[Q] Good app to hide and also run (not disable) apps on ICS 4.0.4. - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi Guys,
I am looking at a good way to hide apps from the list. I want the apps to be able to run (like Email) and do the sync, but not to display the icons in the list. I have seen that ICS comes with a "Disable" function for system apps, but it doesn't work for me because it also prevents the app from running.
I also want a way to launch the apps myself (through a hidden menu or command) at will.
I have tried things like Application Protection, which allows you to password protect the apps you want. However, since the icons are still there, it is still tempting for my kind to click and ask for the password.
Thoughts?

megamacx said:
Hi Guys,
I am looking at a good way to hide apps from the list. I want the apps to be able to run (like Email) and do the sync, but not to display the icons in the list. I have seen that ICS comes with a "Disable" function for system apps, but it doesn't work for me because it also prevents the app from running.
I also want a way to launch the apps myself (through a hidden menu or command) at will.
I have tried things like Application Protection, which allows you to password protect the apps you want. However, since the icons are still there, it is still tempting for my kind to click and ask for the password.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use HeLauncher or similar, worked with me!

Mr.Indigo said:
Use HeLauncher or similar, worked with me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mr. Indigo,
Where do I get the latest version of HeLauncher? What are other similar ones?
Will that change the UI of my phone? I love stock ICS UI..

megamacx said:
Hi Mr. Indigo,
Where do I get the latest version of HeLauncher? What are other similar ones?
Will that change the UI of my phone? I love stock ICS UI..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, will.
My friend installed on my phone. But you can found another launcher who does the same thing. Then, go to Settings -> Applications -> Quick Start and see the shortcut!

Mr.Indigo said:
Yes, will.
My friend installed on my phone. But you can found another launcher who does the same thing. Then, go to Settings -> Applications -> Quick Start and see the shortcut!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I found the Apex Launcher, and that is accomplishing what I need. (A mix of hiding apps + launching apps through gestures).

GoLauncher also supports the hiding feature.
For running the app even though it is hidden you can put them on a (home)screen or folder before you hide them from the app launcher. They will of course still be there after you hid these apps from the launcher.
Have fun! :victory:

hi
is there anyway to do above without launcher?
i mean hide them while they also keep running but not using launcher?

Related

[Q] How to have LG category function in custom roms?

Dear all,
I love the way LG stock rom devides apps in to default ones and Downloads. Moreover, it allows creating new categories to better organize apps. However, no custom rom (void, prime, lol,...) has this useful ability.
Do u know how to get this? Which app can help with the same need?
The LG Home app recognizes 2 categories by default, but additional categories may be added. And ones from the first category can be moved to the second and so on. The only thing special about the "APPLICATIONS" category in the stock launcher includes all apps from the /system/app/ directory.
With Zeam, GO, ADW, Panda, Better Home and LauncherPro (I don't know of other launchers...) it is possible to create categories and organise apps the same way as in the stock home app. But system apps are by default not seperate from the user applications in the app drawer.
If you want the stock launcher app, just copy it from your stock ROM - "/system/app/LGHome.apk". Then you are free to place it on any ROM of your choice (Simply install the package or copy it to the /system/app/ directory).
Ianis G. Vasilev said:
With Zeam, GO, ADW, Panda, Better Home and LauncherPro (I don't know of other launchers...) it is possible to create categories and organise apps the same way as in the stock home app. But system apps are by default not seperate from the user applications in the app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you do this? I've been using LP Plus for 2 weeks and I've pretty much gone through all the possible settings from the preference page and I couldn't find anything about it there.
AzNxJoHnNy said:
How do you do this? I've been using LP Plus for 2 weeks and I've pretty much gone through all the possible settings from the preference page and I couldn't find anything about it there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would like to know this too so i can create category for my downloaded apps and preinstalled apps
Many launchers come with this function. Just try them. If you have an Android phone and you haven't yet tried all the launchers, it's weird. I bet 99% people have tried all launchers.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
AzNxJoHnNy said:
How do you do this? I've been using LP Plus for 2 weeks and I've pretty much gone through all the possible settings from the preference page and I couldn't find anything about it there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I find no option to do this

