Have you ever encountered a situation where an application on your Samsung Galaxy suddenly disappears from the main screen, although you did not delete it? Or do you suspect that there are apps installed on your device that are not on the standard list? Hidden apps on Android are not always the result of viruses or spyware. They are often hidden by the system to save space, optimize work, or due to user error. In this article we will look at how to find and open hidden applications on Samsungincluding system services, user apps and even those that were accidentally hidden through the launcher settings.

It is important to understand that on devices Samsung (especially on models with shell One UI), hidden applications are divided into three categories: 1) System services — pre-installed Google and Samsung ones that are not displayed in the menu (for example, com.sec.android.app.launcher); 2) User appshidden through launcher settings or third-party utilities; 3) Viruses/spywaremasquerading as legitimate processes.

We'll focus on the first two categories—the third requires a separate security article.

Before you start searching, check to see if you've hidden an app by accident. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S23 or A54 just hold down the icon and select “Hide” in the context menu. Such apps are not deleted, but simply moved to a special folder. Their restoration will take less than a minute.

1. Search through the Samsung launcher settings

The fastest way to bring back hidden applications is to use the built-in shell functions One UI. This method works on all modern models, from Galaxy S21 to Galaxy Z Fold 5, and does not require superuser rights.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Long-press an empty space on the main screen and select “Home screen settings" (or "Options" on older versions).
  • 🔍 Scroll down and find the section "Hidden apps" (on some models - "Hidden icons»).
  • 📋 A list of apps that were hidden manually will open. To return the application, uncheck the box next to its name.
  • 🔄 After changes, click “Apply" or "Done" - the icon will appear on the main screen or in the application menu.

If there is no “Hidden applications” section, then your device is using a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher). In this case, check the settings of a specific launcher - usually the option to hide icons is in the menu "Settings → Icons».

☑️ Checking hidden applications through the launcher

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, on Galaxy M32 s One UI 4.1) hidden applications may not be displayed in the launcher settings, but in the "Applications" menu in the main phone settings. If you don’t find the section, read the next method.

2. Using the Applications menu in Android settings

The second method is suitable for searching all installed apps, including those that do not appear in the menu due to a crash or system limitations. Here you will even see system services that are usually hidden from the user.

How to open:

  1. Open "Settings" and go to the "Applications" section (or "Manage applications" on older models).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show system processes" (if option available).
  3. Scroll down the list - all apps will be displayed here, including those that do not have icons on the main screen.
  4. To open a hidden application, tap on it and select "Open" or "Run».

Pay attention to applications with a gray gear icon - these are system services. Some of them (for example, com.samsung.android.knox.analytics) cannot be launched manually, but their presence in the list confirms that they are installed on the device.

Application type Example Can I open it?
Custom (hidden manually) WhatsApp, Telegram Yes, through the launcher settings
System (without icon) com.sec.android.app.sbrowser (Samsung browser) Yes, through the menu “Applications”
Service (Google/Samsung service) com.google.android.gms No, only via ADB
Virus/spyware Suspicious names with random characters Not recommended
📊 Which launcher do you use on Samsung?
Standard One UI
Nova Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Other
I don’t know

3. Search through the “Hidden Applications” folder in the menu

On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy A73 or S22 Ultra), hidden apps are not completely removed, but are moved to a special folder in the application menu. This folder may not be visible by default, but it's easy to find.

How to find:

  • 🔎 Swipe up on the Home screen to open the applications menu.
  • 🔍 In the search bar (at the top of the screen), enter "hidden" or “hidden».
  • 📂 If the folder exists, it will appear in the search results. Open it to see all hidden icons.
  • 🖱️ To return an application, long-press its icon and drag it to the home screen or to another folder.

If the folder is not there, try an alternative method: open the application menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Sorting" or "Settings". There may be an option here “Show hidden applications."

💡

If you use Samsung DeXhidden applications may not be displayed in desktop mode. To see them, temporarily switch to the mobile interface.

4. Using a file manager to search for APK

A more advanced method is to search for files .apk manually through a file manager. This will help you find apps that don't appear in system settings but are physically installed on your device. Suitable for experienced users.

Instructions:

  1. Open any file manager (for example, the built-in “My files" or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to folder /data/app/ (for user applications) or /system/app/ (for system ones). Attention: folder /data/ can be hidden - access requires root or ADB.
  3. Look for folders with application names or packages (for example, com.whatsapp-1).
  4. If you find the one you need .apk, try installing it again through the file manager.

