Before You Begin: How to Change the Default Launcher
When you install a new app launcher, you must make it the default on your device. Otherwise, when you use the home button, your device will return to the default system launcher.
Open the Settings app > tap on Home Screen settings > change the default launcher after installing one from the Play Store.
Also Read: How to change default launcher on OnePlus devices.
1. Lean Launcher: Simple Launcher With Essentials
Lean launcher is a simple launcher that comes with just the essentials. It is designed to function just like the stock Android app launcher. It includes a feature to hide apps, and here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Download and install Lean Launcher from the Google Play Store. Set up the launcher with your preferences.
Step 2: Then, tap and hole anywhere on the home screen and select Home Settings.
Step 3: Select Edit Apps and select Hide Apps. You will find a list of apps installed on your device, and you can hide the ones you want.
Pros
- A lightweight app – fast and responsive even on older devices.
- The launcher supports various gestures, such as double-tap to lock, and more.
- The launcher offers light and dark theme options.
Cons
- Being an open-source project, it might not receive updates as frequently as others.
- The interface looks outdated.
Price: Free
2. Action Launcher: Feature-Rich Stock Android Launcher
While Action Launcher also looks and feels like a stock Android launcher, it does offer a tonne of customization features. Here’s how to hide apps on it.
Step 1: Install Action Launcher from the Google Play Store, and finish the setup. Tap and hold anywhere on the home screen, select Settings, and tap on App Drawers.
Step 2: Then select Hidden Apps, and select the apps you want to hide. Don’t forget to tap the checkmark icon at the top left when you’re done.
Pros
- Offers several customization options.
- Looks and feels like a stock Android launcher.
- You can import your app layout from an existing launcher on your device.
- Offers gestures to trigger controls quickly, and features on your device.
Cons
- Ads and pop-ups to buy the premium version can get annoying.
- The launcher may feel slow and crash on a lower-end Android device.
Price: Free; In-app purchases: $4.99 onwards
Also Read: Best Samsung One UI launcher tips and tricks
3. Smart Launcher: Sort Apps Uniquely
Smart Launcher is one of the most feature-rich launchers available on Android. It offers a unique approach to view apps as it sorts them by categories – such as productivity, utilities, games, etc. Here’s how to hide apps on it.
Step 1: Download and install Smart Launcher from the Google Play Store. Set up the launcher, and tap and hold anywhere on the home screen.
Step 2: Swipe up to see all settings, and select Security and Privacy. Tap on Manage Hidden apps, and hide all the apps you want.
Pros
- The launcher has a unique interface that you’d like if you want to move away from the stock Android launcher.
- Several options to efficiently organize your apps on the app drawer.
- The launcher’s search bar helps you find apps, contacts, quick actions, and web results.
Cons
- You might take time to get used to the launcher and its default layout.
- Many of its features are paid; I frequently encountered pop-ups asking me to purchase the premium version.
Price: Free; In-app purchases: $0.49 onwards
4. Microsoft Launcher: A Productivity Focused Launcher
Microsoft Launcher is a feature-rich app launcher developed by the makers of Windows. It contains a slew of features to improve your productivity.
Step 1: Install and open the Microsoft Launcher app on your phone. Set it up as your default launcher.
Step 2: Long press on any empty space on the home screen and select Launcher Settings.
Step 3: Go to Home screen followed by Hidden apps. Tap on Hide apps and select the apps you want to hide. Tap on Done.
Pros
- A feature-rich launcher with a refreshing user interface, but doesn’t break away from the familiarity of stock Android.
- The feed displays important information such as reminders, calendar events, and notifications at a glance.
- Quick gestures help you trigger actions and shortcuts easily.
Cons
- The launcher may get resource-hungry on older Android devices and crash.
- The default wallpapers bundled with the launcher are mediocre.
- You might find the home screen cluttered if moving from a simple launcher such as Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, etc.
Price: Free
Also Read: What is an app drawer in Android and how to use it optimally
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