How to Hide Apps on Samsung Galaxy S26 With Secure Folder

To hide apps on a Galaxy phone, you have two Samsung options: Secure Folder, which keeps apps and files behind a lock, and the Hide apps setting, which only removes icons from your Home and Apps screens. Secure Folder is the stronger choice for privacy. Samsung's pages do not name the Galaxy S26 or One UI 9, so availability and menu wording can vary by model, carrier and software version.

Short Answer

For real privacy, set up Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder and add your apps to it. For a quick, light hide, use Settings from a long-press on the Home screen, then Hide apps on Home and Apps screens. Hidden apps in the second method can still be opened through the Apps screen search bar.

What You Need

You need a Samsung account (you may be asked to sign in) and a PIN, password or pattern for the folder. Check the table below before you start. For Samsung's own walkthrough, see the official Secure Folder guide.

Brand/OS	Minimum version	Supported?	Notes
Samsung One UI (Secure Folder)	Not confirmed	Galaxy S26 / One UI 9: not confirmed on the Samsung pages	Unsupported devices do not show Secure Folder in the Security and privacy menu. The "Lock and exit" option requires Android 16 with One UI 8.
Samsung One UI (Hide apps on Home and Apps screens)	Not confirmed	Documented with Galaxy S25 Ultra screenshots; S26 not mentioned	Screens and settings vary by carrier, software version and model.

Method 1: Hide Apps in Secure Folder

Secure Folder is a locked space for apps and files. Set it up first, then add what you want to protect.

Open Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder.
Tap Continue and allow the permissions.
Sign in to your Samsung account if asked.
Create a PIN, password or pattern.
Turn on Reset with Samsung account so you can recover the folder if you forget the lock.
Open Secure Folder and tap Add apps (the plus sign).
Tap the app you want, then tap Add.

You should see the app inside Secure Folder, behind your lock.

Adding an installed app creates a separate copy that can use a different account. To keep an app only in Secure Folder, uninstall the original from the Apps screen. You can also tap Download from Play Store or Download from Galaxy Store inside the folder to install an app straight into it.

Method 2: Hide Apps on the Home and Apps Screens

This removes icons without moving the app. It is convenient but not secure.

Touch and hold an empty spot on the Home screen.
Tap Settings.
Tap Hide apps on Home and Apps screens.
Tap the apps you want to hide.
Tap Done.

The icons disappear from both screens. Anyone who types the app name into the Apps screen search bar can still open it, so these apps are not fully hidden.

Method 3: Hide Files and the Secure Folder Icon

To move photos or other files, touch and hold a file in Gallery, tap More, then tap Move to Secure Folder. You can also open Secure Folder, tap More options (three dots) > Add files.

To hide the Secure Folder icon itself:

Open Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder.
Turn off Add Secure Folder to Apps screen.
Tap Hide to confirm.

Alternatively, swipe down with two fingers to open Quick Settings and tap Secure Folder. To disguise instead of hide, open Secure Folder, tap More options > Customize, and change the name, color or icon.

Differences by Brand or OS Version

These steps are for Samsung One UI only. Samsung's pages use Galaxy S25-era screenshots and do not describe One UI 9 changes, so menu names may differ slightly on your Galaxy S26. Unconfirmed rumors about a separate App Lock in a later One UI version should not be relied on.

How to Turn It Off or Undo It

Unhide apps (Method 2): open the same Hide apps on Home and Apps screens screen, tap the red minus icon on the app, then tap Done.
Bring back the Secure Folder icon: open the Quick Panel, tap the pencil tool, tap Edit, swipe left to find Secure Folder, then tap Done. You can then tap the icon to show or hide the folder.
Remove Secure Folder: go to Secure Folder settings > More settings > Uninstall. Back up your files first.

Tips

Keep Reset with Samsung account on, or a forgotten lock can lock you out.
Never clear Secure Folder data under Settings > Apps; it erases everything in the folder.
Uninstall the original app after copying it if you want the app to stay only in Secure Folder.
If you forget the lock, tap Forgot PIN on the lock screen after a wrong entry and enter your Samsung Account password.

Not Working?

If Secure Folder is missing from Security and privacy, your device or software version may not support it. Samsung says screens and settings vary by carrier and software version, so the menu may sit in a slightly different place on your model. If your phone is stuck after an update, see Galaxy S26 Stuck After One UI 9 Update: XML Error Fix.

FAQ

Are apps hidden with "Hide apps on Home and Apps screens" private?

No. Samsung notes they can still be opened by typing the app name in the Apps screen search bar. Use Secure Folder for real privacy.

Does Secure Folder move my app or copy it?

It creates a separate copy that can use a different account. Uninstall the original from the Apps screen to keep the app only in Secure Folder.

Is this confirmed for Galaxy S26 and One UI 9?

Not confirmed. Samsung's pages do not list supported devices or One UI versions, and say screens and settings vary by carrier, software version and model.

Last updated: November 10, 2026. Steps checked against Samsung One UI support pages (Galaxy S26 / One UI 9 not confirmed).