How to hide WhatsApp on your smartphone - briefly?
To hide WhatsApp on your smartphone, you can use the built-in app lock feature available on most devices or download a third-party app locker from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This will require a PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication to access the WhatsApp application.
How to hide WhatsApp on your smartphone - in detail?
Hiding the WhatsApp application on your smartphone can serve multiple purposes, whether it's for privacy reasons or simply to declutter your home screen. Here are some detailed methods to achieve this:
For Android Devices:
Method 1: Using the Built-in Feature
- Open WhatsApp: Tap on the WhatsApp icon to open the app.
- Access Settings: Go to the three dots or the menu icon at the top right corner of your screen, and select "Settings."
- Hide Chats: In the settings menu, navigate to "Account" > "Privacy," then enable the option for "Hide recent chats." This won't hide the WhatsApp icon but will ensure that recent chats are not visible on the home screen or lock screen.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Launchers
- Download a Launcher: Install a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, or Microsoft Launcher from the Google Play Store.
- Set Up the Launcher: Follow the on-screen instructions to set the new launcher as your default.
- Hide WhatsApp: In the launcher's settings, look for an option to hide apps. Select WhatsApp from the list of installed applications.
Method 3: Using Guest Mode or User Profiles
- Enable Guest Mode/User Profiles: Go to your device settings and find the "Users" or "Profiles" section. Enable guest mode or create a new user profile.
- Hide WhatsApp in Guest Mode: In the guest mode, you can remove the WhatsApp icon from the home screen. This method ensures that only the primary user has access to WhatsApp.
For iPhone Devices:
Method 1: Using the Built-in Feature (Offload App)
- Open Settings: Go to your device settings.
- Navigate to Storage & iCloud Usage: Tap on "General" > "iPhone Storage."
- Find WhatsApp: Scroll down to find WhatsApp in the list of apps.
- Offload App: Select WhatsApp and tap "Offload App." This will remove the app but keep your data. To reinstall, simply go to the App Store and download it again.
Method 2: Using Restrictions (Screen Time)
- Set Up Screen Time: Go to Settings > Screen Time. If you haven't set this up before, tap "Turn on Screen Time."
- Create a Passcode: Follow the prompts to create a passcode.
- Hide WhatsApp: Under "Content & Privacy Restrictions," tap "Apps." You can then select "Don't Allow Apps" or choose specific apps to restrict, including WhatsApp.
General Tips:
- Backup Data: Before hiding or deleting the app, ensure you have backed up your chats and media.
- Check for Updates: Regularly update your operating system and apps to benefit from the latest features and security patches.
By following these steps, you can effectively hide WhatsApp on both Android and iPhone devices, maintaining your privacy and organizing your smartphone more efficiently.