How to hide applications on Honor smartphones: all ways to remove icons from the desktop

The smartphone desktop Honor quickly fills with icons - especially if you actively install applications or use duplicate services (for example, two instant messengers or several banking apps). Hide applications on Android can be done using standard shell tools EMUI/MagicOSor using third-party tools or even system commands. But not all methods are equally safe: some can cause applications to malfunction, while others can simply temporarily remove the icon without blocking access to the app through search or settings.

In this article we will look at 7 proven waysincluding hiding through the phone menu, creating hidden folders, using launchers and even system tricks for advanced users. Let us separately dwell on the nuances for different versions (from 10 to 14) and models - from budget ones to flagships. If you are looking for a way not just to remove an icon, but to completely EMUI (from 10 to 14) and models Honor - from budget Honor X6 to flagships Magic V2. If you are looking for a way not just to remove the icon, but completely block access to an application (for example, to control time on social networks), there is a separate section with solutions at the end of the article.

⚠️ Attention: Hiding system applications (for example, com.huawei.android.hsf or com.hihonor.update) may interfere with the operation of the phone. Do not remove or disable apps with the prefix huawei, honor or android in the package name if you are not sure of their purpose.

1. Hiding through the Applications menu (standard method for EMUI/MagicOS)

The simplest and safest method is to use the built-in hiding function in the shell Honor. It works on all models with EMUI 10+ and MagicOSincluding Honor 50, Honor 70, Magic 4 Pro and newer devices. The main plus: the application remains installed, but disappears from the desktop and from the application menu, although it can be found through search.

To hide the icon:

1. Open the application menu (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner (or hold your finger on an empty space screen).
3. Select "Desktop settings" (or "Screen settings" in older versions).
4. Go to section "Hide applications" (Settings → Applications → Hide applications in some firmware).
5. Tick the apps you want to hide and press "Ready".

✅ Pros: does not require superuser rights, is reversible, does not affect the operation of the application.

❌ Cons: the application is still visible in the search (Google Search or Honor Search) and in settings (Settings → Applications).

2. Transfer to a hidden folder on the desktop

If you just need to remove icons from view, but leave quick access to them, create hidden folder. This method does not remove the application from the menu, but visually clears the screen. Suitable for Honor 8X, Honor 9A and other models with the classic launcher.

Instructions:

• 📁 Create a folder: hold your finger on an empty space on the desktop → "Folder" → enter a name (for example, Personal).
• 🔄 Move applications: drag the desired icons to the created folder.
• 👁️ Hide the folder: hold your finger on the folder → "Folder settings" → uncheck "Show title" and select a transparent icon (if available).
• 📍 Move to the corner: drag the folder to an inconspicuous place (for example, on the second screen).

🔹 Alternative: use the folder with gesture to open. For example, in the launcher Nova Launcher (about it below) you can configure the opening of the folder with a double tap or swipe.

How to return a hidden folder if you have forgotten its location?

If you have hidden a folder without a name, find it through desktop editing mode:

1. Hold your finger on an empty space on the screen.

2. by icon "Settings" (gear) → "Desktop settings".

3. Enable the option "Show hidden items" (if available).

4. The folder will appear translucent - tap on it to open it.

3. Using third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Microsoft Launcher)

Standard launcher Honor limited in settings, but third-party shells offer flexible tools for hiding applications. For example, Nova Launcher allows you not only to hide icons, but also to customize gestures, change icons and group apps into folders with a password.

How to hide applications through Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Hold your finger on an empty space on the screen → "Nova Settings".
3. Go to "Applications and widgets" → "Hide applications".
4. Tick the apps you want to hide.
5. Save the settings.

📌 Additional features of Nova Launcher:

• 🔒 Password for folders: use the plugin Nova Launcher Prime to lock folders with a PIN code.
• 🎨 Icon customization: replace application icons with neutral ones (for example, icon TikTok to the calculator icon).
• 👆 Gestures: set up opening hidden applications by swiping up/down.

⚠️ Attention: After deletion Nova Launcher hidden applications will become visible again. If you use this method for privacy, export the launcher settings to a backup (Nova Settings → Backup).

4. Disabling applications through Android settings

If the application is not a system one, you can disable - this will remove the icon from desktop and will stop the app from running in the background. The method is suitable for pre-installed utilities (for example, Honor Club, AppGallery), which cannot be removed using standard means.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper corner → "Show system processes" (if you want to hide the system application).
3. Find the desired application in the list and select it.
4. Click "Disable" (or "Uninstall updates", if the "Disable" button is inactive).
5. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Important: Disabling system applications (for example, com.huawei.android.launcher) can lead to Cyclic reboot of the phone. Before experiments, check the name of the package on the Internet or use Package Name Viewer from Google Play.

