How to Hide Apps on a Samsung A20?
Discover simple and effective methods for how to hide apps on a Samsung A20, ensuring your privacy and a cleaner home screen. This guide provides a step-by-step approach, empowering you to manage your app visibility with ease.
Introduction to App Hiding on Samsung A20
The ability to hide apps on your smartphone is a valuable feature for numerous reasons. It allows you to maintain privacy, declutter your home screen, and even prevent accidental access to sensitive applications. The Samsung A20, running a version of Android with Samsung’s One UI, offers several built-in methods for achieving this. While there aren’t dedicated, highly secure “vault” options built-in, the provided methods are sufficient for most users wanting to keep certain apps out of plain sight.
Benefits of Hiding Apps
Hiding apps on your Samsung A20 offers several advantages:
- Privacy Protection: Prevents others from easily accessing apps you prefer to keep private.
- Decluttered Home Screen: Reduces the number of icons on your home screen, making it cleaner and easier to navigate.
- Child-Proofing: Prevents children from accidentally opening or using apps they shouldn’t have access to.
- Reduced Distractions: Hiding distracting apps can help you focus on more important tasks.
How to Hide Apps on a Samsung A20: Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the methods available for how to hide apps on a Samsung A20, along with detailed instructions:
Method 1: Using the Built-in Launcher Settings
This is the easiest and most commonly used method.
- Go to your Samsung A20’s home screen.
- Long-press on an empty area of the screen. This will bring up the home screen editing options.
- Tap on “Home screen settings.” (Or a similar option depending on your exact One UI version).
- Scroll down and look for an option labeled “Hide apps.”
- Tap on “Hide apps.”
- A list of all your installed apps will appear. Select the apps you want to hide.
- Tap “Apply” (or “Done”).
These apps will no longer be visible on your home screen or app drawer. They are still installed and accessible through the settings menu (if you know the exact app name to search).
Method 2: Using Secure Folder (If Available)
Some versions of One UI on the A20 may have Secure Folder pre-installed or available for download. Secure Folder provides a more secure and private space for apps and files.
- If Secure Folder is not already set up, install it from the Galaxy Store or Play Store (availability may vary).
- Open Secure Folder.
- Set up Secure Folder by choosing a lock type (PIN, pattern, fingerprint).
- Once Secure Folder is set up, tap the “+” button to add apps to it.
- You can either copy existing apps into Secure Folder or install new apps directly into it.
- Apps within Secure Folder are completely separate from those outside of it and are only accessible when Secure Folder is unlocked. This offers a higher level of privacy and protection.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Launchers
Several third-party launchers available on the Google Play Store offer advanced customization options, including the ability to hide apps. Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Action Launcher are popular choices.
- Download and install a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store.
- Set the new launcher as your default launcher in your phone’s settings.
- Each launcher has its own specific method for hiding apps. Typically, you’ll find the option in the launcher’s settings menu, often under “App drawer” or “Appearance.” Consult the launcher’s documentation for exact instructions.
- Select the apps you want to hide using the launcher’s settings.
Third-party launchers often offer greater flexibility and customization than the built-in launcher, but they may also require more resources and could potentially impact battery life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting which apps you’ve hidden: Keep a list of the apps you’ve hidden so you don’t forget where they are.
- Not securing the Secure Folder properly: If using Secure Folder, make sure to set a strong password or use biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
- Using unreliable third-party launchers: Choose reputable launchers with good reviews and a proven track record to avoid security risks.
- Assuming hidden apps are completely inaccessible: Remember that hidden apps can still be accessed through the settings menu or file manager if someone knows what they’re doing. Hiding apps is primarily for convenience and basic privacy, not foolproof security.
Unhiding Apps on Samsung A20
To unhide apps, simply reverse the steps you used to hide them.
- Built-in Launcher: Go back to “Home screen settings” -> “Hide apps” and deselect the apps you want to unhide.
- Secure Folder: Remove the apps from Secure Folder.
- Third-Party Launcher: Use the launcher’s settings to unhide the apps.
Finding Hidden Apps
If you forget which apps you’ve hidden, try these methods:
- Search in Settings: Go to your phone’s settings and use the search function to find the app by name. If it’s hidden, it should still appear in the search results, and you can then unhide it.
- Check Secure Folder: If you used Secure Folder, open it and see if the app is located there.
- Review Launcher Settings: If you used a third-party launcher, check its settings to see which apps are hidden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a built-in vault feature on the Samsung A20 to hide apps?
The Samsung A20, depending on the One UI version, doesn’t always have a dedicated “vault” feature for apps in the same way some higher-end Samsung models do. However, the Secure Folder, if available, effectively serves this purpose by creating a separate, encrypted space for apps and files.
Does hiding apps delete them from my phone?
No, hiding an app does not delete it. It simply removes the app icon from your home screen and app drawer. The app is still installed on your phone and can be accessed through settings or file manager.
Can I hide pre-installed apps on my Samsung A20?
Yes, you can usually hide pre-installed apps using the built-in launcher settings. However, some system apps may not be hideable. Third-party launchers may offer more options for hiding pre-installed apps.
Will hiding an app prevent it from running in the background?
Hiding an app does not prevent it from running in the background. If you want to prevent an app from running in the background, you need to disable its background data usage or force stop it in the settings.
Is using Secure Folder the most secure way to hide apps?
Yes, using Secure Folder is generally the most secure way to hide apps on a Samsung A20. It creates a separate, encrypted storage space that requires a password or biometric authentication to access.
Does hiding apps affect app updates?
No, hiding apps does not affect app updates. Apps will still be updated automatically through the Google Play Store, even if they are hidden.
How do I know which apps are hidden on my Samsung A20?
The easiest way is to go to the Home screen settings -> Hide apps section. Any apps that are selected are currently hidden.
Can I hide apps without using a third-party launcher?
Yes, you can hide apps without using a third-party launcher by using the built-in launcher settings or Secure Folder (if available).
What happens if I forget my Secure Folder password?
If you forget your Secure Folder password, you may be able to reset it using your Samsung account. However, resetting the password may result in data loss within Secure Folder, so it’s crucial to remember your password.
Does hiding apps drain my battery?
Hiding apps themselves does not significantly drain your battery. However, if the hidden apps are running in the background, they may still consume battery power.
Is there a limit to the number of apps I can hide?
There is generally no limit to the number of apps you can hide using the built-in launcher or Secure Folder. However, using a third-party launcher may have its own limitations.
What should I do if the “Hide apps” option is missing from my home screen settings?
If the “Hide apps” option is missing, your phone’s software version might not support this feature directly. You can try updating your phone’s software or using a third-party launcher as an alternative solution. Also, check if the Secure Folder app is available for download, as this will also hide apps inside.