How to remove application signatures on Android: from “Installed” to advertising labels

Inscriptions under application icons - “Installed», «Updated», «Recommended" or advertising labels - irritate many users Android. They clutter the desktop, distract attention and often appear without the ability to turn off through standard settings. The problem is especially pressing for owners of smartphones Xiaomi (shell MIUI), Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI) and some models Samsung with a proprietary launcher.

In this article we will examine 5 proven methods removing application signatures - from simple settings to using ADBcommands and third-party launchers. Important: not all methods are universal - effectiveness depends on the version Android, shell and even device model. For example, on Pixel with a clean Android 14 it is enough to change the launcher, and on Redmi Note 12 you will need to disable system services through ADB.

Before you begin, please note: some actions require root access or activation developer mode. If you are a beginner, start with safe methods (sections 2-3), and experienced users can immediately move on to advanced solutions.

1. Disabling signatures in the launcher settings (without root)

Many manufacturers add the option to hide labels directly into the settings of the standard launcher. The problem is that it is often hidden or named in a non-obvious way. Here's where to look:

• 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI 12–14): Settings → Desktop → Icon settings → Hide application labels. On some models (Redmi 10, POCO X3), the option is called “Hide labels under icons».
• 🤖 Huawei/Honor (EMUI 10+): Settings → Screen and wallpaper → Home screen → Icon settings → Application labels. Here you can disable both system labels (“Updated”) and advertising (“Popular»).
• 🌐 Samsung (One UI 4–6): In the launcher One UI Home there is no option, but you can use alternative launcher (see section 3).
• 🔄 Pure Android (Pixel, Motorola): Labels appear rarely, but if they exist - check Settings → Applications → Default Launcher → Advanced settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Realme, Oppo) after disabling tags, they may appear again after a reboot. This is due to. operation of the system process com.android.systemui. The solution is to use method with ADB.

2. Using alternative launchers

If the standard launcher does not allow you to remove signatures, the easiest way is to install a third-party one. Popular options:

• 🏆 Nova Launcher (free/premium version): supports hiding any labels, flexible customization of icons and folders. In the settings, look for Nova Settings → Icons → Application Labels → Hide.
• 🎨 Lawnchair (open source): light launcher with the option "Hide text under icons" in the section Settings → Appearance.
• 🚀 Apex Launcher: suitable for older devices (up to Android 10), has the option "Remove signatures" in the desktop settings.
• 🔧 Microsoft Launcher: hides tags automatically, but can show your own (“Recent», «Recommended»).

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click "Home" and select the new launcher as default.
3. Go to the launcher settings (usually a long tap on the desktop table) and find the option to hide labels.
4. If necessary, disable the system launcher: Settings → Applications → Default Launcher → Disable (do not delete!).

Download APK of the launcher (if not in the Play Market)

Make a backup copy of the desktop (via standard settings)

Disable battery optimization for the new launcher

Check compatibility with the Android version-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei without services Google (for example, Huawei P50) some launchers may not work correctly. In this case, use AppGallery to install Lawnchair or Evie Launcher.

3. Disabling tags via ADB (without root)

If neither settings nor third-party launchers help, you can disable system tags via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method works on most devices, but requires connecting to a computer.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed.
• 📱 Turned on developer mode and USB debugging on smartphone.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
2. Check the connection with the command:

   adb devices

   The device serial number should appear.

3. Run the command to disable tags (it works on MIUI, EMUI, ColorOS):

   adb shell pm hide com.miui.home/com.miui.home.launcher.CommonIconBadge

   For Samsung One UI use:

   adb shell pm hide com.sec.android.app.launcher/com.android.launcher3.uioverrides.BadgeRenderer

4. Restart the device.

On some devices (for example Xiaomi 13 with MIUI 14) after updating the system, the tags may appear again. In this case, repeat the command or. use Tasker to automatically execute an ADB script on boot.

4. Editing system files (root required)

If you have root access, you can remove tags by editing system files. This method is risky - incorrect actions can lead to bootloop (loop loading). We recommend making a backup copy before starting.

Instructions for MIUI (tested on Redmi Note 10 Pro):

1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the path:

   /system/priv-app/MiuiHome/MiuiHome.apk

   Create a backup copy file.

3. Open MiuiHome.apk in the editor APK Editor and find lines with label text (for example, "Installed», «Updated»).
4. Replace the text with a space or delete the lines. Save the changes and restart the device.

For EMUI (Huawei/Honor):

• Open the file /system/priv-app/HwSystemUI/HwSystemUI.apk.
• Find resources with names badge_* (for example, badge_new, badge_update) and delete them.
• Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear cache.

⚠️ Attention: After updating the system, changes may be reset. To avoid this, use the module Magisk to block updates to system applications.

5. Hiding labels using Tasker or Automate

If labels appear due to the operation of system processes (for example, com.miui.systemAdSolution on Xiaomi), they can be blocked automatically using Tasker or Automate. This method does not require root, but can reduce the stability of the shell.

Instructions for Tasker:

1. Install Tasker and plugin AutoInput (to simulate clicks).
2. Create a new task with action Shell → Run Shell.
3. Enter a command (example for MIUI):

   pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

4. Add a trigger Event → System → Device Bootso that the command is executed every time the smartphone is turned on.

Alternative - Automate:

• Create a new thread with block Shell command.
• Specify a command (for EMUI):

  pm hide com.huawei.android.launcher/com.huawei.android.launcher.BadgeProvider

• Add a block On device boot to run automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling system processes may cause some functions to not work (for example, notifications about application updates). Before use, check the impact on stability for 1-2 days.

6. Removing advertising tags (for Chinese firmware)

On devices with Chinese firmware (Xiaomi for the Chinese market, Huawei without GMS) often appear under the icons advertising tags («Hot games», «Promotions") They can be removed in two ways:

Method 1: Disabling system applications

• Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
• Find and disable (not delete!):
  • 📌 com.miui.systemAdSolution (on Xiaomi)
  • 📌 com.huawei.android.hsf (on Huawei)
  • 📌 com.heytap.mcs (on Oppo/Realme)
• Reboot the device.

Method 2: Blocking via hosts file

1. Install the application for editing hosts (for example, Hosts Editor).
2. Add the following lines:

   127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com
   127.0.0.1 api.ad.xiaomi.com
   127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com

   For Huawei:

   127.0.0.1 adserver.hicloud.com
   127.0.0.1 adn.adservice.hicloud.com

3. Save the changes and restart your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Editing a hostsfile without root is only possible on Android 9 and below. New versions will require Magisk or a patch via LSPosed.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

adb shell cmd package disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home

If none of the methods helped, check whether a third-party application (for example, an antivirus or optimizer) is adding tags. As a last resort, there is a radical method: installing custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), where the tags are under. there are no icons by default.