6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android

It’s easy to get distracted by the many apps on your phone. The best way to reduce screen time is to keep these apps out of sight. Also, as a parent, you don’t want your kids to have access to all of your apps, especially sensitive ones like banking apps.

Luckily, you can hide and restrict apps on Android . Here's how to do it, whether you want to hide apps from yourself, others, or your kids.

How to hide or restrict apps on Android?

How to hide apps on Android

There are some situations where you want to hide a specific app on your phone.

For example, parents might want to make sure their kids don't accidentally place orders using saved credit card details. You can also hide apps from people who are often nosy, snooping through your private conversations and sending silly responses.

Additionally, hiding addictive apps like Instagram can help you curb your smartphone addiction. Since you don’t have to uninstall them completely from your phone, you can always use them whenever you want.

How to hide apps on Samsung phones

All Samsung phones allow you to hide installed apps from the app drawer. The process is also relatively simple.

  1. Press and hold an empty area on your Samsung device's home screen. Tap Settings from the menu that appears at the bottom.
  2. Scroll down and select Hide apps on Home and Apps screens . Then, select the app you want to hide.
  3. Click Done to apply the changes.
6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android
Hide apps on Samsung phones

Now, you will see all the apps you selected have disappeared from the app drawer of your Galaxy phone.

One nice thing about Samsung's implementation is that hidden apps won't appear even if you search for them from the app drawer. They will, however, appear in search results from other third-party search apps and in Settings > Apps .

Samsung doesn’t provide a hidden app drawer to help you quickly access hidden apps. This makes accessing them a chore. However, you can always use Google’s Search widget or any other universal search app to get around this problem. Keep in mind that there are other ways to find hidden apps on Android .

Disable Apps on Android to Hide Them

On phones like the Google Pixel 8, there is no native option to hide apps. You can always use a launcher or a third-party app to achieve this. But if you are uncomfortable using an app, you can consider disabling it to hide it from your app drawer.

The only catch is that this method only works for system apps that come pre-installed on your phone. You can’t hide apps you downloaded from the Play Store using the steps below.

  1. Open the app drawer on your Android phone and scroll to the app you want to hide.
  2. Press and hold its app icon and select App info from the context menu. Alternatively, you can navigate to Settings > Apps and tap the app name from this list.
  3. Tap Disable and confirm your action by tapping Disable app from the dialog that appears.
6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android
Disable to hide apps on Pixel

This will hide the app from the app drawer on your Android phone. The downside is that you won't be able to use the app unless you re-enable it.

How to Hide Android Apps Using Nova Launcher

If the default launcher on your Android device doesn't offer an option to hide installed apps, you'll have to use a third-party launcher like Nova. After installing Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store, set it as the default launcher on your Android device and follow these steps:

  1. Open Nova Launcher's settings with a two-finger swipe up gesture on the home screen. Alternatively, you can press and hold an empty area on the home screen and select Settings .
  2. Select App drawer and scroll down.
  3. Tap Hide apps in the Apps category.
  4. A list of all the apps on your device will appear. Select the Android app you want to hide from the app drawer. Back to save your changes.
6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android
Hide apps in Nova Launcher

Unfortunately, this method has its limitations. If you use any general search app or Nova’s built-in app search, the hidden app will appear in the results. You can also find the list of hidden apps in Settings > Apps on your Android device.

If you own a OnePlus, you don't need a third-party launcher to hide apps. OnePlus' OxygenOS offers a native option to hide apps, and you can password-protect hidden apps for added security.

Use Microsoft Launcher to hide apps

Similarly, Microsoft Launcher also allows you to hide apps on your Android device. Compared to Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher's ability to hide installed apps is superior because you can protect them with a password.

  1. Press and hold an empty area on your home screen. Then tap Launcher Settings from the pop-up menu.
  2. Navigate to Home screen > Hidden apps .
  3. Tap Hide apps and select the apps you want to hide. Then tap Done .
  4. Now, go back to the Hidden apps menu and tap on the Settings icon in the top right corner.
  5. Turn on the Set password toggle to protect your hidden apps with a 4-digit PIN.
  6. Turn on Quick access in dock if you want a quick look at your hidden apps.
6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android
Use Microsoft Launcher to hide apps

You can now swipe up twice on the toolbar to reveal a hidden panel with access to hidden apps. If password protection is enabled, you will first have to enter a four-digit PIN.

