Does hiding apps delete them from my phone?

No. Hiding an app only removes it from view — from your home screen or launcher grid. The app remains fully installed with all its data, settings, and notifications intact. You can restore it anytime.

Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone?

No jailbreak is required. Private Me uses Apple's official Screen Time API — specifically the FamilyControls and ManagedSettings frameworks. This is the same technology Apple uses in its own Screen Time parental controls. It's completely safe and within Apple's guidelines.

Do I need to root my Android device?

No root is required. The Android launcher is built entirely using standard Android APIs. It works on any unmodified Android device running Android 5.0 or later.

What iOS version is required for app hiding?

iOS 16.0 or later is required. On iOS 26 and above, apps hide instantly with one tap. On iOS 16 through 25, a one-time guided setup is needed to collect app identifiers before hide mode can be activated.

What is the difference between Shield Mode and Hide Mode on iPhone?

Shield Mode keeps app icons visible on your home screen but blocks access — tapping the app shows a system blocking screen instead of opening it. Hide Mode fully removes apps from the home screen and Spotlight search results. Both modes are activated and deactivated instantly from Private Me.

Can I still use my hidden apps?

Yes. On iOS, open Private Me and deactivate Shield or Hide Mode to restore access immediately. On Android, go to the Hidden Apps section inside Private Me to launch any hidden app directly, or tap Unhide to restore it to the launcher grid.

Does Android app hiding work if I switch to a different launcher?

No. Apps are only hidden when Private Me is your active default launcher. If you switch to another launcher, your hidden apps will reappear. To exit the Private Me launcher, you must pass a password verification inside the app.

Are hidden apps still visible in Settings?

Yes. On both iOS and Android, apps remain visible in the system Settings app. App hiding affects your home screen and launcher visibility only — it does not remove apps from the system app list.

App Privacy & Protection

Hide & Protect Apps on iPhone and Android

Keep sensitive apps out of sight. Use Apple's official Screen Time technology on iOS to shield or hide apps from your home screen. On Android, hide apps from your launcher grid with our custom launcher. No jailbreak. No root. Fully reversible.

Download Private Me How It Works

No JailbreakNo RootFully ReversibleiOS 16+Android 5.0+

What App Protection Means

Private Me gives you real control over what appears on your home screen — through technically accurate, platform-specific protection methods.

Block App Access

On iOS, activate Shield Mode to block access to selected apps. Apps stay visible but display Apple's system blocking screen when tapped. Ideal for quick access restriction.

iOS only

Hide Apps from View

Remove apps from view entirely. On iPhone, apps vanish from the home screen and Spotlight search. On Android, apps disappear from the launcher grid.

iOS & Android

Always Reversible

No permanent changes to your device. Unblock or unhide any app instantly from Private Me. Your apps remain installed and all data is preserved.

iOS & Android

iPhone — iOS 16+

Two Protection Modes for iPhone

Private Me uses Apple's official FamilyControls and ManagedSettings frameworks — the same Screen Time technology built into iOS. Requires one-time Screen Time authorization.

Protection Mode 1

Shield Mode

Block App Access

Apps remain on your home screen but are blocked with Apple's system-level shield overlay. When you tap a shielded app, it shows a blocking screen instead of opening.

App icons stay visible on your home screen
Tapping shows Apple's system blocking screen
Activate and deactivate instantly
Uses Apple's official ManagedSettings framework

Protection Mode 2

Hide Mode

Remove from Home Screen

Apps disappear completely from your home screen and Spotlight search results. This is true app hiding — apps are not deleted, just hidden from view.

Apps removed from home screen and Spotlight
Apps remain installed with all data intact
Select apps using Apple's native app picker
iOS 26+: instant activation · iOS 16–25: one-time guided setup

Requires Screen Time permission — iOS shows a one-time system authorization prompt. After approval, full app hiding and blocking features are available.

Requires iOS 16.0+ · Uses FamilyControls & ManagedSettings · No jailbreak required

Android 5.0+

Custom Launcher Hiding for Android

Private Me becomes your home screen launcher, giving you control over which apps appear in the grid. Set as default launcher once — then hide any app in seconds.

How It Works

1Set Private Me as your default Android launcher
2Long-press any app icon → select "Hide App"
3App disappears from the launcher grid instantly
4Access hidden apps anytime from the Hidden Apps section
5Exit launcher with password verification when needed

Launcher Features

Password-protected launcher exit
Multi-select: hide multiple apps at once
Hidden Apps screen: launch or unhide any app
Search bar to find apps quickly
Customizable dock with favorite apps
Works on Android 5.0+ (API 21+)

Important Note

Apps are hidden from the Private Me launcher only. They remain visible in Android Settings → Apps, and will reappear if you switch to another launcher. Switching launchers requires password verification inside Private Me.

Requires Android 5.0+ · No root required · Must be set as default launcher

Platform Comparison

iOS vs Android — What's Different

The two platforms use completely different technologies. Here's an honest comparison.

Feature	iPhone (iOS)	Android
Hiding Method	Screen Time API — system level	Custom Launcher — app level
Home Screen Hiding	✓ Full hiding	✓ Launcher grid only
Spotlight Search	✓ Also hidden	—
Shield (Block) Mode	✓ Available	—
Permission Needed	Screen Time authorization	Set as default launcher
Minimum OS Version	iOS 16.0+	Android 5.0+
No Jailbreak / Root	✓ Official Apple APIs	✓ Standard Android APIs
Reversible	✓ Instant	✓ Instant

Who Uses This

Protect What Matters Most

From personal privacy to everyday convenience — here's why users choose Private Me for app protection.

Banking & Finance

Keep banking, investing, and payment apps hidden from anyone who picks up your phone.

Health & Wellbeing

Hide personal health, therapy, or relationship apps that you'd prefer to keep private.

Lending Your Phone

Quickly block or hide private apps before passing your device to a friend or family member.

Work–Life Balance

Hide work apps during personal time, or shield social apps during work hours.

Minimal Home Screen

Create a clean, distraction-free home screen by hiding apps you rarely use.

Child Safety

Shield specific apps from children using your device, without full parental controls.

FAQ

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about hiding and protecting apps with Private Me.

Still have questions?

Contact Support

Start Hiding Apps Today

Take control of what appears on your home screen. Download Private Me for iPhone or Android and set up app hiding in minutes.

Download App See All Features

Hide & Protect Apps on iPhone and Android

No JailbreakNo RootFully ReversibleiOS 16+Android 5.0+

Feature

iPhone (iOS)

Android

Hiding Method

Screen Time API — system level

Custom Launcher — app level

Home Screen Hiding

✓ Full hiding

✓ Launcher grid only

Spotlight Search

✓ Also hidden

—

Shield (Block) Mode

✓ Available

—

Permission Needed

Screen Time authorization

Set as default launcher

Minimum OS Version

iOS 16.0+

Android 5.0+

No Jailbreak / Root

✓ Official Apple APIs

✓ Standard Android APIs

Reversible

✓ Instant