How to Hide the Android Notification Tray

1. Unlock your Android device and open the Application Launcher. Scroll to the 'Market' icon and tap it to launch the Android Market. Press the magnifying glass icon to open the search bar and type in the name of the app launcher app that you want to install. Press 'Enter.'

2. Tap the listing for the application and touch the button under 'Install.' The button is labeled 'Free' or it displays the price of the app. Touch 'OK' to accept the permissions for the app. Wait for it to download and install on your Android device.

3. Press the 'Home' button after the launcher app has been installed. You will be prompted to select an app to use, either the standard Android application launcher or the app you just downloaded. Touch the check box next to 'Always Use this Application' and tap the icon for the launcher app you downloaded.

4. Press the 'Menu' button and tap 'Preferences' or 'Launcher Settings' (or an equivalent button), depending on the app. Don't tap 'Settings' as this will take you to the main Android settings screen.

5. Tap 'Appearance Settings' or the equivalent for your launcher app and check the box next to 'Hide Notification Bar.' Press the 'Back' button until you return to the Android home screen. The notification tray is now hidden.