How to restrict apps on Android

Hiding apps can feel a bit extreme, depending on your usage. Instead, you can set app restrictions that allow you (or your kids) to indulge in some of your app addiction in moderation.

You can restrict specific apps or choose time periods when you can't use your phone.

1. Digital Wellbeing

6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android
6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android

Since Android 9 Pie, Android phones have a built-in utility that logs your daily device usage and tells you exactly what's wasting your time. It's available in Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls . If you can't find it, you'll need to download the app from Google Play.

With Digital Wellbeing, you can set app limits. When an app's daily usage allowance is up, its icon will turn gray and you won't be able to open it. Android will also block app notifications, so you won't be tempted to check after seeing an unread message or comment.

To set up app limits, launch Digital Wellbeing. Tap Dashboard, then select the app you want to set a limit for. Tap the App Timer option and define your daily app usage allowance. Finally, tap the OK button.

If your phone doesn't officially support Digital Wellbeing, you can use a third-party alternative, such as ActionDash.

ActionDash has all the features of Digital Wellbeing and more. It offers insights into your phone usage, a dark theme, app limits, and a host of other customization options. Unlike Digital Wellbeing, ActionDash works on any phone running Android 5 Lollipop or higher.

While ActionDash is a free download, both the app limits and downtime mode are premium features, requiring you to pay a $7 fee..

2. Google Family Link and Google Play Store limitations

6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android
6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android

In addition to allowing you to hide apps, Google Family Link also has the option to set app limits. This works similarly to Digital Wellbeing, so once a user has used up their daily limit, they won’t be able to use that app until the next day. The difference here is that only parents have the ability to control and adjust the limits.

To learn how to set up this feature and set app limits, check out Quantrimang.com 's guide to protecting your kids' phones with Family Link .

Parents can also take advantage of the parental controls on the Google Play Store to set download restrictions. You can choose content ratings for apps, games, movies, and music. Additionally, the Play Store requires you to set a PIN lock so that children can't simply tweak restrictions from the settings.

You can find parental control settings at Google Play Store > Left menu > Settings > Parental Controls . Google Play rates games and apps using a rating system specific to your region, so check out our guide to ESRB and PEGI ratings to learn more.

Addictive apps are the reason why it's so hard to put your phone down. Using the methods above, you can hide and limit the apps that take up most of your time.

However, there are many things you can do to curb your smartphone addiction. You don’t have to give up everything to make a positive change. These 5 ways to reduce your smartphone addiction are practical tips to help you cut back on your smartphone use.

Good luck!

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

4 Best Android Cleaner Apps

4 Best Android Cleaner Apps

Quantrimang has filtered out a list of the best junk cleaning apps on Android, please refer to it below.

Top Android apps that are free and discounted 04/25/2025

Top Android apps that are free and discounted 04/25/2025

How do you find discounted Android apps, free Android apps today April 25, 2025? Quantrimang.com will summarize the most prominent Android apps that are free and discounted to help you save a little money in this time of rising prices and occasional slight increases in gas prices.

How to fix blurry photos on Android

How to fix blurry photos on Android

Let's learn how to (partially) fix blurry photos on Android phones.

6 Best File Managers for Android TV

6 Best File Managers for Android TV

Every Android TV user needs to install a file manager for a number of reasons.

How to Check Which Apps Are Using the Most RAM on Android

How to Check Which Apps Are Using the Most RAM on Android

If an application “consumes” too much of the device's RAM, it will severely reduce the system's multitasking ability, as well as cause lag, seriously affecting the experience.

How to create your own custom Android mascot

How to create your own custom Android mascot

Now you can create your own version of an Android mascot called The Bot. By choosing materials, clothes, accessories, and props, you can customize The Bot to your liking.

How to use FaceTime on Android?

How to use FaceTime on Android?

Finally, Apple is allowing Android device users to use FaceTime.

Have Fun With These 6 Voice Changing Apps on Android

Have Fun With These 6 Voice Changing Apps on Android

Ever wanted to prank your friends with a silly voice? Thanks to some smartphone apps, you no longer need bulky computer software to do that.

How to Stay Safe from SpyLoan Android Apps That Use Your Data to Blackmail You

How to Stay Safe from SpyLoan Android Apps That Use Your Data to Blackmail You

A typical case is the SpyLoan app that tricks users with promises of low-interest loans but instead collects personal data and blackmails victims with that data.

