The issue of data privacy is becoming increasingly relevant for smartphone owners, especially if the device is used by several people or you are often in public places. You can hide the application icon on smartphones Honor running Android 10 in several ways, starting from the built-in functions of the system and ending with the use of third-party tools. This allows you to protect personal correspondence, banking apps or personal photos from prying eyes without the need to completely lock the entire phone.
The operating system EMUIinstalled on brand devices offers flexible privacy settings, which are often hidden in non-obvious menus. The user may need to not just remove the shortcut from the home screen, but completely remove the application from view during normal use of the interface. We will consider the most effective methods that work specifically on version Android 10, taking into account the specifics of shells Huawei and Honor.
The choice of a specific method depends on the model of your gadget and the firmware version, since manufacturers periodically change the location of menu items. However, the basic principles of working with desktop space and security settings remain unchanged. In this instruction, we will analyze each step in detail so that you can choose the best option for your situation.
Using the built-in hiding function on the desktop
The easiest and fastest way to remove unnecessary icons from view is to use gestures in the standard launcher. On many models Honor with a shell EMUI there is a function activated by pinching your fingers on the main screen. This method does not require the installation of additional software and works at the system level, providing a sufficient level of privacy for everyday tasks.
To activate the hiding mode, you need to unlock the smartphone and go to the main screen, where all the shortcuts are located. Then pinch with two fingers, as if you want to zoom out, and hold them together for a couple of seconds. If the function is supported by your version of the software, a special input field or button for adding apps to the hidden list will appear.
After entering the menu for managing hidden elements, the system may ask you to set a password, pattern or fingerprint to protect access to this section. This is a critical step, since without protection, anyone can easily display hidden icons with the same gesture. Make sure the passcode is secure and different from the screen unlock code.
☑️ Check before hiding
In the window that opens you will see a list of all installed apps. Just check the boxes next to those you want to hide and confirm the action with the “Done” button or similar. Now these applications will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all apps, remaining accessible only through the same pinch gesture and entering a password.
⚠️ Attention: On some global firmware versions or after updating to new security patches, the pinch gesture function may be disabled by the developers. If the menu does not appear, try going to the desktop settings.
Settings through the desktop settings menu
If gestures do not work or the interface of your smartphone looks different, you should turn to the classic launcher settings menu. The path to the required options may differ slightly depending on the specific model Honor, but the logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android 10. This method is more reliable because it does not depend on accidental clicks.
Press and hold your finger on an empty area of the main screen until the context menu appears. At the bottom of the screen or in the pop-up window, find “Desktop Settings” or simply “Settings”. Inside this section, you need to look for an option related to hiding applications, which is often called “Hide applications” or “Hidden applications.”
By clicking on this item, you will be taken to the list of installed software. The same principle applies here: select the desired positions and activate the switch next to them. Some versions EMUI also allow you to hide entire folders or widgets, which significantly expands the possibilities of customizing the interface to suit your needs.
If you do not find the “Hide apps” option in the desktop settings, try updating the “Themes” application or the launcher itself through the AppGallery store, as the function may have been added in a new version.
Access to them will be possible only through the desktop settings or a special gesture, if it was configured earlier. This creates a convenient barrier for prying eyes.
Use of the “Private Space” mode
For users who require the maximum level of data protection, the company Huawei and the brand Honor have implemented a unique feature called “Private Space”. This is not just hiding icons, but creating a completely isolated environment inside the smartphone, working as a second independent phone.
This function is activated through the system settings. Go to the Settings → Privacy → Private space section and click “Enable”. The system will offer to set up a separate login method: this could be a unique fingerprint or a special PIN code, different from the main one.
After setup, you will be able to switch between the main and private space instantly. Simply touch the finger registered to the second profile or enter a special code on the lock screen. In the private space, you install copies of applications that will be completely invisible in the main profile.
| Characteristics | Main space | Private space |
|---|---|---|
| App visibility | All installed | Only selected copies |
| Gallery access | General photos | Isolated gallery |
| Accounts | Main Google/Huawei | Individual accounts |
| Notifications | Always displayed | Hidden in the main mode |
Use Private space ideal for storing financial applications, instant messengers with personal correspondence or work documents. Even if someone gains access to your unlocked phone in the main mode, they will not see any trace of the existence of a second profile without a special access key.
