A crowded smartphone desktop is not just visual noise, but also a real cause of decreased productivity. When dozens of shortcuts accumulate on the screen, finding the right application becomes a task with an asterisk. Many users are wondering: how to remove unnecessary icons without deleting the apps themselves? Fortunately, the operating system provides several flexible tools for organizing space. Android Dozens of shortcuts accumulate, finding the right application becomes a task with an asterisk. Many users are wondering: how to remove unnecessary icons without deleting the apps themselves? Fortunately, the operating system provides several flexible tools for organizing your space.
There are many scenarios when you need to temporarily or permanently hide an icon. For example, you want to hide the application from the prying eyes of children or simply clean up the interface for a minimalist design. It is important to understand that the methods for solving this problem differ radically depending on the firmware version and the installed launcher. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, from built-in functions to advanced methods via a computer.
Using the built-in functions of the launcher
Most modern smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and Honor come with their own shells, which already have the function of hiding applications. This is the safest and simplest method that does not require the installation of third-party software. Typically, this option is located deep in the desktop settings or in the security settings.
To access the settings, you need to long press on an empty area of the screen or go to the launcher settings menu. In the interface One UI from Samsung, the path looks like this: Settings → Home screen → Hide applications. After selecting the desired apps, they disappear from the main screen and from the application menu, remaining accessible only through the search or a special section.
It is worth noting that on some devices, for example in pure Android (Pixel, Motorola), this function may not be available "out of the box". In this case, the system only offers to create folders or remove a shortcut from the desktop, but not completely hide it from the menu. If you do not find the corresponding item in the settings, most likely, your manufacturer has not implemented this feature at the system level.
- 📱 On Samsung smartphones, hidden applications can be found by entering the name in the search or creating a protected folder.
- 🔒 On Xiaomi devices (MIUI/HyperOS), the function is often called “Hidden applications” and requires setting a password or fingerprint for access.
- 🚫 On pure Android without third-party launchers, completely hiding icons from the menu is impossible using standard means.
Remember that when you hide applications through the launcher settings, notifications from them may no longer appear in the curtain, depending on the device model. This is a useful feature for those who want to completely disable the visual presence of a app without deleting it.
Removing a shortcut from the desktop without uninstalling
Often users do not need to hide the application completely, but simply free up space on the home screen. In this case, it is enough to remove the shortcut itself, leaving the app installed on the system. This method works on 100% of devices, regardless of model and software version.
The procedure is simple: find the icon on the desktop, hold it with your finger until vibration or an action menu appears. Then drag the icon to the top of the screen, where the text Delete or the trash can icon will appear. It is important not to confuse this action with the item Delete an application, which is usually located just below or requires confirmation.
After performing this operation, the icon will disappear from the home screen, but will remain available in the general list of all apps (App Drawer). You can return it back at any time by finding the app in the menu and dragging it to an empty space. This is the perfect compromise for organizing space without losing functionality.
If you accidentally delete an important shortcut, don't panic. Go to the general application menu, find the app you need and simply drag it back to the desktop.
Some launchers allow you to group shortcuts into folders automatically. If you have a lot of similar apps, try creating a themed folder, such as Finance or Games, and moving less-used icons there. This will visually unload the interface without requiring complete hiding of elements.
Hide through security settings and guest mode
For those who want to ensure data confidentiality, Android offers more radical methods related to user profiles. Guest mode or the creation of a second space allows you to completely isolate a set of applications from the main profile.
Guest mode is activated through the notification shade or menu Settings → System → Multiple users. By switching to this mode, you will get a clean desktop where you can install only those applications that you want to see. The main profile with all your data will remain hidden behind the lock screen.
On devices from Xiaomi and some other brands there is a “Second Space” function. This is essentially a second phone inside one device with a separate set of shortcuts, passwords and accounts. Switching between spaces occurs using a fingerprint or a special code, which makes hiding applications as secure as possible.
⚠️ Attention: When using guest mode or a second space, make sure you remember the password or pin code to log in. Resetting this data may result in loss of access to the hidden profile and the data within it.
Using multiple profiles also helps separate work and personal applications. You can leave instant messengers and social networks in the main profile, and move your work tools to the guest profile, so as not to be distracted in your free time.
