How to hide an application on Honor 8A: from standard functions to hidden EMUI features

Smartphone Honor 8A based on EMUI (shell from Huawei) offers several ways to hide applications from prying eyes - both built-in means and using third-party ones tools. But not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove the icon from the main screen, others completely block access to the app without a password. In this article we will analyze 5 working methodsincluding little-known functions EMUI 9.0/9.1that work specifically on Honor 8A (model JAT-LX1/LX2/LX3).

It is important to understand the difference between “hiding” and “deleting”: a hidden application continues to occupy space in memory, can receive notifications and update in the background. If the goal is to free up memory, it is better to use the function disable (deactivation) through the settings. And if you just need to remove the icon from children or colleagues, launchers with support for “hidden folders” are suitable.

Please note: on Honor 8A with firmware EMUI 9.x there is no built-in “Private Mode” function (unlike flagship Huawei models), so additional steps will be required to completely block applications. Below are step-by-step guide for each method, including nuances for a specific model.

1. Hiding through EMUI settings (without third-party apps)

The easiest way is to use the built-in function "Hide applications" in EMUI. It does not delete the app, but only removes it from the menu and search. The method works without root access and does not require installing additional software.

How to do it:

1. Open Settings → Security → Hiding applications.
2. Enter your password or pattern (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create it).
3. Select applications from the list and press Done.

After this, the icons will disappear from the main screen and from the application menu. To get them back, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes. Important: apps hidden in this way will still be displayed in the "All applications" section in the settings (Settings → Applications), but to access them you will need to enter a password.

• ✅ Does not require root access or third-party apps
• ✅ Works on everyone versions Honor 8A (JAT-LX1/LX2/LX3)
• ❌ Applications remain in the list of installed ones (visible in settings)
• ❌ Does not block notifications

2. Using a launcher with support for hidden folders

If the built-in tools EMUI do not suit you, you can install an alternative launcher (desktop shell) with the function of hiding applications. Popular options for Honor 8A:

• 📱 Nova Launcher (paid version supports hiding icons)
• 🔒 Apex Launcher (free, with the "Hide applications" option)
• 🛡️ Microsoft Launcher (hides icons in "Personal Space")

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one (when you first start it, the system will prompt you to select "Always").
2. Press your finger on an empty space on the screen → Nova Settings.
3. Go to Application Settings → Hide applications.
4. Select the apps you want to hide and confirm.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can hide icons selectively, create folders with a password, or even change the appearance of the interface. However, launchers do not block access to applications through the system menu Settings → Applications, so additional measures will be required for complete privacy.

Launcher	Hide icons	Password for folders	Free version
Nova Launcher	✅ (in Prime)	❌	✅ (with restrictions)
Apex Launcher	✅	✅	✅
Microsoft Launcher	✅ ("Personal space")	✅	✅
Action Launcher	✅ (in Pro)	❌	✅ (with restrictions)

3. Disabling applications (deactivation)

If the goal is not just to hide, but completely block access to the app (including background work and notifications), you can use the function disable. This will not delete the application, but will make it inaccessible without re-activation.

How to disable an application on Honor 8A:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Applications.
2. Find the desired application in the list and tap on it.
3. Click Disable (the button will be active only for pre-installed apps).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog box.

Disabled application:

• ❌ Not displayed in the menu and on the main screen
• ❌ Does not receive notifications
• ❌ Does not update automatically
• ✅ Can be turned on again settings

⚠️ Attention: Disabling system applications (for example, Huawei Mobile Services or Google Play Services) can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone. Do not deactivate apps marked "System" if you are not sure of their purpose.

Make sure that it is not a system utility|Save important data from the application|Check if another app depends on it|Remember the path to re-enable (Settings → Applications)

-->

4. Hiding through "Private Space" (EMUI 9.1+)

Starting from EMUI 9.1, some models Honor received the function "Private Space" (PrivateSpace), which allows you to create a separate protected profile with your own applications, files and settings. However. on Honor 8A this option absent by default —it must be activated through the hidden menu.

