A power user’s security and privacy tool

Hide App is a free app that does exactly what it implies. It makes it easy to hide apps from view on your home screen or app drawer, and even lets you hide them behind PIN-based password locks. It does all of this with no ads and minimal fuss, and doesn’t overextend itself into other aspects of your device.

Solving the problem at the root

The only problem is, of course, that it requires root. “Root” is a type of permission that requires you to tinker with your device and unlock the highest level of administrator privileges (which you as the user don’t have by default). It’s sometimes called “jailbreaking”. The app itself is fantastic at what it does, make no mistake, and is exactly as advertised, but it requires you to root your phone. This is almost completely safe, but at the same time, it is almost never manufacturer-supported, and can itself be a security risk if you don’t understand its implications.

The best way isn’t always easy

So if you prefer to play it safe and don’t want to bother with rooting as described above, it’s probably a good idea to look at alternatives to Hide App. But Hide App is perfect if you’re a power user, and have already rooted your phone or are willing to do so.