Application type	Can it be disabled?	Consequences
Third-party (installed user)	✅ Yes	The icon disappears, the application does not work
Preinstalled (not system)	✅ Yes	The icon disappears, background processes stop
System (with prefix huawei, honor, android)	❌ No (risk of failures)	Launcher failure, interface errors, reboots
System application updates	⚠️ Partially	Return to the factory version

5. Hiding via ADB commands (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Honor Play 5T s EMUI 12), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to disable applications at the system level. This method requires connecting the phone to the computer, but allows you to hide even those apps that are not displayed in the "Hide applications" menu.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB drivers.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number → tap 7 times → return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
• 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (original or high quality).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:

   adb devices

   Make sure the device is detected.

3. Find out the name of the application package (for example, through App Inspector from Google Play).
4. Run the command to disable:

   adb shell pm hide com.example.app

   (replace com.example.app with the real package).

5. To return visibility use:

   adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

Command pm hide works only on Android 8+ and requires rights adb shell. On some firmware Honor (for example, MagicOS 7.1) you may need to first obtain root access or use an alternative command pm disable-user.

Install ADB drivers on PC

Enable USB debugging on Honor

Connect the phone with the original cable

Find out the name of the application package

Check the adb devices command before work-->

6. Installing "secret" applications (for example, Calculator%)

If you need not just to hide the application, but disguise it as another app (for example, hide messenger under the guise of a calculator), use utilities like Calculator%, Hide It Pro or App Hider. These apps create “false” icons that reveal hidden content after entering the password.

Example from Calculator%:

• 📥 Install Calculator% from Google Play.
• 🔢 Open the application and set a PIN code.
• 📎 Tap on the sign "+" → select "Add application".
• 🔍 Find the app you want to hide in the list and confirm adding.
• 🗑️ Remove the original icon from the desktop (or hide it through the launcher settings).

⚠️ Warning: Some antiviruses (for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky) may be recognized by applications such as potentially dangerous due to the masking feature. If you are using a corporate phone, this method may violate company security policy.

7. Complete removal of pre-installed applications (requires root)

If you are ready to take radical measures and have root access, Can remove completely unnecessary applications (including system ones). This method is irreversible and is suitable only for experienced users. For Honor With EMUI utilities like Titanium Backup or Root App Deleter.

How to remove a system application:

1. Get root access (for example, via Magisk).
2. Install Root App Deleter.
3. Open the utility and find the application in the list (use a filter by package name).
4. Tap on it → select "Delete" (not "Freeze!").
5. Reboot your phone.

📌 List of applications that are safe to delete on Honor:

• 🎮 com.huawei.gameassistant — Game Assistant (game assistant).
• 📰 com.huawei.browser — browser Honor Browser.
• 🎵 com.huawei.music —music player.
• 📷 com.huawei.gallery — Gallery (you can delete if you use Google Photos).

❌ What cannot be deleted:

• com.huawei.android.launcher — launcher (will lead to a black screen).
• com.huawei.systemmanager — phone manager (critical for operation system).
• com.hihonor.update — update center (can block OS updates).

🔹 Alternative: Instead of deleting, use the function "Freeze" in Titanium Backup - this will disable the application, but will allow you to restore it if necessary.

How to restore a deleted system application?

If, after removing the system software, the phone becomes unstable, you can return it only through flashing or restoring from a backup TWRP. Standard methods (for example, reinstallation via APK) will not work for system components.

1. Download the full firmware for your model Honor from the official website.

2. Flash the phone via eRecovery or Fastboot.

3. After recovery, do not delete system applications without checking their purpose.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hiding applications on Honor

🔍 Is it possible to hide an application so that it cannot be hidden? find through search?

Yes, but only if completely disable or delete it (see sections 4 and 7). Standard hiding through settings EMUI leaves the application accessible through search Google or Honor. For complete privacy, use launchers with a password (for example, Nova Launcher + Secure Folder) or masking applications like Calculator%.

🔄 What to do if the application stops working after hiding update?

This is normal behavior: applications that are disabled or hidden through pm hide applications do not receive updates from Google Play or AppGallery. To return the ability to update:

1. Enable the application back (through settings or command adb shell pm unhide).
2. Update it manually in the store.
3. If necessary, hide it again.

📱 Why is there no "Hide applications" option in the settings on my Honor?

Probable reasons:

• U you outdated version of EMUI (up to 10.0). Update the firmware via Settings → System → Software update.
• Used a third-party launcher (for example, Microsoft Launcher). Return the standard launcher in the settings.
• On the phone Children's is activated. mode or a profile with restrictions. Check in Settings → System → Users.

If the option is missing even after updating, use alternative methods (ADB or launchers).

🔒 Is it possible to hide the application from other phone users?

For complete privacy:

1. Create a separate account on your phone (Settings → System → Users → Add user).
2. Use Secure Folder (on some models Honor with MagicOS).
3. Install application-safe (for example, AppLock) and block access to hidden apps password.

⚠️ Normal hiding through settings EMUI does not protect against launching an application through search or settings.

🛠️ How to get all hidden applications back?

The method depends on the hiding method:

• Standard hiding: Settings → Applications → Hidden applications → uncheck the boxes.
• ADB: execute command adb shell pm unhide com.example.app for each application.
• Launcher: Open the launcher settings and remove applications from the hidden list.
• Disable: Settings → Applications → [name] → Enable.