Guide: How to Hide Apps on Lenovo Tab M10, M8, and Android Devices

In this guide, we’ll explain how to hide apps on Lenovo Tab M10, M8, and other Android devices using various methods, including both standard options and additional software.

Android device manufacturers (such as Google, HTC, Lenovo, and Xiaomi) often preload branded apps that many users rarely use. While these built-in apps can’t be uninstalled via standard methods, you can hide them to remove their icons from the home screen and reduce memory usage by disabling updates.

Additionally, you might need to hide apps to keep certain chats or photos private. This can help conceal app icons for messaging, social media, or Gmail from prying eyes.

How to Remove a Mobile App from the Menu

We’ll share the simplest method for removing apps from your menu without fully uninstalling them. The app will still work in the background, and you’ll continue receiving notifications, which you can click to reopen the app.

Let’s take a Samsung Galaxy as an example:

1. Open Settings on your Android.
2. Select Display, then Home Screen and Screen Settings.
3. Alternatively, open the app list and find Home Screen Settings via the menu button.
4. In the opened list, tap Hide Apps.
5. Select the apps you want to hide from the menu and click Apply.

The chosen apps will no longer appear on your Android home screen but will continue running. To make them visible again, follow these steps and simply uncheck the hidden apps.

Hide Icons via the App Panel

On Android 15 and above, there’s a built-in feature for hiding app icons. To use it:

1. Open the App Panel. Look for the round or square symbol with several squares inside, where all installed games, utilities, and other apps are listed.
2. Open the Apps tab at the top of the display.
3. Access the advanced options menu, usually located at the top-right or bottom-right/left corner of the screen.
4. Select the icons you want to hide from your Android home screen.
5. Confirm by tapping Done.

To unhide these apps, follow the same steps but uncheck the programs you want to bring back to the screen.

How to Disable an App

You can disable unnecessary apps that consume your device’s resources. Disabled apps won’t run, even in the background. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings on your Android.
2. Open the Apps or Application Manager section (the name may vary depending on your OS version).
3. In the list, select the apps you want to disable.
4. Tap the Disable button.
5. Confirm by tapping OK.
6. If prompted, allow the app to roll back to its original version by tapping OK; this step is necessary to disable the app fully.

To enable the app again, go to Settings > Disabled section and activate the app you want.

Hiding Apps via Third-Party Software

If you need to hide an app so it continues operating without appearing on your phone's screen or menu, the built-in operating system options might not be enough.

One solution is to install a launcher—an app that customizes your interface—and use its features to hide apps. This method works for Android versions 15 and above, which support these utilities. Below are some popular launchers and instructions for hiding apps.

Apex Launcher

You can download Apex Launcher here. After installing and running Apex Launcher, follow these steps:

1. Open Apex Settings.
2. Go to App Menu Settings (if available in the launcher) and then select Hidden Apps.
3. Choose the apps you want to hide and tap Save.

In Apex Launcher, even its icon can be hidden. To make it visible, uncheck the option, which allows you to control the visibility of both the launcher and the hidden apps.

Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher is another user-friendly option for hiding apps. It may require root access, which you can obtain using these methods.

Download Nova Launcher here.

To hide apps using Nova Launcher:

1. Open the App Panel.
2. Go to Nova Settings > App Menu > Groups in App Drawer.
3. Tap Hide Apps.
4. Select the apps you want to hide and return to the main screen. The changes will save automatically.

Hide it Pro (Hide Pictures)

Hide it Pro allows you to hide pictures, music, videos, and other files and apps. Additionally, it provides the option to set a password for specific apps. Note that root access is required to use Hide it Pro.

To clean up your home screen with Hide it Pro, follow these steps:

1. Launch the app (found as Audio Manager in the app menu). Press and hold the icon to open it.
2. Set a password and enter an email address as prompted; then the main menu will open.
3. Tap the Hide Apps icon.
4. The app will ask for permission to install a plugin. Agree to this, and note that root access will be required.
5. Open the All Apps section.
6. Select the apps you want to hide and tap OK.

Download Hide it Pro

Smart Hide Calculator

Smart Hide Calculator is another tool for hiding private data. Disguised as a calculator, it protects your hidden content with a password. Root access is also necessary to use this app.

To hide apps with Smart Hide Calculator:

1. Download and open Smart Hide Calculator.
2. Navigate to the Freeze Apps section.
3. Select the apps you wish to hide and confirm.
4. To unhide apps and bring them back to the home screen, use the Un-freeze Apps option.