How to find the application library on Android: hidden menus and quick methods

Have you ever encountered a situation where there is no icon of the desired application on your smartphone screen, but you definitely remember that you installed it? Or maybe you want to see a complete list of all appsincluding system ones, which are usually hidden from the user's eyes? On Android there is a special application library -central storage where all installed apps are displayed, even those that are not displayed on the main screen or in the menu.

In this article we will look at all possible access methods to the library of applications on devices with different versions of Android (from 10 to 14) and shells from manufacturers - Samsung One UI, MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco), ColorOS (Oppo/Realme), Stock Android (Google Pixel, Motorola) and others. You will learn how to open hidden system applications, recover deleted icons to the screen and even find apps that were disabled by default.

We will pay special attention to universal method through Android settings, which works on 90% of devices regardless of the brand, and also consider the nuances for specific models where manufacturers have hidden the library deeper ordinary. If you are a user Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5/6 or Xiaomi 13/14 on MIUI 14/15 —here you will find current instructions taking into account the latest interface updates.

1. Standard method: through the app menu

The most obvious and universal method is to use the standard application menu, which is found on any Android device. However, even here there are nuances that depend on the version of the shell.

On most smartphones, it is enough to do swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen (or click on the “All applications” icon in the dock panel). This will open a full list of installed apps, including those not added to the Home screen. But what to do if:

• 🔍 There is no "All applications" button —this happens on some custom launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher).
• 📱 The list is not updated —after installing a new application, it does not appear in menu.
• 🚫 No system apps —some manufacturers hide them by default (for example, Samsung hides Knox , Secure Folder and other service utilities).

If the standard swipe does not work, try alternative gestures:

• 👆 On Google Pixel and smartphones with Stock Android: swipe up + pause in the middle of the screen (a search for applications will open).
• 👇 On Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: swipe down on the home screen (this may open the notification panel, so check your gesture settings). MIUI this may open the notification panel, so check your gesture settings).
• ➡️ On Samsung Galaxy: swipe right on the dock (if gesture is enabled "Show all applications" in settings One UI).

2. Through Android settings: a universal method for all devices

If the application menu does not show the necessary apps, the most reliable way is to go to system settings. This method works on Android 10-14 independent of the shell (with the exception of heavily modified firmware like ColorOS on older versions).

Step by step instructions:

1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu or swipe down the notification panel → settings icon).
2. Go to the section Applications (on some devices it may be called Manage applications or Application manager).
3. Tap on the filter at the top (usually a drop-down menu or tabs) and select All applications.
4. Scroll down the list - all installed appswill be displayed here, including system and disabled ones.

In this section you can:

• 🔄 Enable disabled applications (tap on the app → Enable).
• 🗑️ Delete or disable unnecessary (caution: deleting system applications may cause crashes!).
• ⚙️ Reset settings for problematic apps (useful if the application does not open).
• 📊 View usage statistics (how much traffic, memory and battery each application consumes).

The "All applications" filter is selected|Hidden system utilities are viewed|Disabled apps are marked in gray|No unknown applications with suspicious permissions-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI or Honor) section Applications can be hidden deeper. If you don’t find it, use the search in settings (magnifying glass icon at the top) and enter the request “applications”.

3. Specific methods for different brands

Manufacturers often modify Android to suit their needs, so the methods for accessing the application library may vary. Below are current instructions for popular brands for 2026.

3.1. Samsung (One UI 5.0/6.0 and newer)

On Galaxy S23/S24, Galaxy A54/A34 and other models with One UI the application library opens by swiping up, but there are nuances:

• 📁 To see hidden system applications (for example, Samsung Knox or AR Zone), go to Settings → Applications, tap on the three dots at the top → Show system processes.
• 🔍 If an application has disappeared from the screen, but is in the menu, long press on its icon → Add to home screen.
• 🔄 To reset the launcher (if the application menu is not opens): Settings → Applications → Samsung One UI Home → Storage → Clear data.

3.2. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI 14/15)

In MIUI the application library is called "Applications Menu" and opens by swiping up, but:

• 🔒 To see hidden applications (for example, duplicates or system ones), go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots → Show all processes.
• 📂 If the application is not displayed, check the folder "Hidden applications" in the menu (swipe left at the end of the list).
• 🛠️ To reset the menu cache: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Clear cache.

3.3. Google Pixel (Stock Android 13/14)

On "pure" Android, the library opens by swiping up, but there is hidden features:

• 🔎 To find an application by name, swipe up and start typing the name in the search bar.
• 📌 To pin a frequently used application to the dock, drag its icon to the bottom of the screen.
• 🔧 To access to hidden system tools (for example, Android System Intelligence) use the command:

  adb shell pm list packages -f

  (developer rights and connection to a PC are required).

How to enable developer mode on Android

Open Settings → About phone → Tap on Build number7 times. After this, in Settings → System the item will appear For developers.

3.4. Oppo/Realme (ColorOS 13/14)

In ColorOS the application library is called "Applications menu" and opens by swiping up, but:

• 📌 To return the disappeared icon, long press on the main screen → Screen settings → Show all applications.
• 🔍 To search for hidden applications: Settings → Manage applications → Three dots → Show system ones.
• 🔄 If the menu does not update, restart the device or clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Clear cache).

Brand	How to open the library	How to see system applications	Features
Samsung (One UI)	Swipe up or "Applications" button	Settings → Applications → Three dots → Show system	Hidden folders Samsung i Secure Folder
Xiaomi (MIUI)	Swipe up	Settings → Applications → Management → Show all processes	Folder "Hidden applications" at the end of the list
Google Pixel	Swipe up + search	Via ADB or Settings → Applications → Three dots → Show system	No separate folder for system applications
Oppo/Realme (ColorOS)	Swipe up or "Menu" button	Settings → Manage applications → Show system ones	Frequent bugs with updating the list after installing new ones applications

4. Search through the launcher: quick access to any application

If you don’t want to delve into the settings, most modern launchers (including standard ones) support global search. This is the fastest way to find an application, even if it is hidden or its icon has been removed from the screen.

