In this highly connected age, privacy protection for mobile apps has become a core user need. As a leading global smart device brand, Huawei offers a variety of practical features to meet user privacy management needs. This article will systematically explain the four methods for hiding apps on Huawei devices, and consider the differences in operations across different system versions to help users better manage their phone interface and data security.
1. Using PrivateSpace 568
Applicable Systems: EMUI 5.0+ or HarmonyOS
Principle: Create an independent, encrypted space, completely isolated from the main system, to hide apps and data.
What is PrivateSpace?
PrivateSpace is a completely separate space where you can store files, information, and other data that's just for you. Set a unique PIN, pattern, or password to create your PrivateSpace. Once it's set up, you can access it directly from the lock screen.
Steps:
（1）Go to Settings:
EMUI 9.0+/HarmonyOS: Settings > Privacy > PrivateSpace
EMUI 8.X: Settings > Security & Privacy > PrivateSpace
（2）Turn on PrivateSpace:
Tap "Turn on" and set a separate password or fingerprint (separate from the MainSpace).
（3）Switch to and install apps:
Use your fingerprint or PIN to access PrivateSpace from the lock screen.
Install apps you want to hide from the App Store in PrivateSpace.
（4）Switch back to the MainSpace:
Use your fingerprint to unlock the MainSpace app from the lock screen. Apps in PrivateSpace will be completely invisible.
Note:
- App data in PrivateSpace is stored separately and cannot be accessed when connected to a computer.
- Deleting PrivateSpace will erase all data in it. Back up your data before proceeding.
2. Hiding Feature (Supported by Some OS Versions)
Applicable Systems: HarmonyOS 3.0+ or EMUI 11+ (specific models)
Steps:
- Double-finger swipe (or pinch) on the Home Screen → Enter "Settings"
- Select "Hide Apps" → Check the apps you want to hide
- Complete authentication (fingerprint/password)
Access hidden apps:
View them again through the settings portal
Note: This feature is disabled by default on EMUI 5.0 and above and is only supported on some newer OS versions.
3. Use app-hider apps to make private apps invisible
Here are two very useful apps: a launcher app and a sandbox app.
A. HideAll
HOW TO USE Hide All: calculator app lock to hide apps
a. One-tap on the homepage and select to hide apps.
b. When you open the app hide launcher the first time and select apps, it will ask you to set a second home screen. You only need to set it once.
Select "Hide All" as home screen to hide apps
c. You do not need to do extra work for hiding applications. Just select apps shown inside the HideAll. It automatically hides the apps as well.
d. To unhide the secret apps, long press the icon and Exit Hidden Mode.
e. Set a password and modify the Hide All appearance on the home screen to enhance privacy and security. You can change the icon of HIDE ALL, make it looks like an ordinary system calculator, and you can also use it to perform calculations.
B. Secret Space
Here IS how to use Secret Space to hide apps:
a. Click "+" on the homepage, select apps you want to hide and import:
add success:
b. Open the added app, click Launch Dual button on pop-up to ensure it can run normally
c. Return to the homepage and open the added app, choose the Hide button on pop-up to delete the original one to achieve the hidden effect
d. Using the "Icon disguise" function to display the icon of Secret Space as a calculator will better improve the hiding effect.
4. Reduce App Visibility
* Folder Categorization:
Move private apps to a neutrally named folder (such as "Utilities") and place them on a secondary home screen page.
* Icon Blurring (Mate 60 Series Exclusive):
Press and hold the app icon → Select "Visual Protection" → Adjust the transparency/blur to make the icon difficult to read.
* App Clone Isolation:
Settings > App Clone → Create a Clone (e.g., WeChat Clone) → Move the Clone icon to the Private folder