In this guide, we will show you the steps to hide apps on your Android device via Private Space. The ability to hide your apps from the app drawer has been a feature that many OEMs [including the likes of Samsung and OnePlus] have provided for ages. However, for us Pixel users, this has been among the most requested features for ages.
Till now, had to opt for a third-party app or launcher to get this job done, neither of which was the most viable or feasible approach. Fortunately, we no longer have to be dependent on third-party services, if the latest Google testing is to be believed, signs of which could be found in Android 14 QPR Beta 2. Dubbed as Private Space, here’s everything you need to know about the same.
Table of Contents
What is Private Space on Android?
Private Space is a new unreleased feature that allows you to hide your preferred apps from the app drawer. By default, it will be present at the bottom of the app listing, though you have the option to completely hide it from the app drawer as well, in which case, you’ll have to search for it to make it visible.
Once the apps are hidden, none of the system settings, including the likes of Settings app, privacy tools, permissions manager, and Privacy Dashboard will be able to access them. Moreover, even the notifications from these apps will be hidden, thereby further enhancing your privacy.
As far as the protection mechanism is concerned, you could either use the same password, pattern, or PIN that is used for the lock screen or set a completely different one [recommended]. However, do note that this feature is currently in the development phase, so it might take at least a few months before being rolled out even for the beta testers [maybe along with Android 15].
How to Hide Apps on Android via Private Space
Do note that the below steps are listed at the time when the feature is still in the development phase. Once the feature is rolled out, there could be a possibility of changes in the below instructions, which we will update accordingly.
- Head over to Settings > Security & privacy > Private Space and tap on Set Up at the bottom right.
- Now, if you want to use the same protection as your lock screen, then tap on Use Screen Lock, else tap on Choose new lock.
- If you also want to hide Private Space from the app drawer, then enable Hide Private Space when Locked.
- To delete the space, just tap on Delete Privacy Space present under Private Space > System section.
Official Documentations Regarding Private Space
Here are some of the important points from the official listings regarding the Private Space feature on Android:
- Tap on Security & Privacy > Private Space > Hide Private Space when locked.
- Search for ‘Private Space’ in the search bar.
- Usage info for Private Space apps is hidden when it’s locked
- Private Space apps won’t appear in the permission manager, privacy dashboard, and other settings when Private Space is locked.
- Notifications from apps in Private Space are hidden when it’s locked.
- You can unlock Private Space the same way you unlock your device, or choose a different lock
So as for now, this is all from the Private Space feature for your Android device. As and when there is any further development surrounding this feature, we will update this post accordingly. Stay tuned!
