To hide an app on a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Home screen > Hide apps on Home and Apps screen, select the app, and tap Done. This removes its icon from the Home and Apps screens; it does not uninstall or lock the app.
Hide an app from the Home and Apps screens
- Open Settings and tap Home screen.
- Tap Hide apps on Home and Apps screen.
- Select the app or apps you want to hide.
- Tap Done.
Samsung’s current India instructions use this Settings route. Menu names and entry points can vary by Galaxy model, software version, and region. If you do not see the setting, search Settings for “Hide apps.” You can also try touching and holding an empty area of the Home screen, then tapping Settings. Samsung’s US and Australian guides document that shortcut; its UK guide describes a route through the Apps screen’s More options menu and then Settings. Samsung India’s hide and unhide guide and Samsung US app-management instructions show the setting and alternate entry point. For model-specific instructions, consult Samsung support for your device and software version.
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What hiding an app does—and does not do
Hiding removes the app’s icon from the Home and Apps screens, but leaves the app installed. As Samsung US puts it, “This won’t remove the app from your device, but it will remove the icon so you don’t accidentally select it.” It is therefore useful for decluttering or reducing casual visibility, not for securing the app or its contents.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A hidden app may still be discoverable through the Apps screen search. Samsung Canada says searching the app’s name can show it in results; selecting the result can open the app page with an Open option. The search bar’s position can vary by model, software version, and personal settings. Samsung Canada’s app-management guide describes this behavior.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Unhide an app
- Open Settings > Home screen > Hide apps on Home and Apps screen (or use the same alternate entry point you used to hide it).
- In the hidden-app list, deselect the app. Depending on the interface, this may appear as a red minus control.
- Tap Done. The app icon will return to the Apps screen.
The hide and unhide controls are reversible; the app remains installed throughout. Samsung’s UK guide also documents the Apps screen menu route, including guidance related to pre-installed apps.
When Secure Folder is a better fit
If you want a separate space for selected apps or files rather than simply removing an icon, consider Secure Folder. Samsung describes adding apps and files to Secure Folder and hiding the folder itself from the Home and Apps screens on supported devices. Availability and steps vary by device, so check Samsung’s Secure Folder guide for your model. Secure Folder is a distinct feature; hiding an app with the Home screen setting does not move it into Secure Folder.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Choose the option for your goal
| Option | What it does | Best suited to | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hide apps on Home and Apps screens | Removes the app icon from those screens without uninstalling the app. | Decluttering or reducing casual visibility. | Samsung Canada says the app may still appear in Apps screen search. |
| Secure Folder | Provides a separate area for selected apps and files; the folder itself can be hidden on supported devices. | Keeping selected apps or files in a separate space. | Availability and steps vary by device; this is not the same as hiding the original app icon. |
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