Hiding applications on Android is a task that arises among users for a variety of reasons. Some people want to remove system utilities that cannot be deleted from view, others hide personal messengers from prying eyes, and others simply optimize the desktop by removing rarely used apps. Unlike iOS, where the functionality is limited, Android offers several built-in and third-party solutions for this task.

It is important to understand that hiding an application is not the same as deleting or blocking. The hidden app continues to run in the background, consuming traffic and taking up memory space. However, its icon disappears from the main menu, and in some cases the application becomes unavailable for quick launch. In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from standard functions of manufacturers to specialized launchers and tools for experienced users.

We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of Android (from Android 10 to Android 14) and popular brands: Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Huawei EMUI, Oppo ColorOS. We will also look at the risks associated with using third-party utilities and explain why some methods may no longer work after updating the system.

1. Built-in functions for hiding applications (without root)

Many manufacturers add an option to hide applications in their shells. It does not require superuser rights and works stably, but has limitations. For example, a hidden app may remain visible in Settings or the All Apps menu. Let's look at how this is implemented in the most common firmware.

On Samsung (One UI 5.0 and later) the function is called Hide applications and is located in the menu Settings → Home screen → Hide apps. Here you can select up to 50 apps that will disappear from the main menu, but will remain available through the search. On Xiaomi (MIUI 14) a similar option is hidden in Settings → Applications → Hide apps, but it only works for system utilities (for example, Camera or Gallery cannot be hidden in this way).

  • 📱 Samsung One UI: Up to 50 applications, hidden only from the menu (visible in search and settings).
  • 🧩 Xiaomi MIUI: Works only for system applications, limit - 10 apps.
  • 🍎 Huawei EMUI: Function Private space creates a separate profile with hidden applications.
  • 🔄 Oppo/Realme ColorOS: Option Hide icons in the launcher settings, but applications remain in the "All applications" menu.

The main drawback of the built-in functions is partial hiding. The application can still be found through a system search or in the All applications section in the settings. In addition, after a factory reset or firmware update, hidden apps may become visible again.

📊 What firmware does your Android smartphone use?
Samsung One UI
Xiaomi MIUI
Huawei EMUI
Stock Android (clean)
Other

2. Using launchers with hiding icons

If your firmware does not have a built-in hiding function, you can install third-party launcher with this option. This software replaces the standard Android interface and allows you to flexibly customize the display of icons. Popular solutions: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, Action Launcher and Microsoft Launcher.

For example, in Nova Launcher (Prime version) you need to:

  1. Press your finger on an empty space on the desktop.
  2. Select Nova Settings → App drawers → Hide applications.
  3. Tick the apps that you want to hide from view.

The advantage of this method is Full hiding from the application menu (if you do not use search). However, launchers do not block background app activity and do not protect data. In addition, after deleting the launcher, hidden icons will become visible again.

Make sure your device has enough memory (minimum 100 MB)

Download the launcher from the official store (Google Play or AppGallery)

Make a backup copy of your current desktop settings

Check reviews about the stability of the launcher on your model-->

⚠️ Attention: Some launchers (for example GO Launcher) may collect data about your applications and their usage. Before installation, check permissions on Google Play and read the privacy policy.

3. Creating a second space (for Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo)

Some manufacturers offer the function second space (or "private mode"), which allows you to create a separate user profile with your own set of applications. This method not only hides icons, but also isolates data: applications in the second space are not visible in the main profile and vice versa.

For example, on Xiaomi (MIUI 12+) you need to:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Second space.
  2. Create a new space and set a password.
  3. Move applications that you want to hide to it.

On Huawei (EMUI 10+) similar function called Private space and located in Settings → Security and privacy. The main advantage of this method is full insulation: applications in the private space are not displayed in the main menu, do not send notifications and are not visible in the list of installed apps.

Manufacturer Function name Path in settings Max. number of hidden applications
Xiaomi (MIUI) Second space Settings → Special. capabilities → Second space Unlimited
Huawei (EMUI) Private space Settings → Security → Private space Unlimited
Oppo/Realme (ColorOS) Private safe Settings → Privacy → Private safe Up to 20 applications
Samsung (One UI) Secure Folder Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder Unlimited
⚠️ Attention: When using the second space notifications from hidden applications may be duplicated or not displayed at all. For example, messages from instant messengers in a private space will not be shown on the lock screen of the main profile.

4. Disabling applications through settings (for system utilities)

If the goal is to hide system applicationthat cannot be deleted (for example, Google Play Music, Samsung Knox or MIUI Cleaner), you can disable. This will remove the icon from the menu and stop background processes, but will not delete the app files completely.