Critical: Deleting or changing files /system/app/ without root access can cause the system to crash. Do not edit system folders if you are not sure of your actions.

⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 11, access to the folder /data/app/ is limited even for the file manager If you don’t see it. content, use ADB or specialized utilities like App Inspector.

5. ADB commands for advanced users

If standard methods did not help, and the application is critical (for example, a hidden working messenger), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic knowledge. command line.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB debugging on your phone: go to Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to unlock developer mode), then return to "Settings → Developer options" and enable debugging.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB Tools and check the connection with the command: 
    adb devices
  3. To see all installed packages (including hidden ones), enter: 
    adb shell pm list packages -f
  4. If you find the required package (for example, com.example.app), run it with the command: 
    adb shell am start -n com.example.app/com.example.app.MainActivity

For convenience, you can upload a list of all packages to a file: 

adb shell pm list packages > packages.txt

Then open packages.txt on your PC and find the desired application by searching by name.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that Samsung drivers are installed (download them from the official website). Also make sure that the "Allow USB Debugging (Safe Mode)" option is enabled in the Developer Options.

6. Third-party utilities for finding hidden applications

If you don’t want to mess with ADB or system settings, you can use specialized applications from Google Play. They scan the device and show all installed apps, including those hidden by the launcher or system.

Top 3 utilities:

  • 🔍 App Inspector - shows all packages, including system ones, with the ability to search by name.
  • 📊 Package Name Viewer - convenient viewer for analyzing installed APKs.
  • 🛠️ Hidden App Finder — specializes in finding hidden icons and folders.

Example of working with App Inspector:

  1. Install the utility from Google Play and open it.
  2. Click "Scan"—the app will collect a list of all packages.
  3. Use the filter "Hidden" or enter the application name in the search bar.
  4. Tap on the found package and select “Open" or "Show in settings».
⚠️ Attention: Some utilities (for example, Hidden App Finder) require permission to access accessibility features (Accessibility Service). Before installation, check reviews and ratings in Google Playto avoid fraudulent apps.

7. Restoring deleted icons through a backup copy

If the application has been hidden for a long time and you do not remember its name, try restoring icons from a backup copy. This method works if you previously synchronized data with your account. data-i="218">🔄 Select the last backup (preferably before the icon disappeared). Samsung or Google.

How to restore:

  • ☁️ Open “Settings → Accounts and Backup → Data Recovery».
  • 🔄 Select the latest backup (preferably before the icon disappeared).
  • 📱 Make sure that the "Applications" or "Home item is enabled in the recovery settings screen».
  • 🔓 Start the recovery process and wait for completion.

If there is no backup, check the folder /sdcard/Backup via the file manager - sometimes launchers (for example Nova Launcher) save backup settings there.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to hide Samsung system applications so that they are not updated?

Yes, but this requires disable updates via Google Play or removing administrator rights. To do this:

  1. Open Google Play, find the application (for example, Samsung Internet).
  2. Click on the three dots → "Disable auto-update».

To completely hide a system application, you need root or ADB with the command: 

adb shell pm hide com.sec.android.app.sbrowser

Why did some applications disappear after the One UI update?

This is due to the Samsung memory optimization policy. After major updates (for example, from One UI 5.0 to 6.0), the system can automatically hide little-used apps. To get them back:

  • Check the folder "Hidden applications" in the menu.
  • Reinstall the application from Galaxy Store or Google Play.
How to distinguish hidden application from a virus?

Signs of suspicious software:

  • 🚨 The package name contains random characters (for example, com.a1b2.c3d4).
  • 📛 There is no icon, description or information about the developer.
  • 🔋 High battery consumption or traffic in the background mode.

To check, scan your device via Dr.Web or Malwarebytes.

Is it possible to hide applications from other users on a shared phone?

Yes, for this:

  1. Use Secure Folder (built-in function Samsung).
  2. Install a third-party launcher with password support (for example, Nova Launcher Prime).
  3. Create a second user in the Android settings (Settings → Users).

B Secure Folder applications are completely isolated and not visible in the main menu.

Why can’t some Samsung system applications be opened?

This is due to the fact that they are utility apps. servicesand not user apps. For example:

  • com.samsung.android.knox.analytics —security service Knox.
  • com.sec.android.app.launcher —launcher process One UI.

Such applications do not have a graphical interface and are launched automatically by the system.