How to hide an application on Realme Android smartphones: from standard functions to advanced methods

Hiding applications on smartphones Realme is a task that arises for various reasons: from the desire to remove system utilities from view to the need to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike devices from other brands (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung), Realme does not offer a built-in function of “hidden folders” or “private mode” in the standard firmware. However, this does not mean that the task is impossible.

In this article we will examine 5 proven ones. methodsincluding both standard tools Realme UI, and third-party solutions. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of the shell (Realme UI 3.0/4.0/5.0), as well as the risks associated with using unofficial methods. If you are looking for a way to hide the application so that it does not appear in the menu, does not appear in the search and does not interfere with everyday use, you are on the right track.

We warn you right away: some methods require disabling battery optimization for hidden applications or even unlocking the bootloaderThis may affect the stability of the device. Also keep in mind that after resetting to factory settings, all hidden applications will become visible again.

1. Hiding through "Private Safe Mode" (Realme UI 4.0 and newer)

Starting from Realme UI 4.0 (base - Android 13), the firmware appeared built-in "Private Safe Mode", which allows you to hide not only files, but also individual applications. This method does not require root access and works on most modern models (Realme 10 Pro+, Realme GT Neo 5, Realme Narzo 60 etc.).

To activate the mode:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Private Safe Mode.
2. Create a password or pattern (it will be used to access hidden data).
3. Return to the home screen, swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
4. Tap on the "Private Mode" icon (icon lock) in quick settings.
5. In the menu that opens, select Hide applications and mark the ones you need.

After this, the selected applications will disappear from the main menu and search. To see them again, you need to re-activate private mode through the notification panel. Please note: in this mode, hidden applications are not updated automatically through Google Playand notifications from them are blocked.

⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password for private mode, you can restore access to hidden applications only by resetting the settings. Realme does not provide official password reset tools.

2. Using the Nova Launcher (without root)

If your device is running on Realme UI 3.0 or an earlier version that does not have a private mode, you can use with a third-party launcher. One of the most reliable options is Nova Launcher. It allows you to hide applications without interfering with system files.

Instructions:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Long-press an empty space on the main screen and select Nova Settings.
3. Go to section Hide applications (App & widget drawers → Hide apps).
4. Tick the applications you want to hide and click Done.

After this, hidden applications will not appear in menu Nova Launcher, but will remain accessible through the system search or standard launcher Realme. To completely remove them from view, you will have to combine this method with disabling them in the system settings (see the next section).

Download Nova Launcher from the official store|Back up your data|Disable battery optimization for Nova (in your phone settings)|Check compatibility with the Android version-->

Nova Launcher Paid to unlock additional features (for example, gestures or backup Settings), but the basic ability to hide apps is available for free. The main disadvantage of the method is that hidden applications still take up space in memory and may appear in the list of recently opened ones.

3. Disabling applications through system settings

If the goal is not just to hide, but completely deactivate an unnecessary application (for example, pre-installed bloatware from Realme), you can use the built-in disable function. This will not remove the app, but will make it invisible and inactive.

How to do it:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Select a tab All applications and find the one you need in the list.
3. Click on it, then select Disable (if the button is inactive, then the application cannot be disabled without root).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

This method is suitable for remote software, but has limitations: some system applications cannot be disabled without root access. In addition, after updating the firmware, disabled apps can be activated again.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling system applications (for example, Realme Link or Game Space) may interfere with proprietary features Realme, such as game optimization or wireless synchronization with other devices.

4. Hiding via ADB (for advanced users)

If the previous methods are not suitable, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) —a debugging tool that allows you to hide applications at the system level. This method works on all versions Realme UI, but requires a connection to a computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Enable Developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone 7 times click on Build number.
2. Return to Settings → Advanced settings → Developer options and activate USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB drivers and open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The name of your device should appear.

5. To hide the application, use the command:

   adb shell pm hide com.package.name

   (replace com.package.name with the actual application package, for example com.realme.link).

To find the package name, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, to find all applications with with the word "realme":

adb shell pm list packages | grep realme

After hiding via ADB, the application will disappear from the menu and search, but will remain in the list of installed apps in the settings. To get it back, use the command adb shell pm unhide com.package.name.

This method does not require root accessbut has a limitation: after resetting the settings or updating the firmware, hidden applications will become visible again. Also, some system apps can automatically return to the menu after a reboot.

5. Advanced methods: root and Magisk modules

If you need completely remove or hide system applications, and the previous methods did not help, there is still an option to obtain root access. On devices Realme this is possible through unlocking the bootloader and installation Magisk. However, this approach has serious consequences:

• 🔴 Loss of warranty (the manufacturer may refuse to repair).
• 🔴 Risk of "brick" (turning the phone into "brick") if there is an error during unlocking.
• 🔴 Security problems: some banking applications and services (for example, Google Pay) will stop working.
• 🟢 Full control: the ability to delete any applications, including system ones.

If you are ready for risks, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official tool Realme (submission of an application on the website is required support).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) and flash Magisk to get root.
3. Use modules Magisksuch as App Systemizer or Hide My Appto hide or uninstall unnecessary apps.

To hide applications Without removal, module Hide My App:

1 will do. Install the module via Magisk Manager.
2. Reboot the device.
3. Open Hide My App from the menu and select applications to hide.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Realme UI 5.0 (base - Android 14) some modules Magisk may conflict with the security system Realme, causing random reboots. Before installation, check compatibility on the forums (for example, XDA Developers).

6. Alternative methods: folders and archiving

If you just need to remove an application from the main screen, but not hide it completely, you can use standard tools Realme UI:

• 📁 Folders: Drag an application icon to another one to create folder. Name it neutrally (for example, “Utilities”).
• 🗃️ Archiving: Some launchers (for example, Apex Launcher) allow you to “archive” applications, removing them from view, but keeping them in the system.
• 🔍 Disable from search: In Nova Launcher you can disable the application's display in the search bar (settings → App & widget drawers → Hide apps from search).

These methods do not provide complete privacy, but help maintain order on the main screen. For example, if you want to hide the icon Realme Community, but don't want to disable it completely (to receive notifications about updates), the folder is a simple solution.

For additional disguise, you can change the application icon using the launcher Nova or Action Launcher. This does not hide the application itself, but makes it less noticeable among other icons.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals:

• 🔹 For temporary hiding (for example, before transferring the phone to another person) private mode or Nova Launcher.
• 🔹 To get rid of from unnecessary bloodware, use disabling in the settings or ADB.
• 🔹 To completely remove system applications you will need root.

If you are not confident in your technical skills, start with the simplest methods (private mode or launcher). Remember that a hidden application is not removed from the device —it simply becomes invisible in the interface.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hiding applications on Realme

adb shell am force-stop com.package.name