Hide apps on Android: built-in tools that actually work

Built-in Android features for hiding apps and files: Samsung One UI Hide apps, Secure Folder for an encrypted workspace, Files by Google Safe Folder for documents and photos, and disabling vendor bloat. Skip third-party hide-app tools.

By Farzan Hussain

Updated on May 9, 2026 EDT

Fact checked by Steven

TL;DR

The pick: Android’s built-in app hiding is in Settings > Apps > Hide apps on Samsung One UI, in the Pixel Launcher’s Search settings, and in the Files by Google Safe Folder for hiding sensitive files specifically.

Runner-up: for stronger privacy, Samsung Secure Folder creates a separate encrypted workspace where apps and data are completely walled off from the main user. Free, built-in on Galaxy phones.

Skip if: you’re trying to hide apps that don’t belong on the device (work-issued phone, monitored device). Hiding apps doesn’t bypass Mobile Device Management policies; the IT team can still see what’s installed.

There are several reasons to hide apps on an Android phone. Privacy from someone borrowing your phone, decluttering your home screen, or separating work and personal app workflows. Below: the built-in Android features that handle each, without needing third-party launchers or modifications.

1. Hide apps from the launcher (Samsung One UI)

Settings > Home screen > Hide apps on Galaxy. Pick the apps to hide; they remain installed and functional but no longer appear in the home-screen app drawer or search.

2. Hide apps from the launcher (Pixel)

The Pixel Launcher doesn’t have a built-in hide-apps feature. The closest workaround is Settings > Apps > Default apps > or installing a third-party launcher (Nova, Niagara) that supports per-app hiding.

3. Samsung Secure Folder (full encrypted workspace)

Settings > Security & privacy > Secure Folder on Galaxy phones. Creates a parallel app-and-data space, encrypted with a separate PIN/biometric. Apps installed in Secure Folder don’t appear in the main launcher; their data is completely walled off; even forensic tools can’t see across the boundary without the PIN.

4. Files by Google Safe Folder (for hiding files specifically)

Files by Google has a Safe Folder feature for sensitive documents and photos. PIN-protected, with biometric unlock. Files moved here aren’t visible in Photos, Files, or any app outside Files by Google itself.

5. Disable apps you can’t uninstall (vendor bloat)

Settings > Apps > pick the app > Disable. Disabled apps are still installed but inert; they don’t run, don’t update, and don’t appear in the app drawer. Useful for vendor-installed apps that can’t be uninstalled but you don’t want clogging the system.

Verdict

Use the built-in tools. Samsung’s Hide apps + Secure Folder cover the strong-privacy case on Galaxy; Pixel users have fewer first-party options but Files by Google’s Safe Folder covers sensitive-files specifically. Skip third-party “hide app” tools; most have aggressive ad layers and questionable permission requests.