If you’re looking for a more customizable and secure way to hide apps on your Samsung Galaxy phone, using a third-party launcher is a great option. Third-party launchers like Microsoft Launcher and Apex Launcher allow you to hide apps and protect them with a password, offering an added layer of privacy and organization. This method not only helps you keep sensitive apps out of sight but also allows you to personalize your phone’s interface.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to hide apps using Microsoft Launcher, one of the most popular and feature-rich third-party launchers. Let’s get started!
Why Use a Third-Party Launcher to Hide Apps?
There are several reasons why you might want to use a third-party launcher to hide apps on your Samsung device:
- Enhanced Customization: Third-party launchers allow you to completely customize your home screen, app drawer, and other UI elements.
- App Hiding: Many third-party launchers come with a built-in feature to hide apps, making them invisible from the home screen and app drawer.
- Password Protection: Some launchers, like Microsoft Launcher, also allow you to set a password to safeguard your hidden apps, making them even more secure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hide Apps Using Microsoft Launcher
Here’s how you can use Microsoft Launcher to hide apps on your Samsung device and keep them secure with a password.
Step 1: Download and Install Microsoft Launcher from the Google Play Store
Start by downloading Microsoft Launcher from the Google Play Store. Simply search for “Microsoft Launcher” in the Play Store and tap Install.
Once installed, open the launcher to begin setting it up.
Step 2: Give Necessary Permissions
Microsoft Launcher requires some permissions to function properly. When you first launch the app, you will be prompted to grant the necessary permissions, such as access to your home screen and app drawer.
Grant the requested permissions to proceed.
Step 3: Set Microsoft Launcher as the Default Launcher
After installation, you need to set Microsoft Launcher as your default launcher:
- When prompted, tap Set as default.
- Choose Microsoft Launcher from the list of available launchers.
This will replace your current launcher with Microsoft Launcher, allowing you to use its features.
Step 4: Access the Launcher Settings
Next, press and hold an empty area on your home screen to open the Launcher settings.
In the settings menu, tap Launcher settings to access the customization options for Microsoft Launcher.
Step 5: Select Home Screen
Once you’re in the Launcher settings menu, find and tap on Home screen. This will give you access to the settings that control your home screen layout and app display.
Step 6: Tap on Hidden Apps and Select “Hide Apps”
Scroll down until you see the Hidden apps option. Tap on it, then select Hide apps.
This will allow you to choose which apps you want to hide from your home screen and app drawer.
Step 7: Choose the Apps to Hide and Tap Done
Now, select the apps you want to hide by tapping the checkboxes next to them. Once you’ve selected all the apps you wish to hide, tap Done to save your settings.
The selected apps will now be hidden from your home screen and app drawer.
Step 8: Tap the Settings Icon and Toggle on “Set Password”
To add extra security to your hidden apps, tap the settings icon in the top right corner of the Hidden apps menu. Here, toggle on the option to Set password.
This will enable password protection for accessing your hidden apps, ensuring that only you can unhide them.
Step 9: Set a Password
Once you’ve enabled the password option, you’ll be prompted to set a password. Choose a secure password that only you will know. This password will be required whenever you want to access or unhide the apps you’ve hidden.
Step 10: Keep Other Options Unchecked
In the Hidden apps settings, make sure to leave the other options unchecked, such as Enable Gesture Unlock or Show Hidden Apps. This will keep your hidden apps fully concealed from others.
Once you’ve set everything up, your apps will be securely hidden, and only you can access them using the password you’ve set.
Additional Tips for Using Microsoft Launcher
While Microsoft Launcher provides a solid solution for hiding apps, there are a few extra tips you can follow to make your experience even better:
- Use Icon Packs: Microsoft Launcher allows you to change app icons. You can use this feature to disguise the icons of apps you’ve hidden, making them even less noticeable.
- Organize Your Hidden Apps: Use the App Drawer feature to organize your hidden apps in a way that makes them easy for you to access but hard for others to find.
- Backup Your Settings: If you decide to switch devices, you can back up your Microsoft Launcher settings to restore your hidden apps and customizations quickly.
