I’ve tested a bunch of ways to keep apps private. Sometimes it’s about hiding a gift app so the surprise isn’t ruined, other times it’s just wanting a little peace from nosy friends or family. Whether you’re curious about how to hide apps on iPhone or trying to figure out how to hide apps on Android (yep, Samsung has its own way too), I’ve tried them all. Along the way, I’ll also touch on things like hide app lock, hidden folders, and third-party app hiders plus how to spot hidden apps if you ever need to.
Why Do People Hide Apps on Their Phones?
I’ve noticed people don’t all hide apps for the same reason. It’s not always shady it’s often practical. Here are the big ones I’ve run into:
1. Keeping Private Chats or Social Media Lowkey
Sometimes you just don’t want everyone knowing who you’re texting or which app you’re using. That’s why folks hide WhatsApp, Telegram, or even secret dating apps.
Then there are apps that sidestep the whole hiding process altogether. Take Dailynewstalk (Android and iOS): it looks like a normal news reader on the surface, so nobody would think twice if they saw it on your Home Screen. But if you long-press the reload button and enter your password, it opens up a hidden chat platform inside. That means no fiddling with a hidden folder or setting up a hide app lock it blends in by default, and only you know how to unlock the other side of it.
2. Hiding Finance or Banking apps
Mobile banking is everywhere, but so are curious eyes. I’ve met people who hide their finance apps just so a borrowed phone doesn’t turn into an accidental (or intentional) peek into their accounts. On Android, App Hider or built-in brand settings make this easy. On iPhone, Face ID does the heavy lifting.
3. Parents Hiding Games or Purchases from Kids
This one’s classic. Kids pick up your phone and suddenly gems are bought in Clash of Clans, or there’s a shopping spree on Amazon. By moving those apps into a hidden folder or gating them with Face ID or passwords, parents save themselves the headache (and the bill).
4. Keeping Surprise Gifts or Plans Under Wraps
It’s not always serious stuff. I once hid a shopping app during the holidays so nobody would see what I was ordering. Same trick works for travel bookings if you’re trying to keep a trip secret.
How to Hide Apps on iPhone?
If you’re on iOS 18 (or iPadOS 18), hiding and locking apps feels secure and neat.
Here’s what I do:
- Long-press an app icon, choose “Require Face ID,” then tap Hide and Require Face ID, authenticate, and tap Hide App. The app vanishes from Home Screen and lands in a Hidden folder in the App Library as mentioned in Apple support.
- No notifications from that app anymore, which is sweet if you’re avoiding spoilers or curious glances. (CyberGuyTom’s Guide)
Heads-up: Only apps you’ve downloaded can be hidden. Pre-installed ones or default browser/app marketplace can’t.
Worth Noting: It’s smooth, built-in, and protected by your Face ID , no weird third-party permissions. Also, your hidden app may still show up in places like Screen Time, battery use, or App Store purchase history, so it’s not 100 percent invisible but still discreet.
How to Unhide Apps On iPhone?
- Swipe to your App Library, tap the Hidden folder, authenticate, then Long-press → Don’t Require Face ID → app resurfaces in the library (and Home Screen if you want). Apple Support
How to Hide Apps on Android (Including Samsung)
There’s no single way this depends on your brand and Android version. Here’s what works as of mid-2025:
Built-in Options
How to Hide Apps in Samsung?
Long-press Home Screen → Settings → Hide Apps → select apps. Samsung’s official guide walks you through exactly that flow. (Samsung Help)
How to Hide Apps on Xiaomi (MIUI)?
Settings → Security (or Apps) → App Lock → Hidden Apps → select apps to hide. Documents from Xiaomi show this native feature, which works on Redmi and POCO devices too. (Xiaomi)
How to Hide Apps in OnePlus?
Swipe in the Home screen to access Hidden Space, then add apps. OnePlus’ community mentions pinching outwards on the screen to open Hidden Space. App drawer → swipe right → Hidden Space → add apps. (OnePlus)
How to Hide Apps in Oppo / Realme (ColorOS)?
Settings → Security & Privacy → Hide Apps (with optional dial-pad access code) (Realme , Oppo Community).
How to Hide Apps on Google Pixel (Android 15)?
Settings → Security & Privacy → Private Space (set up with its own lock and account). Android 15 debuted “Private Space” on Pixel devices—a secure, separate area where apps are hidden from the main interface and system UI when locked. (Google Help)
The Best Apps to Hide Apps (App Hiders & Locks)- Android
Sometimes built-in tools aren’t enough. That’s where app to hide apps tools come in. The ones I’ve actually tried:
- Nova Launcher Prime: Lets you hide apps from the drawer. It’s subtle you don’t see them unless you dig into settings. (Android)
- App Hider (often called Hider-Hide Apps): Creates a clone app that acts like a disguise. Example: it might look like a calculator but actually opens your hidden vault. Handy, but only if you trust the developer.(Android)
- App Lock: These lock apps behind PIN or biometrics. They don’t always remove the icon, but they make the app useless to anyone without the code. (Android)
Tip: Always grab these from the official Google Play Store, and check privacy policies before letting any app access your phone data.
Wondering Why No Third-Party Apps Hide Apps on iOS?
If you’re wondering why all these app to hide apps options only show up on Android it’s because Apple doesn’t allow third-party apps to mess with how icons or folders behave. iOS 18 already has its own built-in method with Face ID + the hidden folder in the App Library. So while Android gives you launchers, cloaking apps, and hide app lock tools, on iPhone you’ll be sticking with what Apple gives you (which is honestly solid and secure).
How to Find Hidden Apps on a Phone?
So, what if you’re on the other side of this? Maybe you’re checking your kid’s phone, or you just forgot where you put an app. Learning how to find hidden apps is a super useful skill.
1. How to Find Hidden Apps on iPhone?
- The foolproof method is the App Library search. Swipe all the way to your last home screen page to open the App Library. Use the search bar at the top. If the app is installed on the phone, it will show up here, period.
- Check the App Store. Search for the app in the App Store. If it’s installed, the button will say “Open” instead of “Get.”
2. How to Find Hidden Apps on an Android?
- Go straight to the source. Ignore the home screen and app drawer. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps. This list is the absolute truth. It will show every single app installed on the device, whether it’s hidden or not.
- On a Samsung, look for Secure Folder. If you see the Secure Folder icon, you know there’s a private space that could contain hidden apps
Final Thoughts
I’ve tested both iPhone and Android, and built-in tools almost always feel like the safest bet- no odd permissions, no shady updates. On iPhone, Face ID keeps things neat and secure. On Android, brand-specific tools are straightforward, reliable, and easy to manage.
When you use a third-party hider-hide apps tool, you are giving that app a lot of control over your device. Some can be filled with ads, and others could be a security risk. Before you install one, check its permissions. Does a “calculator” really need access to your contacts and location? Probably not. You can review Google’s official policy on App Permissions on Google Play to see what to look out for.