Do hidden apps still send notifications?

Yes, hidden apps remain functional and send notifications unless manually disabled. One exception: apps inside Private Space will not send any notifications while Private Space is locked.

Does hiding an app mean deleting it?

No — hiding an app doesn't delete it. It remains installed and functional in the background. Notifications can still be received (unless manually disabled), the app can still be updated and used whenever needed. Hiding only removes it from the visible interface.

How to find hidden apps on any Android phone?

The simplest way: Settings → Security and privacy → Hide Apps → enter the passcode → all hidden apps will appear. Also, from the app drawer settings: three-dot menu → Hidden apps.

What is the most secure hiding method on Android?

Private Space in Android 15 is the most secure because it creates a completely independent app environment inside the phone. Apps installed in it don't appear in Recents, lock screen notifications, or system settings when the space is locked.

Can built-in system apps be hidden?

Built-in system apps (like Calendar or Messages) can be disabled from Settings but cannot be deleted or hidden using the above methods. Go to: Settings → Apps → select the app → Disable. It will disappear from the screen but remain on the device.

How to Hide Apps on an Android Phone — A Comprehensive Guide 2026

How to Hide Apps on Android Phone — Complete 2026 Guide

Hiding apps on an Android phone means concealing or making apps invisible from the home screen or app drawer, while still keeping them installed and functional in the background. When an app is hidden, it is not deleted or uninstalled from the device — it is only removed from the main view, making it less accessible to prying eyes.

Method 1: Hide Apps on Samsung

One of the easiest methods on Samsung is using the built-in "Hide apps" feature. Go to Settings → tap Home screen → select Hide apps on Home and Apps screen → choose which apps to hide.

For stronger security — Secure Folder: Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder → sign in or create a folder with a Samsung account → open Secure Folder from the home screen → tap + → select the apps to move into it. All hidden apps will now show only inside the locked Secure Folder.

Method 2: Hide Apps on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO

Open the Security app → tap the Edit icon inside the "Common features" section → tap the Hide apps feature to move it to the top → tap the checkmark icon at the top right → turn on the toggles for all apps to hide. To access all hidden apps: spread two fingers apart on the home screen to open the hidden area.

Method 3: Hide Apps on OnePlus — Hidden Space

Swipe the home screen right to access Hidden Space → tap + to add apps to hide. Alternatively, on some models, pinch outward on the screen to open Hidden Space.

Method 4: Private Space on Google Pixel and Android 15

Private Space in Android 15 doesn't just create a section to hide apps — it creates what is essentially a new app ecosystem inside the phone. The space is almost like having another user account on the device. Apps installed inside it save data to a file path within it, isolated from the main app drawer.

Go to Settings → Security & Privacy → Private Space → enter PIN → tap Set up and follow the instructions. To add new apps: open Private Space and select Install or open the separate Play Store to download apps.

Private Space requirements: a device running Android 15 and at least 6GB of RAM. Available on Google Pixel phones and select OnePlus, Honor, and Xiaomi models.

Method 5: General Android Settings (Most Devices)

On most Android phones: long-press the home screen → Settings → Hide Apps → select the desired apps. For Realme and Oppo: Settings → Security & Privacy → Hide Apps (with the option to add a dial-pad access code).

Method 6: Third-Party Launchers (Nova Launcher)

Download Nova Launcher and Nova Launcher Prime from Google Play → open the app and set it as the default launcher → go to the app drawer → select Hide apps → choose the apps to hide. This requires the paid Nova Launcher Prime version. Ideal for devices that don't support built-in hiding.

Method 7: Specialized Hiding Apps

Some hiding apps work on a disguise principle — they appear as a normal calculator app. Hidden apps only appear when the correct secret code is entered in the calculator as a password. Search Google Play for "App Hider" or "Calculator+" to find these apps.