Modern smartphones are becoming a repository of a huge amount of personal information, from correspondence in instant messengers to financial applications. Owners of Huawei and Honor devices often wonder how to restrict outsiders' access to certain apps without completely removing or blocking the screen itself. The model Honor 10i, running the EMUI shell, has built-in tools for solving this problem, which do not require installing third-party software.
The hiding applications function allows you to remove the icon of the selected app from the main screen and from the menu of all applications, making it invisible to casual glance. This is especially true if multiple family members share the phone or if you often lend the device to friends. It is important to understand that hiding the icon is not a complete password lock, but serves as an excellent first level of privacy protection.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions to activate this function on your device. You will learn how to configure access to hidden apps and what are the nuances of the EMUI interface in different firmware versions. Follow the instructions to ensure the proper level of privacy for your data.
Preparing the system and checking the EMUI version
Before you begin setting up your privacy, you need to make sure that your software is up to date. The interface EMUI is constantly updated, and the location of some menu items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. Go to your phone settings and find the Systemsection to check for updates.
Make sure your device has a password or pattern to unlock the screen. The hiding apps feature is closely linked to the owner's profile, so you may not be able to activate it without screen protection installed. This is a basic requirement system securitythat cannot be ignored.
It is also worth freeing up some RAM by closing background applications. Although the hiding process does not require large resources, stable operation of the system ensures that the settings are saved correctly without errors or interface freezes during configuration.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may differ depending on the regional firmware version and year of manufacture of the device. If you do not find the described items, check for system updates in the official menu or contact the manufacturer's support service to clarify the specifics of your model.
Activating the hiding mode of applications through the settings
The main method of hiding apps on Honor 10i is implemented through the standard settings menu. This method is the most reliable and does not require superuser rights. To begin, open the main settings menu of your smartphone and scroll down the list to the section responsible for security and privacy.
Find the item named Privacy or Security. Inside this section you will need to find the option Hide applications. In some firmware versions, this item may be called “Hide Icons” or be located in the “Application Lock” subsection. Click on this item to go to the list of installed apps.
The system may ask for identity confirmation. Enter your screen unlock password or scan your fingerprint. This is necessary so that an outsider cannot change the privacy settings after gaining short-term access to the phone. After confirmation, you will see a complete list of all installed utilities.
☑️ Check before hiding
In the list that opens, you will see switches opposite each application. Activate the toggle switch next to the app you want to make invisible. As soon as you switch the lever, the icon will instantly disappear from the desktop. Don't forget to press the button Save or Applyif such a button is provided in your version of the interface.
Setting access to hidden apps
After that Once you have hidden the necessary utilities, a logical question arises: how to launch them now? On Huawei and Honor devices there is a special mechanism for calling up the hidden space. It is usually activated by typing a special gesture or code on the dial screen or in the search bar.
The standard access method involves using gestures on the main screen. Try making a sweeping gesture with two fingers from the center of the screen to the edges (as if you want to zoom in on the picture). If the function is configured correctly, a special window will open with a list of hidden applications.
In some system configurations, access is provided through the search bar. Enter into the search the name of the hidden application or a special access code that you may have set earlier. The system will require authentication, and only after successfully entering the password or fingerprint will the app launch.
What to do if the gesture does not work?
If the swipe gesture does not open hidden applications, check the gesture settings in the “System” -> “Navigation” section. The feature may have been disabled accidentally or may conflict with other control settings. Also try rebooting the device.”
It is important to remember the login method, since without it you will not be able to use hidden apps. If you forget your password or turn off your access feature, recovery may take time and may require resetting some privacy settings. It is recommended to write down the access code in a safe place.
Alternative methods of protecting data on Honor
If the standard hiding of icons does not seem reliable enough to you, the shell EMUI offers more advanced tools. One such solution is the Private space (PrivateSpace) function. This is a full-fledged isolated user profile inside your smartphone.
Private space works like a second phone inside the first. It has its own separate desktop, its own settings and, most importantly, its own password or fingerprint to log in. You can install applications in this space, and they will be completely invisible in the main profile.
To activate this feature, go to Settings and find the section Private space. The system will prompt you to create a separate password or link a different fingerprint. For example, you can configure the entrance to the main profile with the thumb of your right hand, and to the private space with the index finger of the same hand.
| Function | Protection level | Setting complexity | Visibility in the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiding icons | Low | Simple | Icons are hidden, but data is available |
| Application lock | Medium | Medium | Icons visible, password login |
| Private space | High | High | Full data isolation |
| Guest mode | Temporary | Simple | Temporary access without personal data |
Using Private Space is ideal for storing particularly important documents, photos or financial applications. Even if someone gains access to your main screen, they will not know about the existence of a second profile without a special fingerprint or password.
Using application lock as an add-on
Hiding the icon does not protect the application itself from launching if someone knows how to access the menu of hidden apps. To enhance protection, it is recommended to combine hiding with the Application lockfunction. This will add an additional password entry screen when trying to open a specific utility.
You can activate this feature in the same section of the security settings. Select item Blocking applications and set a separate password or use fingerprint unlocking. Then check the boxes for those apps that should ask for confirmation when launched.
Even if an attacker finds a way to display a hidden icon (for example, by resetting the launcher settings), he will not be able to open the application itself without additional code. This creates a two-layer security system that makes it much more difficult for unauthorized people to access your data.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use too simple passwords like “1234” or “0000” to block applications. Attackers often check these combinations first. It is better to use a complex pattern or a long digital code.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
When using the hiding function, users may encounter a number of technical nuances. Sometimes, after a system update, privacy settings may be reset and hidden applications will become visible again. In this case, the procedure must be repeated.
Another common problem is the disappearance of hidden application widgets. If you put a calendar or notes widget on your Home screen and then hide the main app, the widget may stop updating or work incorrectly. This is due to the fact that the system limits the background activity of hidden processes.
It is also worth considering that notifications from hidden applications may still be displayed in the notification shade. To completely hide the fact that the app is being used, you need to go to the notification settings of a specific application and block the display of content on the locked screen.
If you have forgotten the password for hidden applications, try logging into your Huawei ID account. In some firmware versions, it is possible to reset the privacy password through account verification if this function has been activated in advance.
In rare cases, third-party launchers installed from the Play Market may conflict with the built-in hiding function. If you are using a non-standard desktop, it is recommended to temporarily switch to the standard EMUI launcher to set up privacy, and then return to the familiar interface.
Combining hiding icons and locking applications with a password creates the most effective protection of personal data on Honor 10i without the need to install third-party software.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hide system applications on Honor 10i?
It is usually impossible to hide critical system applications (for example, “Phone”, “Messages”, “Settings”) using standard system tools. The list of apps available for hiding is limited to user applications and some pre-installed utilities that do not affect the operation of the OS.
Will a person see hidden applications in the battery usage settings?
Yes, in the section Battery -> Charge consumption hidden applications can be displayed in the list of processes if they were actively working in the background. However, the name of the application will be visible, but you will not be able to launch it from there without unlocking.
What will happen to hidden applications when resetting to factory settings?
When performing a Hard Reset, all settings privacy, including lists of hidden applications and passwords, will be removed. After turning on, the phone will be in the “out of the box” state, and all icons will be visible by default.
Is it possible to hide an application if it is installed on an SD card?
The hiding function works regardless of where the application is stored. Whether it is internal memory or a memory card, the system controls the display of the icon at the software interface level, so the location of the files does not matter.
How to remove an application from the hidden list back?
To do this, you need to go to the privacy settings again, enter the password and uncheck the box or switch next to the desired application. After saving the changes, the icon will instantly return to the main screen or to the menu of all applications.