Quick take:

• Disable bloatware or apps you don’t use: Settings → Apps → [app] → Disable (can re-enable later). Google HelpAndroid

• Hide apps (launcher feature): Samsung: Home screen long-press → Settings → Hide apps. Xiaomi/HyperOS: Settings → Apps → App Lock → Hidden apps. SamsungCroma

• Let Android auto-tidy unused apps: Settings → Apps → Unused apps (auto-revoke permissions, stop background activity, free temp files). Google HelpAndroid

⚠️ Before you start

• Disabling stops an app from running/appearing, but doesn’t uninstall it; you can Enable it later. Some system apps can’t be removed and may be required by other features. Google HelpAndroid

• Menu names vary slightly by phone/Android version.

Method 1 — Disable an app (stock Android path)

1. Open Settings → Apps → See all apps.

2. Tap the app you want to turn off.

3. Tap Disable → confirm. (You can later tap Enable to undo.) Google HelpAndroid

Why use this: Keeps the app out of your drawer and prevents it from running without fully uninstalling—handy for preinstalled/bloatware. WIRED

Method 2 — Hide apps (no uninstall/disable)

Samsung (One UI)

• From the Home screen, press & hold → Settings → Hide apps → select apps → Done. This hides them from the Home screen/app drawer without disabling. Samsung

Xiaomi / HyperOS (and many MIUI builds)

• Settings → Apps → App Lock → Hidden apps → set a passcode if prompted → choose apps to hide. (Wordings can vary by model/region.) Croma

Note: Some stock launchers (e.g., Pixel) don’t offer a native “Hide apps.” Use Disable (Method 1) or separate profiles/guests instead.

Method 3 — Let Android manage unused apps automatically

Android can optimize apps you haven’t used in a while by revoking permissions, stopping background activity, silencing notifications, and deleting temporary files.

• Check it at Settings → Apps → Unused apps.

• You can also toggle “Remove permissions and free up space if app isn’t used” per app. Google HelpAndroid Developers

Undo / where to find things later

• Re-enable a disabled app: Settings → Apps → [app] → Enable. Google Help

• Unhide on Samsung: Home long-press → Settings → Hide apps → deselect app. Samsung

• Unhide on Xiaomi/HyperOS: Settings → Apps → App Lock → Hidden apps → unselect app. Croma

FAQs

Disable vs. Uninstall?
Disable turns the app off and removes it from the launcher; Uninstall removes it entirely. Some preinstalled apps can only be disabled. Google HelpAndroid

Is hiding secure?
Hiding is for tidiness/privacy; it doesn’t sandbox the app. For sensitive content on Samsung, consider Secure Folder; otherwise choose Disable. Samsung

What exactly happens to “unused apps”?
Android may auto-revoke granted permissions, stop background activity/notifications, and clear temp files after long inactivity. Google Help