How to hide an application on a Huawei phone: all methods from standard to hidden

Hiding applications on smartphones Huawei i Honor is a task that arises for various reasons: from the desire to remove unnecessary system utilities from view to the need to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike "pure" Android, firmware EMUI and Magic UI offer several built-in mechanisms for this, but not all of them are obvious. For example, the “Private Space” function (PrivateSpace) is not available on all models, and hiding through the launcher only works for custom icons.

In this article we will analyze 7 working methods from basic to advanced, including methods without rootrights and using third-party tools. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions EMUI (from 9.0 to 14.0) and models (Huawei P60 Pro, Mate 50, Nova 12 etc.). You will also learn how to bypass manufacturer restrictions and what to do if the hidden application Suddenly has disappeared from the menu.

We warn you in advance: some methods may conflict with the security policy Huawei. For example, disabling system applications via ADB sometimes leads to service failures Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). Therefore, before experiments, we recommend creating a backup copy of your data.

1. Hiding through “Private Space”

Function PrivateSpace is a proprietary solution Huawei for creating an isolated user profile with a separate set of applications, contacts and files. It is available on most devices with EMUI 10.0 and newer (including Magic UI 7.0 for Honor). The main advantage is that hidden applications completely disappear from the main interface and are not displayed in the "All applications" menu.

To activate PrivateSpace:

1. Go to Settings → Security and privacy → Private space.
2. Create a password or use a fingerprint to protection.
3. Select the applications you want to hide from the proposed list.
4. Click "Done" - they will disappear from the main launcher.

Important: PrivateSpace does not hide applications from system processes. For example, if you have hidden the messenger, its notifications will still arrive, but you will only gain access to them after logging into your private profile. Also, the function is not available on some budget models (Huawei Y6p, Y7a) and devices for corporate clients.

Make sure that the EMUI version is not lower than 10.0

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember your login password (restore it without resetting impossible)

Check the list of supported applications (some system utilities cannot be hidden)-->

2. Hiding icons through the standard launcher

If you just need to remove the application icon from the main screen, but leave it in the "All applications" menu, use the built-in capabilities of the launcher EMUI. This method does not remove the application and does not block its operation - it only hides the visual display.

Instructions:

• 📱 Press and hold the application icon on the main screen.
• 🔄 In the menu that appears, select "Remove" (not "Delete"!).
• 📁 The icon will disappear from the screen, but will remain in the "All applications" folder (Settings → Applications).

To completely hide from the "All applications" menu you will need to use ADB or third-party launchers (we'll talk about them below). Please note: on some models (Huawei P40 Pro, Mate 30) after updating to EMUI 12 this method may not work correctly - the icons return after a reboot.

3. Disabling system applications via ADB

For advanced users who are ready to work with the command line, there is a way to disable any application (including system ones) via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require rootrights, but requires connecting the phone to the computer and turning on debugging mode.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Activate Developer mode: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and click on it 7 times.
2. Enable USB debugging in the menu For developers.
3. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB (you can download from the official website Android).
4. Run the command to display a list of packages:

   adb shell pm list packages

5. Find the package name of the desired application (for example, com.huawei.android.installer for AppGallery).
6. Disable it with the command:

   adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 package_name

After disabling via ADB, the application will disappear from the menu and stop working, but will not be deleted. To get it back, use the command adb shell pm enable package_name. This method is suitable for removing pre-installed utilities (Huawei Browser, Petal Maps), but may disrupt system services. For example, disabling com.huawei.hwid will lead to authorization errors in HMS.

What happens if you disable a critical system application?

Disabling key services (for example, com.huawei.systemmanager) may cause the phone to reboot cyclically. In this case, only resetting to factory settings or flashing via eRecovery will help.

4. Using third-party launchers

If the built-in tools EMUI do not suit you, install an alternative launcher with the function of hiding applications. Popular options:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher —supports hiding icons, gestures, and backing up settings.
• 🔍 Apex Launcher —allows you to hide applications and create hidden folders.
• 🛡️ Microsoft Launcher —integration with a Microsoft account and the "Personal Space" function.

Setting example in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Tap and hold an empty space on the home screen → "Nova Settings".
3. Go to Application Settings → Hide applications.
4. Select the applications you want to hide and save changes.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can hide icons selectively without affecting system processes. However, some features (such as notifications) will continue to work. Also note that without Huawei device) not all launchers work correctly. Google Play Services (HMS-devices) not all launchers work correctly.

5. Hiding through the "Application Manager"

In EMUI there is a hidden function that allows you to hide applications through the manager menu. It does not work on all models, but it’s worth a try if other methods do not work.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application manager.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show system processes."
3. Find the desired application in the list and open its page.
4. If the "Hide" option is available, activate it (on some firmware it is called "Disable").

This method most often works for user applications, but not for system ones. For example, hiding Huawei Health or HiCare this way will not work. But it does not require a connection to a PC and is reversible: to return the application, just go to the manager again and click “Show”.

