Managing the visual component of a smartphone based on EMUI or HarmonyOS is a task faced by many device owners Huawei. Often there is a need to remove unnecessary elements from the desktop, hide confidential applications from prying eyes, or simply bring order to the chaos of icons. Unlike the stock one, the shell from the Chinese manufacturer offers its own, sometimes unobvious algorithms for working with icons. Android, the shell from the Chinese manufacturer offers its own, sometimes non-obvious algorithms for working with icons.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from simply removing shortcuts to using built-in privacy functions. You'll learn how to disable the display of notifications on icons, hide system icons in the status bar, and use the Hidden Apps mode. This will not only improve the aesthetics of the interface, but also increase the security of personal data.
It is important to understand that shell versions are constantly updated, so the menu layout may vary slightly on different models. For example, on Huawei P30 Pro and new Huawei Mate 60 the path to the settings may vary. If you do not find the item you need, check the latest instructions in the manufacturer's official support or in the "Support" application on your device.
Deleting shortcuts and working with folders
The easiest way to clean up the desktop is to delete an unnecessary application shortcut. However, many users confuse deleting the application itself and deleting only its icon. In the ecosystem Huawei these processes can lead to different results depending on the launcher settings. To remove an icon, you need to press on it and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds.
After this, a context menu will appear or the icon will begin to “shake”. A basket with the inscription Delete or a cross usually appears at the top of the screen. Dragging an icon into this area will remove the shortcut from the current screen. If an application is installed from a third-party source, it may remain in the list of apps, but disappear from the main screen.
Folders are used to group items. Creating a folder helps hide many icons under one general name. It is enough to drag one icon onto another for the system to automatically create a container. You can rename the folder by clicking on the name and change the background color in the appearance settings.
- 📱 A long press activates the desktop editing mode.
- 🗑️ Dragging to the trash bin deletes only the shortcut, not the app.
- 📁 Folders allow you to compactly store up to 20-30 applications in one place.
If you accidentally deleted an important shortcut, you can always get it back from the general application menu, called up by swiping up on the screen.
The “Hidden Applications” function in the privacy settings
For those who want to completely hide certain apps from prying eyes, EMUI a special function is provided. It allows you to move selected applications to a protected area, which can only be accessed through a special gesture or password. This not only hides the icon, but also blocks the application from launching without authorization.
To activate this option, go to the Settingssection, then select Security or Privacy. In the list of options, find the line Hidden applications. Here you will be asked to set a password or use biometric data to access the hidden space.
Once configured, you can check the boxes for those apps that you want to hide. Their icons will disappear from the general list and from the desktop. To access them, you need to open the standard "Phone" or "Gallery" application (depending on the firmware version) and enter a special code, or use the pinch gesture in the application menu.
⚠️ Attention: Forgotten passwords for hidden applications can lead to loss of access to the data inside them. Resetting is only possible through an account Huawei IDif it was linked in advance.
Alternative login method
On some firmware versions, access to hidden applications is carried out by dialing a pin code in the dialing field (for example, #1234#), after whereupon the system automatically switches the interface.
Disabling notification icons (Badges)
Red circles with numbers on application icons (badges) are often distracting and create visual noise. In the interface settings Huawei you can flexibly control their display. You can disable them globally for all apps or configure them individually for each service.
Go to Settings → Notifications and status bar → Notification icons. Here you will see a switch for general shutdown. If you want to leave notifications only for messengers and remove them for games, use the list of applications below. Select the desired app and uncheck the item Allow notification icons.
It is also worth paying attention to the display style. Some versions HarmonyOS dots are used instead of numbers. It looks more aesthetically pleasing and less aggressive. Switching between styles is carried out in the same notification settings menu, if this option is supported by your software version.
| Indicator type | Description | Where it is configured |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers (Badges) | Shows exact number of unread events | Notification settings |
| Dots | Simply signals the presence of new events | Icon style |
| None | Full hiding activity indicators | Application permissions |
Disabling badges does not block the notifications themselves in the curtain, it only removes the visual marker from the icon on the desktop.