How to Fix Android Auto Not Working

How to Fix Android Auto Not Working

In the article below, Quantrimang will introduce you to some tips to fix Android Auto not working, whether on the phone or the car screen.

Instructions for taking a scrolling screenshot of an Android device to capture the entire web page

Instructions for taking a scrolling screenshot of an Android device to capture the entire web page

Instead of “bombarding” your friends' messages with dozens of screenshots, you can take a scrolling screenshot and send it.

How to fix recent app crash errors on Android

How to fix recent app crash errors on Android

Android smartphones seem to be experiencing an annoying bug that causes applications on the device to frequently crash.

4 Signs Android Apps Are Tracking You

4 Signs Android Apps Are Tracking You

Strange battery drain or data spikes aren't necessarily a bug. It could be a malicious app secretly tracking your location, habits, etc.

Tencent brings Android games to Microsoft Store Windows 11

Tencent brings Android games to Microsoft Store Windows 11

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced its decision to discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android, which was designed to allow Android apps to run natively on Windows 11.

How to change default browser and email on iPhone

How to change default browser and email on iPhone

To set your preferred web browser as your default on iOS 14, follow these steps. Go to Settings > scroll down and click on any browser you have installed on your iPhone, for example here I choose Chrome.

7 iPhone Camera Settings to Adjust for Better Video

7 iPhone Camera Settings to Adjust for Better Video

While your iPhone can shoot great videos right out of the box, you can get better results by tweaking some camera settings.

4 Best Android Cleaner Apps

4 Best Android Cleaner Apps

Quantrimang has filtered out a list of the best junk cleaning apps on Android, please refer to it below.

Top Android apps that are free and discounted 04/25/2025

Top Android apps that are free and discounted 04/25/2025

How do you find discounted Android apps, free Android apps today April 25, 2025? Quantrimang.com will summarize the most prominent Android apps that are free and discounted to help you save a little money in this time of rising prices and occasional slight increases in gas prices.

How to clean up iPhone junk, delete junk files to free up iPhone storage

How to clean up iPhone junk, delete junk files to free up iPhone storage

After a period of use, you will notice that your iPhone or iPad is getting slower and slower, and the remaining free space is too little. It's time to clean up your iPhone or iPad by deleting unnecessary junk files to free up the occupied free space.

IPhone security tips you missed

IPhone security tips you missed

There are quite a few iPhone security features that we don't pay attention to and have overlooked. Below is a summary of the best iPhone security methods for you to check and implement.

3 apps to help you learn to take photos with your smartphone

3 apps to help you learn to take photos with your smartphone

These apps not only help you improve your skills, but also inspire your next great shot while you practice.

How to fix iPhone email not updating

How to fix iPhone email not updating

If your iPhone email isn't updating, there could be a number of issues. These include incompatible system settings, software issues, differences in email protocols, etc.

How to insert emoji into photos on iPhone extremely simple

How to insert emoji into photos on iPhone extremely simple

To be able to insert emoji into photos on iPhone, we will need a few small tricks, according to the instructions below.

10 Surprising Ways You Can Use Your Android Phone

10 Surprising Ways You Can Use Your Android Phone

From acting as a wireless charger and fitness tracker to a tape measure, your Android phone has a surprising number of hidden features.

How to turn off AirDrop on iPhone/iPad and Mac

How to turn off AirDrop on iPhone/iPad and Mac

You can turn off AirDrop on iPhone or iPad in Control Center or in Settings. On a Mac, you can turn off AirDrop in Control Center, System Preferences, or Finder.

Picture in Picture on iPhone: How to Enable and Use Picture in Picture (PIP)

Picture in Picture on iPhone: How to Enable and Use Picture in Picture (PIP)

You can use Picture in Picture (PiP) to watch YouTube videos off-screen on iOS 14, but YouTube has locked this feature on the app so you cannot use PiP directly, you have to add a few more small steps that we will guide in detail below.

How to fix blurry photos on Android

How to fix blurry photos on Android

Let's learn how to (partially) fix blurry photos on Android phones.

Chrome is the reason why your iPhone battery drains so quickly

Chrome is the reason why your iPhone battery drains so quickly

Some people have shared tips to improve battery life by uninstalling a single app: Chrome. Your battery life will be better after that!

6 Best File Managers for Android TV

6 Best File Managers for Android TV

Every Android TV user needs to install a file manager for a number of reasons.