Instructions for Android 10+:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show system ones.
  3. Find the application you need and tap on it.
  4. Press Disable (or Uninstall updatesif the disable button is inactive).

After disabling, the icon will disappear, but the application files will remain in the device memory. This method is only suitable for system utilities—user apps (for example, Telegram or Instagram) cannot be disabled.

💡

Before disabling a system application, check its name on the Internet. Some utilities (for example Android System WebView) are critical for the operation of the system, and disabling them can lead to failures.

5. Hiding via ADB (for advanced users)

For those who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to hide any application, including custom ones, without root access. This method requires a connection to a computer and basic knowledge of the command line, but gives the most reliable result: the application disappears from the menu and is not displayed in the settings.

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
  3. Enter the command to test the connection: 
    adb devices

    The name of your device should appear.

  4. Hide the application (for example, Facebook): 
    adb shell pm hide com.facebook.katana

    To get it back:

    adb shell pm unhide com.facebook.katana

List of packages of popular applications:

  • 📘 Facebook: com.facebook.katana
  • 💬 WhatsApp: com.whatsapp
  • 📷 Instagram: com.instagram.android
  • 🎵 Spotify: com.spotify.music
  • 📺 YouTube: com.google.android.youtube
⚠️ Attention: ADB commands are reset after a factory reset or firmware update. Also, some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi) block the command pm hide in your firmware.
How to find the package name of an unknown application?

Install the utility on your phone App Inspector (available on Google Play) It shows the full names of packages (package name) for all installed apps. An alternative is the ADB command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, to search for messengers:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "messenger"

6. alternatives)

There are dozens of utilities on Google Play and other stores that promise to hide applications "in one click". The most famous are: App Hider, Hide App-Hide Application, Calculator Vault. However, this method has serious drawbacks:

  • 🛡️ Security: Many such apps require administrator rights or accessibility, which allows them to monitor your activity.
  • 📱 Instability: After updating Android or firmware, hidden applications may become visible again.
  • 💰 Advertising and subscriptions: Most free versions show intrusive ads or limit functionality.
  • 🔄 Conflicts: Some utilities conflict with antiviruses or system services (for example, Google Play Protect).

If you still decide to use third-party software, choose proven solutions with a high rating and a large number of reviews. Before installation:

  1. Check the permissions, that the app requests.
  2. Read reviews about the stability of operation on your phone model.
  3. Create a backup copy of your data (in case of failures).
💡

The utility side for hiding applications is the most risky method. They can collect your data, show ads, or conflict with the system. If possible, use the built-in functions of the firmware or. launchers.

7. Hiding through archiving (APK Extractor)

A little-known but effective method - APK file archiving applications. This method does not delete the app, but makes it unavailable for launching through standard tools.

Instructions:

  1. Install APK Extractor (available on Google Play).
  2. Find the application you want to hide in the list and export its APK file to a memory card.
  3. Delete the original application.
  4. Move the APK file to a protected folder (for example, on Secure Folder on Samsung or an encrypted archive).

To return the application, just install the APK file again. The disadvantage of the method is data loss (for example, correspondence in instant messengers or progress in games), since the application is actually deleted. Also, this method is not suitable for system utilities.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hiding applications on Android

Is it possible to hide an application so that it cannot be found even through search?

Yes, but only with second space (on Xiaomi/Huawei) or Secure Folder (on Samsung). These features create an isolated profile where applications are completely hidden from the main system. Third-party launchers and built-in firmware options usually leave applications accessible through search.

Will a hidden application consume traffic and battery?

Yes. Hiding an icon does not stop background processes. If the goal is to reduce resource consumption, disable application autorun in settings (Settings → Applications → [name] → Battery → Autorun) or use the function Optimization in the battery menu.

Is it possible to hide system applications (for example, Google Play Store)?

Partially. System applications can be disable (see section 4), but it is impossible to completely hide them without root access. Some launchers (for example Nova Launcher Prime) allow you to remove system utility icons from the menu, but they will remain in the device settings.

What happens if you hide the application and then reset the phone to factory settings?

All hidden applications will appear again visible. Firmware functions (like Second space on Xiaomi) will also be reset. If you used ADB or a launcher, after resetting you will need to repeat all the steps again.

Is there a way to hide the application so that even those who know about the second profile do not see it?

Yes, but for this you need root access. With their help, you can:

  • Rename the APK file of the application (so that it does not appear in the list).
  • Move it to a system folder that is inaccessible without root.
  • Use modules Magisk for deep hiding (for example, App Systemizer).

Complete invisibility cannot be achieved without root - an experienced user will be able to find hidden applications through settings or ADB.