How to hide WhatsApp on your phone from prying eyes on Android?

How to hide WhatsApp on your phone from prying eyes on Android - briefly?

To hide WhatsApp from prying eyes on an Android device, you can use the built-in app lock feature or third-party apps like AppLock or Norton App Lock. These tools allow you to set a PIN or password to open WhatsApp, providing an extra layer of security.

How to hide WhatsApp on your phone from prying eyes on Android - in detail?

Hiding WhatsApp on your Android device can be crucial for maintaining privacy and preventing unauthorized access. Here are several methods you can use to achieve this:

Using Third-Party Apps

There are numerous third-party apps available in the Google Play Store that can help you hide WhatsApp from prying eyes. These apps work by creating a separate layer on your device, allowing you to hide specific applications behind a password or PIN. Some popular options include:

  1. Nova Launcher: This is a highly customizable launcher that allows you to hide apps easily. To use Nova Launcher:

    • Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
    • Open Nova Launcher and go to the app drawer.
    • Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner and select 'Hide Apps'.
    • Choose WhatsApp from the list of apps and confirm your selection.
  2. App Hider: This app allows you to create a secret space within your phone where you can hide apps like WhatsApp. To use App Hider:

    • Download and install App Hider from the Google Play Store.
    • Open App Hider and set up a password or PIN for access.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to add WhatsApp to your secret space.

Using Built-in Features

If you prefer not to use third-party apps, there are built-in features in some Android devices that allow you to hide apps:

  1. Samsung Devices: Samsung devices come with a built-in feature called 'Secure Folder'. To use Secure Folder:

    • Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
    • Navigate to 'Biometrics and security' or 'Lock screen and security'.
    • Tap on 'Secure Folder' and follow the setup instructions.
    • Once set up, you can add WhatsApp to the Secure Folder by tapping on the '+' icon and selecting WhatsApp from the list of apps.
  2. Huawei Devices: Huawei devices come with a feature called 'PrivateSpace'. To use PrivateSpace:

    • Open the Settings app on your Huawei device.
    • Navigate to 'Security & Privacy' and tap on 'PrivateSpace'.
    • Follow the setup instructions to create a PrivateSpace.
    • Once set up, you can add WhatsApp to the PrivateSpace by tapping on the '+' icon and selecting WhatsApp from the list of apps.

Using Widgets

Another method to hide WhatsApp is by using widgets:

  1. Create a Blank Widget: You can create a blank widget on your home screen that looks like a regular app but opens a different application when tapped. To do this:
    • Long-press on an empty space on your home screen to bring up the widget menu.
    • Select 'Widgets' and then choose 'Activity'.
    • Choose WhatsApp from the list of apps. This will create a blank icon that opens WhatsApp when tapped.

Using File Managers

Some file managers allow you to hide apps by renaming their APK files:

  1. ES File Explorer: To use ES File Explorer:
    • Download and install ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
    • Open ES File Explorer and navigate to the 'Local' storage.
    • Find WhatsApp in the list of apps and rename it by adding a '.' at the beginning of the name (e.g., '.WhatsApp'). This will hide WhatsApp from view but not uninstall it.

Conclusion

Hiding WhatsApp on your Android device is a straightforward process with numerous methods available. Whether you choose to use third-party apps, built-in features, widgets, or file managers, there's a solution that suits your needs and preferences. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively hide WhatsApp from prying eyes and maintain your privacy.