Hiding applications on Android is a task that arises for various reasons: from the desire to remove rarely used apps from view to the need to protect confidential data from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where the functionality is limited, Android offers several levels of solving this problem - from basic settings to advanced technical methods.

It is important to understand that hide ≠ delete: the application remains in the system, takes up space in memory and can work in the background. However, it will become visually unavailable through the standard launcher or application menu. In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from built-in tools from manufacturers (Xiaomi, Samsung, Oppo) to universal solutions for any device, including methods using ADB and alternative launchers.

Before you begin, please note: some methods require USB debugging unlocks or installation of additional software. If your goal is not just to hide, but to completely block access to the application (for example, to control parents), consider specialized apps like AppLock or Norton App Lock. They add password protection, but do not remove the application from the system.

📊 Why do you want to hide the application?
To free up space in the menu
For privacy
Hide games from children
Remove system applications
Other

1. Built-in functions of manufacturers: MIUI, One UI, ColorOS

Many branded Android shells have their own tools for hiding applications. Their main advantage is that they do not require installing third-party software or obtaining root access. Disadvantage: the method only works on devices of a specific brand.

Consider the three most common shells:

  • 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI): Go to Settings → Applications → Hidden applications. Select apps from the list and confirm the action. The applications will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system settings. To return them, repeat the path and uncheck the boxes.
  • 🤖 Samsung (One UI): Open Settings → Home screen → Hide applications. Here you can hide both user and some system apps from view (for example, Samsung Pay or Bixby).
  • 🔄 Oppo/Realme (ColorOS): Go to Settings → Privacy → Hiding applications. You will need to set a PIN code or pattern to access the hidden list.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Xiaomi hidden applications may appear again after updating MIUI Before updating the system, check their status in the settings.

If yours. the device runs on pure Android (for example Pixel or Nokia), this method will not work - proceed to the following methods.

2. Using alternative launchers

Launchers are apps that replace the standard Android interface. Many of them have a function for hiding applications. and they work on any device, regardless of firmware. Popular options:

  • 🎨 Nova Launcher: The free version allows you to hide applications by long pressing the icon → Edit → Hide. The paid version (Nova Prime) has the ability to block hidden applications with a password.
  • 🚀 Apex Launcher: Similar Nova, but with more flexible gesture settings. Hiding is available in the menu Apex Settings → Drawer Settings → Hidden Apps.
  • 🔍 Microsoft Launcher: Built-in Hidden Apps feature in Settings. Suitable for users integrated into the ecosystem Microsoft (synchronization with Windows 11).

The advantage of launchers is Flexibility: you can not only hide, but also group applications into folders, change icons, customize gestures. However, there is a drawback: when you change the launcher to a standard one, hidden apps will reappear visible.

Install the launcher from Google Play

Set it as the default launcher in the system settings

Restart the device for correct operation

Create a backup copy of the current desktop (if necessary)

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3. Hiding through Android settings (without root)

Even without proprietary shells and launchers in pure Android, there are ways to remove applications from view. data-i="88">✅ Disappears from the menu and search shutdown (not deletion!). Disabled application:

  • ✅ Disappears from the menu and search
  • ✅ Does not update automatically
  • ✅ Does not consume resources (if it does not have background services)
  • ❌ Remains in the list Settings → Applications

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Select the desired application from the list.
  3. Click Disable (on some firmware — Uninstall updates → Disable).
  4. Confirm the action. The system will warn that the application may not work correctly - ignore this if the goal is only to hide.

For system applications (for example, Google Play Music or Duo) you may need to first uninstall updatesand then disable it. On some devices (for example, Huawei), disabling system applications is blocked by the manufacturer.

4. Advanced method: ADB commands

If you need to hide the application at the system level (for example, so that it does not appear even in the settings), you can use the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require root access, but will require connecting to a computer.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Developer mode on the phone: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times).
  2. Activate Debug by USB in the developer menu.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and install ADB drivers (for example, via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
  4. Open the command line and enter: 
    adb shell pm hide com.example.app

    Replace com.example.app to the real application package (you can find it through App Inspector or website APKMirror).

  5. To return visibility, use: 
    adb shell pm unhide com.example.app
⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi on MIUI 14+) block command pm hide. In this case, only getting root access or using alternative methods will help.

List of popular application packages for hiding:

ApplicationPackage name
Facebookcom.facebook.katana
Instagramcom.instagram.android
TikTokcom.zhiliaoapp.musically
Google Play Gamescom.google.android.play.games
YouTubecom.google.android.youtube

5. Specialized applications for hiding

If the previous methods are not suitable, you can use third-party apps. They are divided into two types:

  1. Hide launchers (already discussed above).
  2. Application managers - create a “safe” with a password where you can place any apps.