Hide system icons in the status bar
Top panel of the smartphone (status bar) is often overloaded with various symbols: Bluetooth, NFC, alarm clock, airplane mode. Users Huawei can configure which indicators will be constantly displayed and which ones will disappear. This is especially true for models with bangs or a cutout for the camera, where space is limited.
To manage these elements, follow the path Settings → Notifications and status bar → Icon display. Here is a complete list of system services. By turning off the toggles next to the names, you remove the corresponding symbols from the top of the screen.
It is worth noting that critical icons such as battery level or The cellular network signal cannot be hidden. This is done to provide basic information to the user about the status of the device. However, the icons of third-party applications that try to gain a foothold in the status bar can be disabled through the settings of these apps themselves.
- 🔇 The silent mode icon can be hidden if it is not needed constantly.
- 📶 Internet speed indicators (up/down) often get in the way and are easily turned off.
- 🔒 The lock icon (screen rotation) disappears automatically when the orientation is unlocked.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding the NFC icon may cause you to forget that contactless payment is turned on, which theoretically reduces security if you lose your phone.
☑️ Checking the status bar
Using third-party launchers for customization
If the built-in capabilities EMUI are not enough for you, you can install a third-party launcher from AppGallery or Google Play. Popular solutions such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcherprovide advanced tools for hiding icons, creating gestures and changing the desktop grid.
After installing a new launcher, the system will prompt you to make it the default application. In the settings of a third-party launcher there is often a section Hidden applications or Drawer Groupswhere you can create private folders. Some launchers allow you to completely change the appearance of icons, making them transparent or replacing them with empty containers.
Using third-party software gives more freedom, but may consume more RAM. On older models Huawei this may slow down the interface. Therefore, before installing heavy launchers, it is recommended to evaluate the technical characteristics of your device.
Launcher compatibility
Not all third-party shells work correctly with the fingerprint unlock function on older Huawei models. Check reviews before installation.
Specific settings for different versions of EMUI and HarmonyOS
The interface and logic of the menu have changed significantly with the release HarmonyOS. If you have a device with version EMUI 10 or lower, the paths to the settings may differ from the current ones. HarmonyOS 3.0/4.0. In the new versions, the emphasis is on services Huawei and integration with the smart home ecosystem.
The "Service Widgets" function has appeared, which partially replace traditional icons. Swiping up on an application icon opens a mini-app, which allows you to remove unnecessary shortcuts altogether, leaving only access to functions through widgets. This is a modern trend in interface design HarmonyOS the “Service Widgets” function has appeared, which partially replace traditional icons. Swiping up on an application icon opens a mini-app, which allows you to remove unnecessary shortcuts altogether, leaving only access to functions through widgets. This is a modern trend in interface design Huawei.
Also in the new firmware, work with folders has been improved: now you can launch applications from a folder without opening it completely. Just click on the small icon inside the collapsed folder. This saves screen space and allows you to keep more apps available without cluttering the space.
Is it possible to hide the carrier icon on the lock screen?
Yes, this can be done in the lock screen settings. Go to Settings → Screen and brightness → Lock screen and disable the operator or time display, if such an option is available in your software version.
What to do if After hiding, the application stopped receiving notifications?
Check your power consumption settings. Hidden applications are sometimes more aggressively optimized by the system. Go to Settings → Battery → Running applications and allow background work for the desired app.
How to return a deleted system application icon?
System applications cannot be completely removed without root access. Find the application in the general list (swipe up), click on it and select Add to home screen. If the item is not there, reset the launcher settings in the application menu.
Does hiding icons affect the performance of the smartphone?
No, visually hiding icons does not affect processor performance or the amount of RAM. This is an exclusively cosmetic change to the launcher interface.