In today’s digital age, our smartphones are repositories of personal and sensitive information. From banking details to private messages, our devices often contain data that we want to keep private. One way to enhance your device’s security is by hiding apps from your home screen.
Does all of this seem over-the-top? This relatively simple practice actually offers a myriad of cybersecurity and physical security benefits.
Cybersecurity Benefits of Hiding Your Apps
Hiding apps can significantly enhance your online privacy. If you have apps that contain sensitive information, such as banking apps, health apps, or private messaging apps, hiding them can protect this data from prying eyes. This is particularly useful in situations where you might need to hand over your phone to someone else temporarily, but don’t want them to access your most personal information.
This is also useful when you check your phone in public places. On a public bus, you don’t need the person sitting behind you to know too much about the healthcare provider or rent portals you use.
By hiding apps, you simply add an extra layer of security to your online life. It makes it harder for unauthorized users to find and access these apps, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches. This is also especially important if your phone is lost or stolen; while you wipe it remotely clean, the thief will have a harder time finding the banking or email apps they’re looking for.
Physical Security Benefits to Hidden Applications
Do you share your device with others, such as family members or friends? Then hiding apps can prevent them from accidentally opening apps that contain sensitive information. Even if you trust your mom not to steal from your bank account, you can help avoid awkward situations and protect your privacy by hiding photos and dating apps.
For parents, hiding apps can be a useful tool to manage what children can access on your device. By hiding certain apps, you can ensure that your children do not stumble upon inappropriate content or make unauthorized purchases.
How to Hide Apps
On iPhone:
- Locking an App: Long-press the app icon, select “Require Face ID” (or Touch ID/Passcode), and authenticate.
- Hiding an App: Long-press the app icon, select “Hide and Require Face ID” (or Touch ID/Passcode), and authenticate. The app will move to the Hidden folder in the App Library.
On Android:
- Using Built-in Features: Go to your home screen settings, find the option to hide apps, select the apps you want to hide, and confirm.
- Third-Party Launchers: Some launchers, like Nova Launcher, offer options to hide apps directly from the home screen settings.
Remember to periodically check the apps you have hidden to ensure they are still necessary to keep out of sight. This helps maintain an organized and secure device, and cleans up some space in your storage too!
Conclusion
Protect your phone and all of its applications, hidden or visible on the home screen, by implementing a hard to guess passcode and strong multi-authentication methods, such as a complex passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint recognition.
Make to regularly update your phone’s operating system and apps to the latest versions. Updates often include security patches that protect against new threats.
By taking these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your personal information and enjoy greater peace of mind. Whether you’re looking to protect sensitive data or simply keep your phone organized, hiding apps is a practical and effective strategy!