Using third-party launchers
If the standard interface of your smartphone does not allow flexible control of the visibility of icons, the best solution would be to install a third-party launcher. Popular solutions, such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcheroffer advanced customization options.
In Nova Launcher, for example, the function of hiding applications is implemented very conveniently. Just go to Nova Settings → App Drawer → Hidden Apps and select the necessary elements. They will disappear from the general list, but they can be launched through gestures or search. This gives complete control over what the user sees.
Some launchers offer a password-protected Secret Folders feature. By placing shortcuts there, you will hide them not only visually, but also limit access to the launcher. This is especially true for financial applications or personal galleries.
| Launcher | Hide function | Password protection | Setting complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Yes (in settings mailbox) | No (requires plugin) | Medium |
| Microsoft Launcher | Yes (Privacy folder) | Yes (biometrics/PIN) | Low |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Yes (Hidden Applications) | Yes | Low |
| Lawnchair | Limited | No | High |
☑️ Select launcher
When installing a new launcher, the system may request permission to use it by default. Confirm this choice to have the new interface replace the standard one. If you don't like the new launcher, you can always remove it, and the system will return to the factory appearance settings.
Advanced method: disabling via ADB
For advanced users who want to achieve maximum minimalism or hide system applications that cannot be removed in the usual way, there is a tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to hide shortcuts and even disable system components without root access.
First you need to enable USB Debugging in the menu For Developers. Then connect your smartphone to your computer and enter the command to hide a specific component. The command syntax is as follows:
adb shell pm hide --user 0 com.example.package.nameReplace com.example.package.name with the real package name of the application you want to hide. You can find out the package name through special inspector applications or in the developer settings. After executing the command, the shortcut will disappear and the application will go into the "hidden for the current user" state.
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires caution. Disabling critical system components (for example SystemUI or Phone) may result in device inoperability or loss of communication. Always check the package name before entering the command.
To bring the application back, use a command with a parameter unhide:
adb shell pm unhide --user 0 com.example.package.nameThis method is especially useful for removing pre-installed adware (bloatware), which the manufacturer does not allow you to remove using standard means. By hiding such an application, you will free up space in the menu and prevent it from running in the background.
How to find the package name?
Install an application like "App Inspector" or "Package Name Viewer". Launch it, find the desired app in the list, and you will see its unique identifier, for example com.whatsapp or com.google.android.youtube.
Restoring hidden applications
Sooner or later, you may need to return the hidden shortcut to a visible place. The recovery process depends on how you hid the application. If you used the built-in functionality of the launcher, you just need to go to the same settings and uncheck the desired item.
In the case of third-party launchers, the procedure is similar: go to the settings of the launcher application, find the section with hidden elements and restore their visibility. If you used guest mode, simply switch back to the main user profile.
The most difficult case is hiding via ADB. Here you cannot do without connecting to a computer. You will need to enter the command unhideagain that we talked about above. If you have forgotten the name of the package, you can display a list of all hidden applications with the command:
adb shell pm list packages -dRestoring applications hidden via ADB is only possible if you have access to a computer with installed drivers and platform tools.
Do not forget that after resetting the phone to factory settings (Factory Reset), all hidden applications will return to a visible state, since the launcher settings and parameters ADB will be cleared. This is worth considering when selling a device or transferring it to another user.
Frequently asked questions
Does hiding a shortcut affect the operation of application notifications?
In most cases, no. The application continues to run in the background, receiving messages and updating data. However, if you used the complete shutdown method via ADB or some specific power saving settings, notifications may not arrive until you activate the app again.
Is it possible to hide system applications (Settings, Phone) without root?
No, using standard launcher tools, the system protects critical components. However, using ADB commands, you can hide the shortcuts of many system applications, making them inaccessible from the menu, although the services themselves will continue to run in the background.
Will the application data disappear if I hide its shortcut?
Absolutely not. Hiding a shortcut is only a cosmetic change to the interface. All data, cache, logins and application settings are saved in the device’s memory in full.
Why did my hidden applications appear again after updating Android?
Major system updates sometimes reset the launcher settings or change the package structure. In this case, you will need to go through the hiding procedure again through the settings or repeat the ADB commands.