Poco M3 is one of the buzzing smartphones under the budget range, which provides an incredible deal in terms of features and price. Among these amazing features is that it allows app hiding, which can be suitable to ensure privacy and declutter the home screen or it can also save that sensitive information. This article will show you all the ways to hide apps on the Poco M3 from built-in features to third-party apps, while explaining each method’s pros and cons.
1 Introduction
1.1 A Brief Overview of the Poco M3
Poco M3 made its debut in November 2020. It creates a perfect juggling act between performance and price. The main specifications include:
Display: 6.53 inches; FHD+ LCD
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB/128GB, expandable via microSD
Battery: 5000 mAh with 18W fast charging
Camera: Triple rear camera setup (48MP + 2MP + 2MP).
The Poco M3 nests multiple features suitable for a casual user and also for power users. It also has the option to hide apps that can even be used much more in its privacy management features and the user interface customization.
1.2 Significance of Hiding Apps
Applications can be hidden for the following purposes:
Privacy: Hide sensitive or private applications from other people’s eyes.
Clutter Management: It keeps your home screen clean by hiding apps that are not used on a daily basis.
Security: It provides the extra layer of security, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access these types of apps.
2. Hiding Applications with Built-In Tools
For example, the Poco M3 comes installed with MIUI, which also has built-in ways of hiding apps. This will be straight and thus wouldn’t require the need for third-party applications. Here is a step-by-step guide to using these features:
2.1 Using App Drawer to Hide Apps
To find the App Drawer: Swipe up the home screen to have access to the app drawer
To enter App Drawer Settings: Click on the three dots or gear icon usually to be seen at the upper right corner of the app drawer.
Now Select “Hide Apps”: Look for the option labeled “Hide apps.” Select it.
Choose Apps to Hide: A list of all installed apps gets opened. Check the boxes next to the apps you want to hide.
Confirm: Tap on “Done” or a similar confirmation button to execute the changes.
The apps selected will now be hidden from the app drawer. To use the hidden apps, you have to go back to “Hide apps” settings and uncheck them.
2.2 It uses App Lock Feature.
Poco M3 comes along with App Lock in which you can lock certain apps with a password, fingerprint, or pattern. No app-hiding facility it attaches, but the level of security increases.
Open Settings: “Settings” application should be visited. Tap “Apps”: Click “Apps” or “App Lock”. App Lock Enable: Following the instructions in order to set up App Lock using password, fingerprint, or pattern. Select Apps to Lock: Select the apps you want to protect with App Lock.
Apps which are under the protection of App Lock will require password or pattern authentication for the opening of these applications. This can very effectively limit entrance unauthorized entrance.
3. Hiding Apps Using Third-Party Applications
Third party applications can give their users many beautiful features for additional special or advanced hiding. Here, some are favorite third-party applications to hide apps on the Poco M3:
3.1 Nova Launcher
Nova Launcher is a personalized launcher wherein much features including hiding apps.
Nova Launcher Installation: Get Nova Launcher Download from Google Play Store.
Set as Default Launcher: Open Nova Launcher and follow the instructions to set it as default launcher on your device.
Access Nova Settings: Tap and hold home screen and select either “Settings” or “Nova Settings”.
Proceed to App Drawer Settings: Then you press “App & Widget Drawers”.
Select “Hide Apps”: Then select the “Hide Apps” mode.
Choose Apps to Hide: Choose the apps to hide then click ok.
It will not be found in the app drawer but could still be found through a search or direct shortcut, if made.
3.2 App Hider
App Hider is essentially an app that is tailor-made to hide apps where it also hides App Hider itself.
Set up App Hider Install App Hider: Download App Hider from the Google Play Store or other trusted sources.
Setting It Up: Open the application and follow the directions to set things up. There may be a prompt requiring you to give permission for hiding apps.
Add the Apps to Hide: Select which apps you’d like to hide within App Hider.
Use Hidden Space in App Hider: Apps hidden in App Hider won’t show on the main screen but can be accessed using App Hider’s interface.
3.3 Vaults Calc
Calculator Vault is one such app that pretends to be a calculator, but it actually acts as a vault for hiding apps and files.
Install Calc Vault: Install Calc Vault from the Google Play Store.
Set up Calc Vault: Start up the app and set a password or personal identification number (PIN).
Hide Apps: Calc Vault’s interface is used to throw apps, files, and other contents into hiding.
The disguise keeps it even safer, since few people may even think of discovering the hidden apps.
4. Advanced Methods and Considerations
4.1 Using Secure Folders
Some Android smartphones, like the Galaxy S10, support the “Secure Folder” feature, making it simple to save and hide apps and files. Since the Poco M3 does not have Secure Folder as a built-in feature, users can easily access similar features by installing third-party applications.
4.2 Hiding Apps Considerations
Security: Hiding apps can be useful in terms of privacy, but it is not guaranteed security. Such confidential information should be dealt with an application’s strong encryption as well as a strong security feature.
Backup: Usually back up your device to secure data from system resets or application failures.
Updates: Ensure that app and system software are regularly updated to give access to the latest security patches and features.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
5.1 Apps Not Hiding
If apps are not hiding as expected:
Check App Permissions: Ensure that the app used for hiding apps has the necessary permissions to modify your home screen or app drawer.
Restart Device: Sometimes, a restart can resolve issues with app visibility.
Update Apps: Ensure that the app used for hiding apps is updated to the latest version.
5.2 Hidden Apps Not Accessible
If you cannot access hidden apps:
Verify Hiding Method: Double-check the method used for hiding apps to ensure it was correctly applied.
Reconfigure Settings: Go back into the app hiding settings to reconfigure or unhide apps.
5.3 App Hider Not Working
If a third-party app for hiding apps is not functioning:
Reinstall the App: Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app to resolve any issues.
Check for Conflicts: Ensure that no other apps or settings are conflicting with the app hiding functionality.
6. Conclusion
Hiding apps on the Poco M3 does great for managing privacy as well as decluttering your home screen and protecting sensitive elements within. With built-in features or third-party applications- options are available to everyone on how much of an app she/he wants to hide:
6.1 Summary:
Bear in mind that the built-in features: App drawer and App Lock for hiding basic apps only and other security purposes. Install other third-party application launchers like Nova Launcher and App Hider or calculators such as Calculator Vault, which have a host of stealing features for advanced hiding purposes. Common problems concerning granting of permissions to apps device restarts and updates.
6.2 Recommendations
For Ideal App Hiding:
Choose the Right Method: Select the right method tailored to meet one’s preferred privacy solutions and usability needs.
Regularly Peruse Hidden Apps: One should review the hidden apps at regular intervals so that he/she does not lose track of what he/she has hidden.
Be Updated: Be updated on the latest improvements and newly cropping applications as they relate to app hiding features and security.
This guide takes you through completely and essentially involving how to manage apps safely and effectively hide them in your Poco M3, ensuring high levels of privacy with a better user experience.