Mobile devices are the door to a very personal digital vault. The Private information What happens through cell phones is completely confidential, especially when you are in constant contact with social networks.
Personal photos are at risk of being vulnerable online. Security and privacy are two aspects that have been improved over the years. Continuous advances in technology provide extra protection for personal information that is stored on mobile devices.
To prevent them from falling into the hands of unwanted users, there are security pins, patterns, facial and finger recognition, and the function of hide important files on mobile.
What are the benefits of hiding some applications from our Android?
The main benefit of hiding your multimedia files, keys, documents and applications is protect your privacy. When the device is in the hands of others, they will most likely want to snoop around in your private life.
They can probably evade screen lock, decipher your pattern, or find out the security one. For that reason, hiding files is the last line of defense to protect sensitive information that you do not want to share with prying eyes, which could jeopardize your private affairs.
Fortunately, Android devices have tools that allow you to hide your files such as messages, photos and videos. In addition, it is also possible to download applications and launchers specialized in keeping more valuable documents hidden and secure.
Steps to hide photos and videos from the gallery of your Android mobile
Hide photos and videos from gallery your device is a simple task. Some Android mobiles allow you to apply a filter on your information without the need to download an application:
With the gallery
You can enter the gallery of your device. Then, select the image or video you want to hide, click on the options button; or more, and press "Hide".
Some devices have a hidden album to store your personal photos. Select the photo, press "Add to album" and then press "Hidden album".
With file manager
Also, smart phones have file managers. Applications with which you can have a better organization of all multimedia content.
You must select the file, then press "Plus", and finally press "hide". In this way, you will be protecting private information from the curious who may take your mobile. However, there are other applications on Android with which you can also protect your private files.
With Google Photos
Google PhotosAs its name implies, it is an application that is responsible for creating backups of your photos, videos, GIFs, and other multimedia files. If sync is on, copies of your hidden photos and videos are likely to appear here.
Unfortunately, Google Photos does not have the function of hiding documents. However, it is possible to archive them; which serves as a fix. Access the application. Select the copies. Press the options button that appears in the upper right corner as three dots.
Two options are displayed:
- Delete from device.
- Move File.
Press "Move file". The photo or video will be moved to the "Archive", Which you can find by displaying the app menu, located in the upper left corner.
Learn to hide any application on your Android mobile quickly and easily
In addition to the native tools that Android phones have to hide files, there are also special launchers with which you can carry out the function of hiding applications. Examples of this are: Nova Laucher and Action Launcher.
With Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is one of the most popular launchers available on Google Play. It offers multiple interface customization options, among which the ability to hide applications stands out:
- The procedure is simple and fast. Go to "Nova Settings". Then select "Applications". Find the option "Hide applications". A list will be displayed where you can hide the apps you want.
- Otherwise, to show hidden apps again, go to "Nova Settings". Press "Applications" and then "Hide applications".
With Action Launcher
Action Launcher It is Nova's main competition. The launcher offers customization options, along with the ability to hide applications. However, this is possible only with the paid version:
- To access the "Settings", you must long press on any free space on the home screen. A small menu will be displayed.
- In the menu, you have to locate the section "Application box". Then press "Hidden Applications". You must check the apps you want to hide. To make them visible again, uncheck the box in "Hidden applications".
List of the best Android launchers to hide any app
Nova and Action aren't the only launchers you can find in the Android app store. To keep your apps' private information in a safe place, you need to install a secondary launcher. Among the best available are:
Evie Launcher
The pitcher Evie is a lightweight app, fast and easy to use. Its interface resembles the Samsung launcher. You can review all your applications from one place, establish shortcuts, access instant navigation, remove apps, create new folders and options.
You also have the option to customize icons, backgrounds, and better organize your home screen. Furthermore, since "Settings", you can hide the applications that you want not to leave in sight. Touch and hold any free space on the home screen to access the settings. Then go to the section "Hide applications". A list of all apps will appear. You should only mark those that you do not want to appear.
In the same way, to avoid showing them in the search bar, activate the option of "Hide from search", or "Hide from search".
Apex Launcher
The best choice if you want a smooth and simple interface, it is Apex Launcher. The free system launcher offers you the possibility to choose between various personalization themes, such as icons, animations, backgrounds, contacts and other device features.
In addition, it has an application manager, quick search and backups. Similarly, you can block and hide apps to protect your private information.
You must access "Settings" and select "Application Drawer Options". Then press "Hidden Applications". Choose which apps you want to show and which ones to hide on the device.
Lawnchair Launcher
The latest version is Lawnchair 2, and like the rest, it is available on Google Play. It has different customization tools, such as a flexible desktop, automatic dark mode, notification points, adapt icons, among many other options.
Like other system launchers, it also has the ability to hide apps from the home screen. You need to press and hold an empty space in the app drawer.
In the next menu, select the option "Edit" and then turn off the visibility of apps you don't want to show.
APUS Launcher
Original themes and backgrounds, elegant screen design, application accelerator, device cleaner and RAM, smart center, battery saver and smart folders are just some of the customization options it offers Apus Launcher.
On the other hand, it can also hide apps and block access for unauthorized users. There are two ways in which you can hide the applications on your device:
- First, swipe two fingers up on the screen. The option to "Hide Apps". Then select those apps that you don't want to show. Also, you have the possibility to block apps by means of security passwords.
- Another way to access the hidden applications section is to enter "Apu Launcher Settings". Then select "Hide apps". Press the plus symbol (+) and disable visibility. As an added feature, you have the option to configure a pattern to protect hidden applications.
Microsoft Launcher
It is a system launcher developed by Microsoft Corporation. The great advantage of the launcher is that it allows you to make transitions from an Android device and the computer. In this way, you can organize your content and review the multimedia files on your mobile, at any time, from the PC.
Microsoft Launcher It also offers a wide range of options to customize the interface of the Android device. For example, it provides quick access to the calendar, to-do list, and quick notes.
Likewise, you can adapt the font size, have quick access to the news section and Microsoft's universal search bar. Among other functions, it also allows you to hide applications.
In the upper right corner of the app drawer is the menu button. Access that section and then select "Hidden Applications". Immediately, a menu will appear with all the apps installed on the device. You can individually mark each application that you want to hide. By this means, you can also re-enable visibility when you need it.
Security and privacy should not be overlooked. Protect your privacy by hiding your important files!