How to transfer data to the Private space?
When you first start, the system will offer to transfer data from the main profile. You can select contacts, messages and apps to copy. However, it is better to reinstall applications within a private space to avoid synchronizing notifications between profiles.
Third-party launchers to expand capabilities
Standard tools do not always meet the needs of advanced users, especially if more flexible control of the visibility of elements is required. In such cases, third-party launchers available in the store Google Play or AppGallerycome to the rescue. They replace the standard interface and offer their own tools for hiding content.
Popular solutions such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Apex Launcherhave built-in functions for hiding applications or allow you to install plugins for this purpose. After installing such a launcher and assigning it as the main one by default, you get access to an extended menu of interface settings.
In the settings of a third-party launcher there is usually a section “Hidden applications” or “App Drawer”, where you can select apps to exclude from the general list. The advantage of such solutions is the ability to customize the appearance of hidden folders, change icons and use additional gestures to access secret content.
However, it is worth considering that installing a third-party launcher may slightly increase RAM consumption and affect the speed of the device on older models. In addition, some system applications Honor may not display correctly or work with restrictions in a foreign shell.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party launchers, the fingerprint function to unlock a specific hidden application may not work correctly or require additional configuration through third-party security utilities.
The "Application Protection" function as an alternative
If your goal is not so much to visually remove the icon as to deny access to the contents of the app, it is worth considering the built-in "Application Protection" function. It does not hide the shortcut completely, but requires authentication every time it is launched, which effectively protects data from unauthorized access.
You can find this option along the path Settings → Security → Application protection. By turning on the switch, you can select from a list those apps that need additional protection. When you try to open such an application, the system will ask for a fingerprint or password, even if the phone is already unlocked.
This method is often combined with hiding icons: the application is hidden in a private space or through gestures, and an additional password is placed inside. This double level of protection makes it almost impossible for an outsider to access information without your knowledge.
It is important to set up notifications for protected applications. By default, the system may hide notification content on the lock screen, which is a good practice. Check the notification settings in the Securitysection to make sure message previews are not displayed.
The combination of hiding the icon and password protection within the application creates a maximum level of security that is not available using only one of these methods.
Possible problems and solutions
When setting up hiding applications, users may encounter a number of technical nuances characteristic of Android 10 and shells Honor. For example, after updating the system, privacy settings may be reset, or hidden applications may unexpectedly appear on the desktop.
A frequent problem is a conflict between several launchers. If you have previously installed third-party shells for testing, make sure that they are completely uninstalled or disabled, as they can intercept gesture control and interfere with the standard hiding mechanism.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that some system applications, such as Phone, Messages or Settings, cannot be hidden using standard methods for security reasons and OS stability. To work with them, you will only have to use the password protection function or private space.
If a hidden application continues to send notifications that are visible on the locked screen, you need to go to the notification settings of a specific application and turn off the display of content. This will not hide the fact that there is a notification, but it will hide the text of the message.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu item names may vary depending on the regional firmware version and the specific security update. If you do not find the described items, check for system updates or refer to the official documentation for your model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hide system applications such as Gallery or Contacts?
Completely hiding critical system applications through the standard menu is often impossible, since they necessary for the phone to operate. However, they can be protected with a password through the “App Protection” function or moved to “Private Space”, where only copies or alternative versions of them will be available.
What will happen to hidden applications when resetting the settings?
When performing a full factory reset (Hard Reset), all privacy settings, including lists of hidden applications and passwords for the private space, will be deleted. The apps will remain installed, but they will become visible, and protection will have to be set up again.
Do hidden apps see my notifications if the phone is locked?
By default, notifications from hidden apps can appear on the lock screen unless additional restrictions are configured. To hide content, go to Settings → Notifications and select the "Hide content" option for sensitive applications or for the lock screen in general.
Is it possible to restore a deleted hidden application?
If you have not deleted the application, but only hid it, it is easily restored through the hidden applications menu. If the app was deleted from the private space or main profile, it will have to be downloaded and installed again from the application store, the data will be lost without a backup.
Does hiding applications work in guest mode?
Guest mode and Private space are different functions. In guest mode, the user does not see your applications at all, but also cannot use their settings. Private space allows you to have a separate set of applications, access to which is protected by a password, which is more convenient for constant use.