Modern smartphones of the Galaxy ot Samsung series store a huge amount of personal information, from banking data to correspondence in instant messengers. There is often an urgent need to limit access to certain apps so that prying eyes do not see unnecessary things when using the phone. Hiding applications on Android Samsung is a solvable task, but requires an understanding of the shell features One UI.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods of masking shortcuts, from built-in system functions to the use of third-party launchers. You will learn how to make the icon disappear from the desktop, but the app remains available to you at any time.
Follow our instructions to set up the privacy of your device as effectively as possible. We will look at the nuances that even experienced users often forget about.
Built-in security features of Samsung Knox
The most reliable method is to use a protected folder Secure Folder. This feature is platform-based Samsung Knox and creates an isolated space protected by a password, PIN or biometrics. It is impossible to get into this section without authorization, which makes it an ideal repository for confidential data.
To activate this option, you need to go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Protected folder. After the initial setup, the system will prompt you to select the applications you want to move. It is important to understand that inside folders are created copies of applicationsseparated from the main system.
Icons of moved apps disappear from the main screen and from the general list, remaining visible only inside the Knox container. This allows you to keep work and personal versions of the same application, for example, two social network accounts, completely separate.
⚠️ Attention: When you delete an application from the Secure Folder, its data inside the folder will be erased. Make sure to make a backup copy of important files before cleaning.
A feature of the work Secure Folder is the ability to hide the folder icon itself from the desktop. In this case, it can only be accessed through the notification shade or widget, which adds an extra layer of invisibility.
Hide through home screen settings
If you don't need data encryption, but just need to remove visual noise or hide rarely used apps, the standard hiding feature will do. It is available on most modern models, such as Galaxy S21, S22, S23 and newer versions.
To access the settings, make a long tap (press and hold) on an empty space on the desktop. In the lower menu that appears, select Settings. Next, find the option Hide applications (Hide apps).
In the list that opens, check the boxes of those apps that you want to make invisible. After confirming your selection, they will disappear from the application menu and desktops. To return them back, just go to this section again and click the cross next to the name.
It is worth noting that applications hidden in this way can still be found through the global system search if you enter their exact name. Therefore, this method is more suitable for the aesthetic organization of space than for serious protection.
Using third-party launchers
The standard interface One UI does not always provide sufficient flexibility. In such cases, third-party shells, or launchers, come to the rescue. One of the most popular and functional solutions is Nova Launcherwhich allows you to hide icons without unnecessary complications.
After installing the launcher and assigning it as the main one, go to its settings. Find the section Application library or Hidden applications. Here you can select any installed software and remove it from view.
The advantage of third-party solutions is the ability to customize gestures. For example, you can assign the opening of a hidden folder by double tapping in the corner of the screen or swiping with a certain number of fingers. This makes access to hidden content quick for the owner and invisible to others.
| Function | Standard interface | Nova Launcher | Secure Folder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hide icon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Password protection | No | Paid version | Yes (Knox) |
| Data isolation | No | No | Yes |
| Hide the container itself | No | No | Yes |
The use of alternative shells may affect the operation of some system functions, such as Bixby or specific gestures Samsung. Before installation, carefully study the compatibility with your phone model.
Organizing space using folders
The easiest, although least secure, way to hide apps is to create folders on the desktop. You can group rarely used or personal applications into one group and give it a neutral name, such as “Tools” or “Tools.”
To create a folder, drag one icon onto another. Within the created group you can store up to several dozen applications. If you place a app there, it will no longer be an eyesore against the general background, but will remain accessible in one click.
☑️ Security check
This method is good because it does not require the installation of additional software or complex configuration. However, anyone who unlocks your phone will be able to look inside the folder. To increase efficiency, you can rename the folder itself to a space or a special character, if the launcher allows it, making it less noticeable.
Do Not Disturb mode and user profiles
In some scenarios for using a smartphone, especially if the device is used by children or colleagues, it is important to create a separate user profile. Android allows you to create guest modes or profiles with a limited set of applications.
Switching between profiles occurs through the quick settings curtain or menu Settings → Accounts and Archiving → Users. In the "Guest" or "Child" profile, you can simply not install hidden applications, and they will not be displayed.
This is a radical but effective method of dividing digital space. The main profile remains fully functional and protected by your password, while the guest profile contains only the minimum allowed.
⚠️ Attention: The user menu interface may vary on different versions of Android. On some custom firmware, this function may be curtailed by the manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hide Samsung system applications?
You cannot hide critical system processes through standard settings, as this may disrupt the operation of the phone. However, some pre-installed services (for example, Microsoft Office or Facebook), which are not part of the system core, can be disabled or hidden through application settings in the Applications menu Applications.
Will data be lost when hiding an application?
No, when using the "Hide Apps" function or third-party launchers, the data is saved. If you use Secure Foldera copy of the application is created inside it from scratch, and data from the main version is not transferred there automatically.
How to find a hidden application if you forgot where you went?
If you used standard hiding, go back to the desktop settings and the "Hidden Applications" section. If you used a launcher, check its settings. If the application is in Secure Folder, look for a folder icon or a Knox widget.
Are hidden applications visible in the list of installed ones?
In the general list of all applications (App Drawer), hidden apps will not be displayed. However, in the menu Settings → Applications they will remain visible, since this section is intended for system management, not for the user interface.
What should I do if the hiding function does not work?
If the "Hide applications" option is not available or is inactive, your device may be using a third-party launcher by default. Return the default Samsung launcher in settings for the feature to work. Also check for system updates.
For maximum privacy, combine methods: hide the icon through the settings, and place the application itself in a Secure Folder with an additional PIN code.
The most reliable way to hide an application on Samsung is to use Knox Secure Folder technology, as it provides not only visual hiding, but also data encryption.
To summarize, we can say that the ecosystem Samsung offers flexible tools for managing privacy. The choice of a specific method depends on how much protection you plan to provide. Folders are enough for regular desktop organization, but to protect personal photos and documents, it is better to use Knox.
Regularly check the security settings of your device. System updates One UI often bring new privacy features that can be useful in everyday use.