Rather than hiding apps, disabling them can remove them from your App Drawer and stop them from using system resources. It’s easy to disable an app: Third-party app-hiding apps come in a bunch of different varieties. Some, like Calculator Vault on the Google Play Store, hide apps within a folder that’s disguised by another app. Sometimes this disguising app is fully functional, and sometimes it’s just a dummy app. The idea is that anyone looking for the apps you’re trying to hide isn’t likely to go more than surface deep during that search. Other apps, like Apex Launcher on the Google Play Store, put a completely new skin (or interface) on your device, which includes secure folders that require a password to access where you can store the apps that you prefer to keep private. Or there are non-hiding app vaults that don’t try to hide the fact that they are hiding apps. You set up a pin code to access whatever is stored in the vault, but the vault is visible to anyone that accesses your phone. App hiders are a great way to secure apps you don’t want others to access. Just take some time to review a few of them before you make a final decision about which one to use, as each will have different features and requirements to work. Setting up a secure folder on a Galaxy device is simple. Just go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure Folder and then follow the prompts to set the folder up and give it a security code. Once it’s all set, you’ll find the Secure Folder in your App Drawer. Hiding apps on an Android device isn’t as intuitive as it could be, but you do have some options, so lock up your sensitive information. Then you know it’s safe from anyone with unauthorized access to your phone. Another reason people may choose to hide apps on their device is to protect information such as financial details, business secrets, or intellectual property from being compromised in the event their phone is lost or stolen. Finally, some Android devices come loaded with bloatware that clutters the device. These useless applications can interfere with finding the apps you use most often, and can cause confusion or even slow your device down if they’re running constantly. Hiding these apps cleans up the user experience and can help your device perform better.