Instructions for enabling PrivateSpace:

1. Open the application Phone and enter the code: ##2846579##.
2. In the menu that appears, select ProjectMenu → Background settings → PrivateSpace.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a private profile.
4. After setting up, reboot phone.

Now, when you turn on the phone, you will be asked to select a profile: main or private. In the private space, you can install and hide applications separately. This method is the most reliable for privacy, since applications in PrivateSpace are completely isolated and not visible in the main profile.

⚠️ Attention: Not all versions Honor 8A support PrivateSpace. If the code does not work, check the firmware version in Settings → About phone. For models with EMUI 9.0 this method is not available.

What to do if PrivateSpace is not activated?

If after entering the code the menu does not appear or the PrivateSpace option is missing, this means that your firmware version is not supports this feature. An alternative is to use third-party utilities to create a second user (for example Island or Shelter), but they require root access or an unlocked bootloader.

5. Third-party hiding utilities (with password and encryption)

If the built-in methods are not suitable, you can use specialized apps for hiding applications. For Honor 8A recommended:

• 🔐 App Hider (creates cloned icons with a password)
• 🛡️ Hide App-Hide Application Icon (hides icons without root)
• 🔒 Calculator Vault (disguises applications as a calculator)

Example settings App Hider:

1. Install the utility from Google Play.
2. Run and set a password.
3. Select applications to hide and press Hide.
4. The icons will disappear, and access will only be possible through App Hider.

Advantages of third-party utilities:

• ✅ Complete blocking of access without a password
• ✅ Ability to disguise as other applications (for example, a calculator)
• ✅ Work without root access

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Take up additional memory space
• ❌ May conflict with the shell EMUI
• ❌ Require regular updates for security

6. Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If hidden applications need to be removed permanently (for example, before selling the phone), and standard methods do not help, reset to factory settings remains. This will delete all user data, including installed apps.

How to reset to Honor 8A:

1. Save important data (photos, contacts, messages) to an external drive or to the cloud.
2. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset all settings.
3. Enter the password (if set) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to complete (the phone will reboot).

After resetting, all applications except the pre-installed ones will be deleted. To return hidden apps, you will need to reinstall them from Google Play or a backup copy.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting deletes all dataincluding accounts, Wi-Fi settings and files in the internal memory. If the phone is linked to an account Huawei ID, after resetting you will need to enter a login and password to unlock (protect FRP).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hiding applications on Honor 8A

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

System applications preinstalled by the manufacturer cannot be deleted or hidden using standard means. They can only be disable (deactivated) via Settings → Applications. Complete removal will require root access, but this will void the warranty and may interfere with the stability of operation. EMUI.

Why does the application continue to send notifications after hiding?

Hide applications function in EMUI only removes the icon, but does not block background work of the app. To turn off notifications:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Notification Manager.
2. Find the desired application and disable the option Show notifications.

To completely block, use PrivateSpace or third-party utilities like App Hider.

How to get hidden applications back?

The method depends on the hiding method:

• Through EMUI settings: Settings → Security → Hiding applications → uncheck the boxes.
• In the launcher: go to the shell settings and cancel hiding.
• In PrivateSpace: switch to a private profile and remove applications from there.
• Third-party utilities: open the app (for example, App Hider) and unlock access.

Will hiding work after the update EMUI?

When updating the firmware, all applications hidden by standard means will remain hidden. However, if you were using third-party launchers or utilities, a reconfiguration may be required (especially if the update resets the settings to default). Before upgrading, it is recommended to:

• Make a backup copy of important data.
• Remember the list of hidden applications.
• Make sure that third-party utilities are compatible with the new version EMUI.

Is it possible to hide applications from the parent one? control?

If parental controls is enabled on the phone (for example, through Google Family Link or Huawei Parental Controls), then applications hidden by standard methods will still be visible in usage reports. For complete privacy:

• Use PrivateSpace (if available).
• Install applications in a private profile.
• Disable parental controls in your account settings (administrator password will be required).