How it works:

1. Swipe down on the home screen (on most devices this opens the search bar).
2. Enter the name of the application. The system will show not only apps, but also contacts, settings and web results.
3. Tap on the desired application to open it, or hold your finger on the icon to add it to the home screen.

On some devices, the search works differently:

• 🔍 On Samsung: swipe down opens the notification panel, and search for applications is available via swipe up + search field at the top.
• 📱 On Xiaomi: swipe down opens the search, but sometimes you need to first tap on the magnifying glass in the dock panel.
• 🌐 On Google Pixel: search is integrated with Google Assistant —swipe up from the bottom edge with a pause.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, on older versions EMUI from Huawei), the global search may not search for system applications. In this case, use the method via Settings → Applicationsdescribed above.

5. Using a file manager to search for APK

If an application is installed but is not displayed either in the menu or in settings, you can find its .apkfile manually. This method is suitable for experienced users and requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (for example, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer or standard Files by Google).
2. Go to folder /data/app/ (for user applications) or /system/app/ (for system ones).
3. Look for folders with the name of the application or its package (for example, com.android.chrome for Google Chrome).
4. If you find a .apkfile, you can try to run it manually (but this may will not work for system applications).

⚠️ Attention: Deleting or changing files in /system/app/ without root access can lead to system crash. Do not edit these folders if you are not sure of your actions! To safely remove system applications, use specialized utilities like ADB AppControl.

If you cannot find the folder /data/app/, your file manager probably does not have permission to access the internal memory Try:

• 🔧 Enable Developer mode and give permissions for USB debugging.
• 📁 Use the ADB command to view the list of packages:

  adb shell pm list packages

• 🔍 Install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), which shows all applications without exception.

6. Restoring deleted or hidden applications

Sometimes applications disappear from the library not because of a failure, but because they were disabled, deleteds or hidden launcher. Here's how to get them back:

6.1. Enabling disabled applications

If an application is disabled (not deleted!), you can return it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the three dots at the top → Show disabled (on some devices this item may be called Inactive).
3. Select the desired application and click Enable.

6.2. Restoring deleted applications

If the application was deleted, check:

• 🗑️ Trash (on some launchers, for example, Nova Launcherthere is a history of deleted icons).
• 📥 Google Play → Library (section Previously installed).
• 🔄 Backup copy (if synchronization with Google Drive or manufacturer service was enabled, for example Samsung Cloud).

6.3. Resetting the launcher to factory settings

If applications disappeared from the menu due to a launcher failure:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find the launcher (usually called Launcher, One UI Home, MIUI Launcher etc.).
3. Tap Storage → Clear data (this will reset the screen settings, but will not delete applications!).

7. Problems and solutions: why the application library does not open

Sometimes access to the application library is blocked due to system failures, launcher errors or manufacturer restrictions. Let's look at typical problems and ways to solve them.

7.1. The library does not open with a swipe

Possible reasons and solutions:

• 🔧 Launcher failure: Clear the launcher cache (Settings → Applications → [Launcher name] → Clear cache).
• ⚙️ Incorrect gesture settings: Check Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
• 📱 A third-party launcher is installed: Return to the standard launcher or configure gestures in alternative (for example, in Nova Launcher swipe up is configured in Settings → Gestures and inputs).

7.2. Applications are not displayed in the library

If some apps are not in the list:

• 🔍 Check the filters: The "User Only" filter may be enabled in the application settings.
• 📁 Hidden folders: On Xiaomi i Oppo Some applications are hidden in the "Hidden" or "System" folder.
• 🔄 Update the launcher: Go to Google Play and check for updates for the standard launcher.

7.3. The library is empty or not updated

Extreme measures if all else fails:

• 🔄 Restarting the device: Sometimes a normal reboot is enough.
• 📱 Resetting launcher settings: As described in section 6.3.
• 🛠️ Installing an alternative launcher: Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher often show all applications without exception.

⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the library still does not work, the problem may be due to damaged system files. In this case, only resetting to factory settings will help (don't forget to backup your data!).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the application library on Android

Can I delete system applications from the library?

Delete system applications not recommendedas this may lead to unstable operation of the device. However, they can be disable through Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Disable. Complete removal will require root access or ADB commands.

Why are some applications not displayed in the menu, but are in the settings?

This can happen for several reasons:

• 📁 Application hidden by the launcher (for example, on Xiaomi in the launcher settings there is an option "Hide applications").
• 🔧 Application disabled (check in the application settings).
• 📱 The application is a system service and does not have a graphical interface (for example, Google Play Services).

How to return the application icon to the main screen if it has disappeared?

Return methods:

1. Open the application library (swipe up).
2. Find the desired application and hold its icon.
3. Drag it to the home screen or dock.

If the icon does not drag, check if the application is hidden in the launcher settings.

Is it possible to export a list of all installed applications?

Yes, for this you can use:

• 📝 ADB command:

  adb shell pm list packages -f > apps.txt

  (will save the list to a file apps.txt on PC).

• 📱 Applications like App Manager or List My Apps (available in Google Play).

Why did the application library change after updating Android?

Manufacturers often update the launcher interface along with the new version of Android For example:

• On Samsung One UI 6.0 The application menu design has changed and the "Recommended" folder has been added.
• In MIUI 15 it has become possible to group applications by category.
• On Google Pixel With Android 14, search for applications has become faster, but some system utilities are now hidden deeper.

If you don’t like the new changes, you can install alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), which preserves the classic look of the library.