How to rename an Android app Huawei: all methods with instructions

Why do users Huawei want to rename applications? There are a lot of reasons: from the banal desire to organize the desktop to the need to hide the name of the messenger from prying eyes. Unfortunately, the standard shell EMUI does not provide such a function out of the box - unlike some custom firmware. But this does not mean that the task is impossible.

On smartphones Huawei s Android (including models P60 Pro, Mate 50, Nova 11 and others), you can rename the application in at least three ways: through launchers from third-party developers, using special utilities or through system tools for experienced users. Each method has its own nuances - from ease of implementation to requirements for superuser rights. Next, we will analyze all the options in detail, taking into account their pros and cons.

⚠️ Attention: Changing system files or using unofficial tools can lead to unstable operation of the device. Before experiments, it is recommended to create a backup copy of your data via Settings → System → Backup.

Method 1: Using third-party launchers

The easiest and safest way is to install an alternative launcher that supports renaming shortcuts. Popular options: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher. These applications do not require root access and work on all models Huawei c EMUI 10+.

How does it work? Launchers create a “wrapper” over the standard interface, allowing you to edit application labels without changing their original files. For example, in Nova Launcher just hold your finger on the icon, select “Change” and enter a new name. In this case, the original name in the system will remain the same - only the display on the desktop will change.

• 📱 Pros: does not require technical skills, a reversible process, works without root.
• ⚠️ Disadvantages: renaming only works within the launcher (the old name will remain in the application menu).
• 🔄 Limitation: Some system applications (for example, Huawei AppGallery) may not support editing.

Setting example in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from AppGallery or APKMirror.
2. Set it as the default launcher in the system settings.
3. Hold your finger on the application icon → "Edit" → enter a new name.
4. Click "Done" and save changes.

Method 2: Applications for renaming (without root)

If launchers are not suitable, you can use specialized utilities like App Cloner or Parallel Space. These apps create "clones" of applications with the ability to edit their labels. Important: this method duplicates the application, increasing memory and battery consumption.

For example, App Cloner allows you not only to rename the shortcut, but also change the icon, turn off notifications or block access to certain functions of the clone. This is convenient for creating “work” and “personal” versions of instant messengers. However, please note that cloned applications may conflict with the original ones when receiving push notifications.

Application	Requires root	EMUI support	Features
App Cloner	❌ No	✅ Yes (EMUI 9+)	Creates full clones with individual data
Parallel Space	❌ No	✅ Yes (EMUI 10+)	Works as a sandbox for applications
Icon Changer	❌ No	⚠️ Partially (depending on the model)	Only changes icons and label names

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, banking or two-factor authentication) may block work in the cloned environment for security reasons. Before using, check the developer's policy.

Download App Cloner from a trusted source

Check for free space (the clone takes up ~2x memory)

Disable battery optimization for the cloned application

Synchronize data (if you need to transfer chat history, etc.)

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Method 3: Editing system files (for advanced)

This method is only suitable for users with root access or an unlocked bootloader. It allows you to change the name of the application at the system level, which will be reflected in all menus, including Settings → Applications. To work, you will need a file manager with access to the root directory (for example, Root Explorer) and knowledge of the structure of APKfiles.

Algorithm actions:

1. Make a backup copy of the original APK file (located in /data/app/ or /system/priv-app/).
2. Download the APK to your computer and extract it using APKTool.
3. In the folder res/values/ find the file strings.xml and edit the line with the application name (parameter app_name).
4. Collect the APK back, sign it and install it over the original one.

Changing system APK files may cause the application or the entire system to malfunction. On devices with active integrity checking (for example, Huawei Mate X3 with HarmonyOS), this may cause updates to be blocked.

An alternative option for root users is to use the command pm via ADB:

adb shell pm set-app-name com.example.app "New name"

However, this command does not work on all versions EMUI and may require additional rights.

What to do if the application does not start after editing the APK?

If after the change strings.xml and re-installing the application crashes, check:

1. APK signature is correct (use uber-apk-signer).

2. Version match targetSdkVersion in the manifest.

3. No conflicts with the original package (if necessary, remove the original before installation).

If the problem persists, restore the backup copy APK.

Features for devices on HarmonyOS

Smartphones Huawei on HarmonyOS (for example, Mate 60 or Pura 70) have a different architecture than the classic Android. Here standard renaming methods may not work due to system limitations. However, there are workarounds:

• 🔧 Use HarmonyOS Launcher with widget support - some widgets allow you to hide application names.
• 📂 Create a folder on desktop and rename it - this will hide the original application names inside.
• 🔄 If the Desktop Modemode is available on the device, renaming can be done through the PC interface.

⚠️ Attention: On HarmonyOS Modifying system files without official tools may lead to loss of warranty. Huawei Actively blocks unauthorized changes in new OS versions.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When renaming Application users often encounter typical errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

• ❌ "Can't change the name" —check if the application is a system one (for example, com.huawei.android.launcher). Such applications are protected from changes.
• ⚠️ "The icon disappeared after renaming" —restart the launcher or clear its cache in Settings → Applications.
• 🔄 "The name was reset after the update" —this is normal for non-root methods. Repeat the procedure or use a launcher with an auto-recovery function.

If you used the APK editing method and encountered an error INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_INCONSISTENT_CERTIFICATES, this means that the signature of the new APK does not match the original one. Solution:

1. Uninstall the original application (if possible).
2. Sign the modified APK with the same key as the original.
3. Use the command adb install -r -t app.apk to force a reinstallation.

Comparison of methods: what to choose?

Which method is right for you? It all depends on the goals and technical capabilities:

Criteria	Third-party launcher	App cloning	APK editing
Root required	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Impact on the system	⚠️ Minimal	⚠️ Moderate (increased memory consumption)	❌ High (risk of failures)
Reversibility	✅ Full	✅ Full (by deleting clone)	⚠️ Partial (backup required)
HarmonyOS support	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited	❌ No

For most users, third-party launcher will be the optimal solution - it combines simplicity, security and sufficient functionality. If you need to hide the application from surveillance or create a “working” copy of it, cloningwill do. The APK editing method should be used only in extreme cases and if you have experience.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to rename system applications (for example, Camera or Gallery)?

System applications Huawei are protected from renaming without root access Even with root, changing their names can cause the shell to malfunction. An alternative is to hide their icons through the launcher or disable them in the settings ( EMUI. An alternative is to hide their icons through the launcher or disable them in the settings (Settings → Applications → Select an application → Disable).

Will the renamed application be updated through AppGallery?

Yes, updates will come regardless of the name of the shortcut. However, if you used a cloning method (for example, via App Cloner), updates to the original application will not be automatically applied to the clone. You will have to manually update both versions or transfer data between them.

How to return the original name of the application?

The method depends on the renaming method:

• For launchers: remove the custom name in the shortcut settings.
• For clones: delete the cloned application.
• For edited APKs: reinstall the original version from AppGallery.

Why did notifications disappear after renaming?

This is a typical problem for cloned applications. The system treats the clone as a separate application, and notifications may be duplicated or blocked. Solution:

1. Open Settings → Notifications.
2. Find the cloned application in the list.
3. Enable permission to show notifications and mark the priority as "High".

Is it possible to rename an application on Huawei without installing additional apps?

In the standard shell EMUI there is no such function. The only "native" way is to create a folder on your desktop and place the application there. The folder name will be displayed instead of the original name, but only on the main screen.