How To Hide Apps On Moto G Pure

Many Android users, including those with the Moto G Pure, find themselves wanting to tidy up their app drawer or keep certain apps private. The Moto G Pure doesn't have a built-in, dedicated app hiding feature like some other phones. However, there are still effective methods you can employ to achieve a similar outcome.

Method 1: Disabling Apps

Disabling an app effectively removes it from your app drawer without uninstalling it. This is useful for pre-installed apps you can't uninstall but don't want cluttering your phone.

Here's how to disable an app on your Moto G Pure:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Apps & notifications.
3. Tap on See all apps.
4. Find the app you want to hide and tap on it.
5. If the app can be disabled, you'll see a Disable button. Tap it.
6. Confirm your decision by tapping Disable app or OK in the confirmation prompt.

The app will now be hidden from your app drawer. To re-enable the app, repeat these steps and tap the Enable button instead.

Practical Application: Disable pre-installed bloatware you never use. This keeps your app drawer clean and focused on the apps you actively need. For example, if you never use the pre-installed Google Play Movies & TV app, disable it.

Tip: Disabling an app prevents it from running in the background, potentially saving battery life.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Launchers

Third-party launchers offer much more customization than the stock Android launcher, including the ability to hide apps.

Here's how to hide apps using a third-party launcher (using Nova Launcher as an example):

1. Install a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store (e.g., Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher).
2. Set the new launcher as your default launcher. You'll typically be prompted to do this when you first open the launcher. You can also do this in Settings > Apps & notifications > Default apps > Home app.
3. Open the launcher's settings. In Nova Launcher, you can do this by long-pressing on the home screen and tapping Settings.
4. Look for an option like App drawer or Drawer settings.
5. Within the app drawer settings, find an option like Hide apps or Hidden apps.
6. Select the apps you want to hide.

The selected apps will no longer appear in your app drawer.

Practical Application: Hide banking apps for a slightly increased layer of security, especially if you share your phone with others occasionally. Also, hide dating apps if you prefer keeping your personal life separate from your work environment while showing your phone screen during a meeting.

Using Nova Launcher for Hiding Apps

Nova Launcher is a popular and feature-rich launcher. The specific steps for hiding apps may vary slightly depending on the version of Nova Launcher you are using, but the general process remains the same.

1. Install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
2. Set Nova Launcher as your default launcher.
3. Long-press on an empty area of your home screen and select Settings.
4. Tap on App drawer.
5. Scroll down and tap on Hide apps.
6. Check the boxes next to the apps you want to hide.
7. Tap the back arrow to exit the settings.

Important Note: Hiding apps using a launcher only removes them from the app drawer. They are still installed on your phone and can be accessed through Settings > Apps & notifications.

Method 3: Using App Cloning Features (If Available)

Some phones have a feature called "App Cloning" or "Dual Apps," which creates a separate instance of an app. You can then hide one of the instances for privacy.

The Moto G Pure itself doesn't natively support app cloning. However, some third-party apps can accomplish this. Proceed with caution when installing such apps, ensuring they are from reputable developers.

If your device did have this feature, here's generally how it would work:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Look for an option like Apps, Advanced features, or Utilities.
3. Find an option like App Cloner, Dual Apps, or Parallel Apps.
4. Select the app you want to clone.
5. Once the app is cloned, you can hide the original app using one of the methods described above (disabling or a third-party launcher).

Practical Application (Hypothetical for Moto G Pure): If your Moto G Pure had app cloning, you could clone your social media or messaging app. Keep one visible for general use and hide the other with a different account for more private communications.

Method 4: Creating Folders and "Hiding" in Plain Sight

While not truly hiding apps, organizing them into folders can make certain apps less visible.

1. Long-press on an app icon on your home screen or in the app drawer.
2. Drag the app icon onto another app icon. This will create a folder.
3. Give the folder a name.
4. Repeat the process to add more apps to the folder.

You can also create a folder on your home screen and move less frequently used apps into it, making them less prominent. Consider naming the folder something innocuous like "Utilities" or "Misc."

Practical Application: Gather all games into a "Games" folder. Place less frequently used system utilities into a folder labeled "System Tools". This declutters your home screen and app drawer.

Method 5: Guest Mode (Limited Availability)

Android's Guest Mode provides a separate profile on your phone. While not specifically hiding apps, it creates a clean environment where only the apps you choose to be available in the guest profile are accessible.

Here's how to use Guest Mode:

1. Pull down the notification shade twice to access Quick Settings.
2. Tap on the user icon (usually in the top right corner).
3. Tap on Guest.

In Guest Mode, you'll need to select which apps you want to be available. Any apps not selected will be hidden from the guest user.

Practical Application: Enable Guest Mode when letting someone else use your phone. They will only have access to the apps you allow, ensuring your personal information remains private. For example, when you need to lend your phone to children to play games.

Limitations: The availability and exact implementation of Guest Mode can vary depending on the Android version and manufacturer customizations.

Considerations and Cautions

• Security: Hiding apps is not a substitute for proper security measures like strong passwords or biometric authentication.
• Accessibility: Remember where you've hidden your apps. If you forget, you may need to reset your launcher settings.
• App Updates: When an app updates, it might reappear in your app drawer if you're using a third-party launcher. You'll need to re-hide it.

Checklist/Guideline

Use this checklist to help you decide which method is right for you and to ensure you successfully hide your apps.

1. Identify apps to hide: Determine which apps you want to remove from view.
2. Choose a method: Select the method that best suits your needs (disabling, third-party launcher, folders, guest mode).
3. Implement the method: Follow the steps outlined above for your chosen method.
4. Test the results: Verify that the apps are hidden as expected.
5. Remember your strategy: Keep track of how you've hidden your apps so you can access them later.
6. Review periodically: Check your hidden apps periodically, especially after app updates.

While the Moto G Pure lacks a dedicated app hiding feature, the methods outlined above offer effective ways to customize your app drawer and enhance privacy. By understanding and applying these techniques, you can create a more organized and secure mobile experience.