shows you how to hide apps on any Samsung Galaxy phone using One UI without needing to root your device or install third-party apps.
Why People Hide Apps on Samsung
Hiding apps can be helpful for:
- Privacy: Preventing others from accessing personal apps.
- Parental Control: Keeping Apps Hidden from Children.
- Reducing Clutter: Hiding rarely used system or bloatware apps.
- Work-Life Balance: Separating personal and work apps.
Supported Samsung Devices and One UI Versions
You can hide apps on most Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets running One UI 3.0 or above, including:
- Galaxy S Series (S20, S21, S22, S23, S24)
- Galaxy Note Series
- Galaxy A Series
- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
- Galaxy M and F Series
How to Hide Apps Using Samsung’s Built-in Feature
Samsung’s One UI includes a straightforward way to hide apps:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Go to the Home Screen.
- Long-press on any space to open customization options.
- Tap on “Settings” or the gear icon at the bottom right (this opens Home screen settings).
- Scroll down and tap “Hide apps”.
- Select the apps you want to hide by tapping on them.
- Tap “Done” (top-right corner).
How to Access Hidden Apps Again
Even though they’re hidden from the app drawer, you can still open hidden apps using:
- Search bar: Swipe up on the home screen > type the app’s name.
- Google Assistant: Say “Open [App Name]”.
- Settings > Apps: Scroll and tap the app to open it.
Hiding Apps via Secure Folder (Advanced Privacy)
For those who want maximum privacy and encryption, Samsung offers the Secure Folder feature, protected by biometrics or a passcode.
How to Set Up and Use Secure Folder:
- Go to Settings > Security and Privacy > Secure Folder.
- Sign in to your Samsung account.
- Select a lock method (e.g., PIN, fingerprint).
- Once setup is complete, tap Secure Folder on the app drawer.
- Tap Add Apps > select the apps you want to hide or install new apps directly inside Secure Folder.
Bonus: How to Hide Apps from Google Play History
Hiding apps from your phone is one thing, but Google Play remembers every app you’ve downloaded. Here’s how to remove them from your history:
Steps to Hide from Google Play Library:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile picture > Manage apps & devices> Manage.
- Switch to the “Installed” or “Not Installed” tab.
- Find the app, tap the checkmark, then tap the trash icon (Remove from Library).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hide apps on my Samsung phone without deleting them?
You can hide apps by long-pressing on the home screen, tapping Home screen settings, selecting Hide apps, choosing the apps you want to hide, and then tapping Done.
Can hidden apps still send me notifications?
Yes, hiding an app only removes it from the app drawer. It does not stop notifications. To prevent alerts, you’ll need to disable them manually in Settings > Notifications.
Where do hidden apps go on Samsung phones?
Hidden apps are removed from the app drawer but remain installed on the device. You can still open them through the Search bar, Google Assistant, or by navigating to Settings > Apps.
How do I unhide apps on my Samsung smartphone or tablet?
Go to Home screen settings > Hide apps, deselect the apps you want to unhide, and tap Done. The apps will reappear in your app drawer.
Can I hide apps from the Settings menu on a Samsung smartphone or tablet?
While the primary method is via the Home screen settings, you can also use Secure Folder for hiding apps securely with a passcode or fingerprint.
Is there a way to hide apps more securely?
Yes, use Samsung Secure Folder, which encrypts apps and files for added security. Apps inside the Secure Folder are only accessible with your fingerprint, PIN, or pattern lock.
Conclusion
Hiding apps on a Samsung device is a simple yet powerful way to maintain privacy, reduce clutter, and keep your digital life organized. Whether you’re using the built-in “Hide apps” feature or the more secure Secure Folder, Samsung’s One UI offers flexible options to suit different needs. Best of all, you can do it all without deleting or uninstalling anything.
Whether you’re protecting personal content, keeping work apps out of reach for kids, or simply organizing your app drawer, the process is user-friendly. It doesn’t require any third-party apps or advanced technical skills.