Top 3 applications to hide:

  • 🔒 App Hider: Creates a clone of an application with a different name and icon (for example, Calculator instead of Telegram). Requires manual configuration for each application.
  • 🛡️ Hide App-Hide Application: Hides applications in a protected area with a PIN code. It works without root, but may conflict with some antiviruses.
  • 📂 Second Space (for Xiaomi): Built-in MIUI function that allows you to create a second desktop with a separate set of applications.

The disadvantage of such apps is potential security vulnerabilities. If an application requires too many permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts), it is better not to use it. Before installing, check reviews and ratings for Google Play.

💡

Before installing a third-party application safe, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. This will help restore information if the app starts to work incorrectly.

6. Hiding system applications (requires root)

If you are ready to get root accessadditional options will open up. For example, you can not only hide, but also completely delete system applications (for example, Bloatware from the manufacturer). Popular tools:

  • 🛠️ Titanium Backup: Allows you to “freeze” applications (similar to shutting down, but saving data).
  • 🧹 System App Remover: Removes or hides system apps. Dangerous for beginners - incorrect removal can lead to bootloop (loop reboot).
  • 🔧 Lucky Patcher: Can hide applications and modify their behavior (for example, disable advertising). Risky from a security point of view.

Warnings for root users:

  • 🚨 Removing system applications may disrupt the operation of Google Play Services or proprietary features (for example, Samsung Knox).
  • 🔄 After updating the firmware, hidden applications may again appear.
  • 📱 Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) refuse to work on devices with root.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung Knox or Google Titan M (for example, Pixel 6/7) obtaining root access may lead to the inability to use Secure Folder or Google Pay.

7. widgets, guest mode

If you don't need to completely hide the application, but rather make it less noticeable, consider these options:

  • 📁 Folders on the desktop desktop: Move the icon to a folder with a neutral name (for example, "Utilities") and hide it on the second screen.
  • 👥 Guest mode: On some devices (for example, Samsung) you can create a guest profile without access to your applications. Activated through the notification panel.
  • 🖼️ Changing icons: Applications like Icon Changer allow you to replace application icon to a neutral one (for example, a calculator icon for instant messenger).
  • 🔄 Do Not Disturb mode: Disables notifications from hidden applications, which reduces their visibility.

These methods do not provide complete confidentiality, but they help organize your workspace and reduce the chances of accidental opening of the application by strangers.

What to do if a hidden application reappears?

If an application is hidden through the launcher or settings has become visible again, check:

1. Was there a firmware update (some manufacturers reset the settings after the update).

2. Has the launcher changed to standard (for example, after resetting the settings).

3. Does the installed hiding software conflict with the antivirus (for example, Avast or Kaspersky can block such apps).

If the problem persists, try another method from the article.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hiding applications

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

Yes, but this will require either ADB-command pm hide (does not work on all firmware), or root access using Titanium Backup or similar tools. Without root, it is impossible to completely remove the application from the list in the settings.

The hidden application continues to send notifications. How to disable this?

Notifications are managed separately from application visibility. To disable them:

  1. Go to Settings → Notifications → All applications.
  2. Find the desired application and disable notification displays.
  3. To completely block, use ADB-command: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app

    (replace com.example.app with your application package).

Will the hidden application be updated via Google Play?

Depends on the hiding method:

  • If the application is disabled through the settings, updates are blocked.
  • If it is hidden through the launcher or ADB hide - updates will be installed automatically (unless auto-update is disabled in Google Play).
  • To completely block updates, disable auto-update for a specific application in Google Play or use App Hider with the update blocking function.
Is it possible to hide an application from an antivirus or parental control?

No, if the antivirus or parental control app control (for example, Kaspersky Safe Kids) scans installed applications at the system level. Hiding through the launcher or ADB will not prevent such apps from detecting hidden applications in the list of installed software. To bypass you will need to:

  • Disable the antivirus while using the hidden application.
  • Use virtual space (for example, Parallel Space), but this can also be blocked by parental controls.

The best solution is to agree with those who control the device, or use a separate smartphone for confidential tasks.

How to hide an Android app Auto or in TV mirroring?

Applications displayed on Android Auto or when connected to a TV via Miracast/Chromecastare managed separately to remove them from these interfaces:

  1. For Android Auto: Open the app on your phone → Settings → Application settings and disable unnecessary apps.
  2. For Chromecast: hiding on the phone does not affect the broadcast. Use ADBcommand to completely disable the application (see section 4).

1. ADB command pm hide (if supported by firmware)

2. Disabling the application in Android settings

3. Hiding through proprietary tools (MIUI/One UI)

4. Alternative launchers (Nova, Apex)

5. Third-party “safes” (App Hider, Hide App)

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