Built-in Private Space (PrivateSpace)

Hide through the launcher (Nova, Apex, etc.)

Disable via ADB

Third-party utilities (for example, App Hider)

I do not hide applications -->

6. Applications for hiding (App Hider, Hide App)

There are utilities that specialize in hiding applications. They work on the principle of creating a “sandbox” - an isolated environment where hidden apps are launched. Popular solutions: AppGallery And Google Play There are utilities that specialize in hiding applications. They work on the principle of creating a “sandbox” - an isolated environment where hidden apps are launched. Popular solutions:

• 🔒 App Hider — hides applications under the guise of a calculator or other harmless tool.
• 🕵️ Hide App-Hide Application — supports password and fingerprint.
• 🗝️ Calculator Vault — disguises hidden applications as a calculator interface.

Example of work c App Hider:

1. Download and install the utility from the official store.
2. Open it and follow the setup wizard (set a password).
3. Select applications to hide from the proposed list.
4. Hidden apps will only be accessible after entering the password in App Hider.

Warning: some antiviruses (including Huawei Mobile Security) can block such utilities as potentially dangerous. They also do not guarantee 100% hiddenness - an experienced user can detect them through task manager or battery consumption analysis.

7. Hiding through safe mode (for system applications)

If you need to temporarily hide a system application (for example, for testing), you can use safe mode. It disables all third-party apps, and some system utilities become unavailable.

How to enable:

1. Hold down the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Press and hold the "Power off" option (or "Reboot").
3. In the window that appears, select "Safe Mode".
4. After rebooting, check the list of applications - some of them will disappear.

This method is suitable for temporary hiding, since after exiting safe mode everything will return to its place. It does not delete data or affect the operation of the system, but it does not have a permanent effect. On some models (Huawei Mate X3, P50 Pocket), safe mode may block access to the camera or biometric authorization.

Comparison of methods for hiding applications on Huawei

Method	Requires root	Hide from system processes	Reversibility	Suitable for system applications
PrivateSpace	❌ No	✅ Yes (partially)	✅ Yes	❌ No
Hide via launcher	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
ADB	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (carefully!)
Third-party launchers	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
App Hider	❌ No	✅ Yes (inside the utility)	✅ Yes	❌ No

The choice of method depends on your goals. If you need to hide personal data, PrivateSpace or App Hiderwill do. To remove unnecessary system utilities, it is better to use ADB, but with caution. If it is enough to remove the icon from the screen, the capabilities of a standard or third-party launcher will suffice.

Common problems and solutions

When hiding applications on Huawei users encounter common errors. Here are the most common ones and how to eliminate them:

• 🔄 The application appeared again after a reboot:

  This is typical for the method of hiding through the launcher. Solution: use ADB to completely disable or PrivateSpace.

• 🔌 Does not work ADB (device not detected):

  Make sure the drivers are installed Huawei (download from the official website) and enabled mode File transfer when connected via USB.

• 🔒 Forgot the password PrivateSpace:

  It is impossible to restore it - you will need to reset the phone to factory settings (the data in PrivateSpace will lost).

• ⚠️ The hidden app continues to send notifications:

  This is normal behavior - notifications are managed by the system, not the launcher. To disable them, go to Settings → Notifications and manually disable notifications for this application.

If, after hiding the application through ADB the phone begins to slow down or overheat, return it with the command adb shell pm enable package_name. If the problem persists, reset the cache in Recovery (hold Power + Volume up when turning on).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with EMUI 13.1+ i Magic UI 7.1+ Huawei tightened the security policy. Some methods (for example, hiding through ADB system applications) may require additional authorization through Huawei ID or be blocked altogether. Before experiments, check the current restrictions in the official documentation.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to hide an application so that it is not displayed even in the settings?

Yes, but only after ADB with disabling the package or using root-rights. In the first case, the application will disappear from the "All applications" menu, but will remain in the list pm list packages. In the second, it can be completely removed using system tools like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Why did hidden applications appear again after the EMUI update?

Firmware updates often reset the launcher settings and return disabled ones through ADB system utilities. To avoid this, after the update, re-apply the selected hiding method. PrivateSpace updates do not affect hidden data - they remain in an isolated profile.

How to hide an application from parental controls?

Parental controls in EMUI (Screen Time function) blocks access to applications, but does not hide them. To get around this, move the application to PrivateSpace or use App Hider with a password other than the main one. Please note that the device administrator (for example, a parent) can see running processes in the task manager.

Is it possible to hide AppGallery or Petal Search?

Yes, but with reservations. These applications are system applications and are associated with Huawei Mobile Services. Disabling them via ADB (com.huawei.appmarket i com.huawei.search) will lead to operational errors. HMS Core. It is better to hide their icons through the launcher or PrivateSpacewithout disabling them completely.

Do these methods work on Honor after separation from Huawei?

On devices Honor s Magic UI 7.0+ (for example, Honor 90, Magic V2) the same methods are available, except PrivateSpace —it was replaced by "Confidential Mode" (Privacy Space) with similar functions. For ADB and launchers there is no difference.