The smartphone desktop is quickly filled with shortcuts for applications that you rarely use, but you don’t want to delete. Fortunately, there are several ways to hide unnecessary icons without completely uninstalling apps. This will not only free up space on the screen, but also simplify navigation, leaving only the most important applications. Android There are several ways to hide unnecessary icons without completely uninstalling apps. This will not only free up screen space, but also simplify navigation, leaving only the most important applications.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from standard launcher functions to hidden manufacturer settings. You will learn how to hide shortcuts on Samsung One UI, MIUI, ColorOS and other shells, as well as what to do if the desired option is not available in your version of the system. Important: some methods require rights superuser, but most work without root.

Why shortcuts are not deleted in the standard way

Many users are faced with the fact that when they try to remove a shortcut from the desktop, the application disappears from the menu All applications. This happens because Android by default there is no separate mechanism for hiding icons - the system simply suggests uninstall the application completely or unpin it from the screen.

Smartphone manufacturers solve this problem in different ways:

  • 📱 Samsung adds the "Hide applications" function to the launcher settings.
  • 📱 Xiaomi allows you to hide apps through Security → Hiding applications.
  • 📱 Google Pixel and stock Android require third-party solutions.
  • 📱 Huawei and Honor offer a "Black List" in the screen settings.

If your smartphone does not support hiding shortcuts out of the box, do not despair - below we will look at universal methods that work on 90% of devices.

📊 Which Android shell do you use?
Samsung One UI
Xiaomi MIUI/HyperOS
Oppo/Realme ColorOS
Stock Android
Other

Method 1: Hiding through the launcher settings (without root)

Most branded shells (One UI, MIUI, EMUI) have a built-in function for hiding applications. Let's look at how to do this on popular brands:

Brand Path to settings Features
Samsung Long press on the screen → Settings → Hide applications Works on One UI 5.0 and later. Hidden applications are not displayed in search.
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Settings → Applications → Hiding applications or Security → Hiding applications Requires a password/fingerprint. Hidden apps remain in the "All applications" menu.
Huawei/Honor Settings → Display → Blacklist Hides icons, but applications remain accessible through search.
Oppo/Realme Settings → Privacy → Hide applications Works only for applications installed by the user (not system ones).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Samsung hidden applications may reappear after a system update. To avoid this, pin the launcher settings: go to Settings → Display → Home screen → Pin layout.

Long press on an empty area of the screen

Select "Settings" or "Home screen settings"

Find the "Hide applications" or "Black list" section

Mark the apps you need and save the changes-->

Method 2: Using folders for masking

If your shell does not support hiding applications, you can use A simple workaround is to create a folder with a transparent icon and hide unnecessary shortcuts in it. This method works on any Android device, including stock versions.

Instructions:

  1. Create a new folder on your desktop (click on the icon and drag it to another).
  2. Move all the shortcuts you want to hide into it.
  3. Set for the folder a transparent icon (you can download from the Play Market applications like Transparent Icon Maker).
  4. Rename the folder to . (dot) - this will make its name invisible.
  5. Move the folder to the corner of the screen or to the second desktop.

💡 Useful. tip: To return hidden shortcuts, simply open the folder and drag the icons back. This method does not delete applications, but only masks them.

💡

If you don’t like the transparent icon, use an icon with a plain background matching the color of the wallpaper - the folder will become almost invisible.

Method 3: Disabling applications (for system apps)

Some shortcuts on the desktop belong system applicationsthat cannot be deleted or hidden in this case, it will help disabling (not deleting!) the app through the Android settings.

How to do this:

  • 🔧 Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
  • 🔍 Find the desired application in the list (for example, Google Play Music or Samsung Free).
  • ⚙️ Click "Disable" (if the button is inactive, which means the application is critical for the system).
  • ✅ Confirm the action - the shortcut will disappear from the desktop.

⚠️ Attention: Disabled system applications may stop receiving updates through the Play Market. If the app is needed again, you can turn it back on in the same settings. Google Play, Android System or Settings —this will lead to unstable operation of the smartphone.

What happens if you disable an important system application?

Disabling critical services (for example, Android System WebView or Google Play Services) can cause errors in the operation of other apps, problems with the Internet, or even system crashes. In extreme cases, you will need to reset the settings to factory settings. Always check the name of the application before disabling!

Method 4: Third-party launchers with a hiding function

If built-in tools do not help, install an alternative launcher. The best options with support for hiding shortcuts:

  • 🚀 Nova Launcher (paid version) - allows you to hide applications via Long press → Settings → Hide applications.
  • 🎨 Apex Launcher - free analogue with the "Hide from" function menu."
  • 🔄 Action Launcher —supports "Wardrobe" for hidden applications (Settings → Closet).
  • 📱 Microsoft Launcher —hides apps through Settings → Personal settings → Hidden applications.

🔹 Important: After installing a new launcher, applications hidden in it may become visible again when you return to the standard interface. To avoid this, export the launcher settings to a file or use the backup function (if available).

Example of settings in Nova Launcher: 

1 Install Nova. Launcher from the Play Market.

2. Long press on the desktop → "Nova Settings".


3. Go to "Application Settings → Hide applications".


4. Check the boxes of the apps you want to hide.


5. Save the changes and restart the launcher.

Method 5: Hiding via ADB (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires connecting your smartphone to a PC and basic knowledge of the command line, but it works on any version of Android.

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
  2. Connect your phone to the computer and confirm the device is trusted.
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter: 
    adb shell pm hide com.package.name

    (replace com.package.name with the real name of the application package).

  4. To return the application, use: 
    adb shell pm unhide com.package.name

📌 How to find the package name?

Install the application App Inspector from the Play Market or use command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep"keyword"

For example, for Facebook enter grep"facebook".

💡

ADB commands only work on Android 8.0 and later. On older versions, use pm disable instead of pm hide, but this will completely disable the application, rather than hide it.

Common problems and solutions

When hiding shortcuts, users often encounter serious errors. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

  • ❌ The shortcut returned after a reboot

    → Check if the launcher settings have been reset. For Nova Launcher try disabling battery optimization for the application.

  • ❌ I can’t hide the system application

    → Use ADB or disable it through the settings (see Method 3).

  • ❌ The hidden application does not opens through search

    → B MIUI i ColorOS this is normal behavior. Use the folder (Method 2) or a third-party launcher.

  • ❌ After updating the system, the shortcuts appeared again

    → Reset the launcher settings or repeat the hiding procedure.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei and Honor c EMUI 12+ the "Black List" function may conflict with services Huawei Mobile Services. If push notifications stop working after hiding applications, try temporarily unhiding or use an alternative method.

Is it possible to hide a shortcut without deleting the application itself?

Yes, all the methods from this article hide only the desktop icon without affecting the application itself. It will remain in the "All applications" menu and will work in the background (unless disabled through the settings).

Why is the application not shown in the search after hiding?

This is a feature of the MIUI i ColorOSshells. They completely exclude hidden apps from system search. To regain access, unhide or use the folder (Method 2).

How to hide a shortcut on Android Go or on weak smartphones?

On devices with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) It’s better to use Method 2 (folders) or lightweight launchers like Lawnchair. Avoid Nova Launcher —it can slow down on weak hardware.

Will a hidden application consume the battery?

Yes, if the application is not disabled through the settings (Method 3). Hiding a shortcut does not stop background processes. To reduce battery consumption, disable autorun for the app in the battery settings.

Is it possible to hide widget shortcuts?

No, widgets cannot be hidden using standard means. They can only be removed from the screen by long pressing → "Delete". If the widget is a system one (for example, weather or clock), deleting it may lead to errors. In this case, use a folder (Method 2).