hide apps from apps

[Rgarner]

I have to share a phone, and sometimes an app ends up accidentally removed. Is there any way to prevent this? I'm already using the premium version of Nova Launcher, but it apparently can't hide apps from Apps in settings.

 

[Dannydet]

Oh yes you can with Nova.
Go-to settings, app & widget drawers, scroll down to hide apps, and then check the app box you wish to hide.

 

[Rgarner]

Thanks, but I've done that and it doesn't actually protect them from being uninstalled in settings. They still show up, with the ability to be uninstalled, except if they're bloatware, of course. Oddly enough, though, one such app did disappear, or maybe not. There is a music app, Deezer, that I wanted to get rid of but couldn't. Therefore I disabled it. Eventually it disappeared even from Nova's list of hidden apps, but it shows up as disabled in settings' app list.

 

[The_Chief]

I don't know of any way to protect an installed app from being uninstalled... if a user installs an app, it would be reckless to have an option for that app to be uninstallable. I can imagine hackers and malware developers having a great time with that - install an app, it grants itself administrator privileges and you can never uninstall it? Nope. Ain't happening.
If you have a recent Samsung phone with Secure Folder, you can have an app installed in that folder. It's protected by Knox and is a whole separate app drawer from the main app drawer... only you would know what is in it, and only you can access it. As already stated, there are also apps in the Play store that can hide apps... but unless you can make an installed app a system app, it can be uninstalled.

 

[Leon Marco]

If the person you share the phone with uses only one app you could try pinning it. That way only that will be usable and nothing ​else can be opened.

 

[Daniel Fernandes]

And in Android 6.0.1 there is an option for multiple users..!

 

[Rgarner]

Does ZTE have a version of Secure Folder, or is there something similar available? That sounds as if it would be a great idea. Also, how do I find the multiple user feature in Android?

 

[bcrichster]

Does ZTE have a version of Secure Folder, or is there something similar available? That sounds as if it would be a great idea. Also, how do I find the multiple user feature in Android?

Look for something called an app locker, that requires a password/code. AVG antivirus has some options you can use.. Also Nova Launcher + Prime has an app hiding folder as well.