[Q] A way to hide apps

Can someone please tell me a way of how to hide apps on a non-rooted Evo 3d and other phones? I have only seen apps that require root for this feature to be effective.
Thanks
You mean just from the app drawer? Or punch in a secret code in the dialer or something?
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
"Go launcher ex" allows you to hide apps from your app drawer, if that is what you are asking.
ADW does that too, open up the app drawer, hit menu and set up group.
App Locker II - Fake Crash is what I use. Instead of hiding the app it just mimics a stubborn app force closing all the time. Don't really have any apps that need securing more than that. That's the free version, the same developer makes more secure paid versions.
Audio manager. looks like an audio app but you can actually have the fake crash report show or also hid apps/pics/vids completely with root. That along with private sms box should secure your phone quite well from wandering eyes. Not that I know from experience or anything...
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
tgkdubb said:
Audio manager. looks like an audio app but you can actually have the fake crash report show or also hid apps/pics/vids completely with root. That along with private sms box should secure your phone quite well from wandering eyes. Not that I know from experience or anything...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like that a lot better than the one I've been using. For a free app, it has a ton of features. Thanks!
A way to hide apps
I am looking for something to use on a non-rooted phone. Something that can hide the app from the main menu listing.
Thanks
Another vote for GO Launcher Ex. I've tried the major launcher apps, and GO seems to work the best for me on my EVO 3D.
kwrose14 said:
I am looking for something to use on a non-rooted phone. Something that can hide the app from the main menu listing.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need root to run Go Launcher, it does replace sense though. Just search the market for "Go Launcher" then open app drawer, press menu, then hide app. Long time user of Launcher Plus and am happy I made the switch.
Is there any way I can do this using Sense, without changing to another launcher?
Maybe you can try downloading Z4root and temporarily root your phone to use the other apps. Not sure if on reboot the apps will stay hidden or not though, but it might be worth a try because I think every other solution out there is going to require root.
There's an app by the same developer as App Lock II called Invisible Protector that looks like it may be what you're looking for. Doesn't say it needs root in the description, and has a free 3 day trial.
With 'Go Launcher' how do you unhide the app?
vazquezcmp said:
With 'Go Launcher' how do you unhide the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
menu/preferences/general/hidden apps.
#Root-Hack\Mod*Always_
""Shooter on Deck""
Under 'General Settings' I see
- Visual Settings
- Screen Settings
- App Drawer Settings
- Effects Settings
- Gesture Settings
- Advanced Settings
but not hidden apps

Sense App Drawer

Is there a way to hide certain apps from the app drawer without rooting? I know there are different launchers that are able to do this but I like the stock Sense launcher.
Also, Is there a way to remove the recent apps from the notification bar?
Thanks in advance.
droidemere said:
Is there a way to hide certain apps from the app drawer without rooting? I know there are different launchers that are able to do this but I like the stock Sense launcher.
Also, Is there a way to remove the recent apps from the notification bar?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be totally wrong here but it seems like what you're asking for is going to require root.
nguyendqh said:
I could be totally wrong here but it seems like what you're asking for is going to require root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if I rooted, I think the only way would be for me to use Root Explorer and renaming the .apk file to .bak... Unless anyone else knows of other methods?
Why do you want to hide them? Are you trying to hide bloatware w/o rooting?
I think rooting is going to be the way to go. Sure you can find some launchers that hide them, but Sense doesn't play nicely with them.
I use launcher pro (rooted, BeastMOD 1.3.1), so I have two docks with 5 icons each with a standard and a swipe gesture. i also have widgets for more important things, so the ONLY use I have for my app drawer is to access apps that I use relatively rarely.
For example, I have the Digital Clock widget on my home screen. I have zero use to look at an icon for it taking up space in my app drawer.
I have a similar (but different) question. Is is possible to organize the downloaded apps in the drawer in alphabetical order? It currently puts the most recently dl'd apps at the top, making finding apps a pain in the ass. My phone is stock and unrooted.
droidemere said:
Is there a way to hide certain apps from the app drawer without rooting? I know there are different launchers that are able to do this but I like the stock Sense launcher.
Also, Is there a way to remove the recent apps from the notification bar?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without rooting I guess you must use some launcher with function to hide or grouping.
I used ADW EX and it caused no problem with stock Sense. With ADW you can set up groups and put apps that you don't like into a group and name it "junk" or something like that and never touching that group when open app drawer ...
Edit: Sorry for my replied making no sense since you stated that you wanted Sense ... Just disregard this post
Oh well...sense is too nice to give up for another launcher..
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using xda premium

[Q] "Favorites" app

Hey all,
I have recently installed ADW Launcher EX in order to set my tablet up using the Hubs philosophy. Looks great so far, but the one thing I did like was the favorites shortcut in the status bar on the stock sony launcher. I would like to add it somewhere, but it won't let me add it, probably because it is some kind of hidden system app.
Does anyone know how to add these hidden system apps to homescreens or wherever without need root access or a custom rom?
Fluxman said:
Hey all,
I have recently installed ADW Launcher EX in order to set my tablet up using the Hubs philosophy. Looks great so far, but the one thing I did like was the favorites shortcut in the status bar on the stock sony launcher. I would like to add it somewhere, but it won't let me add it, probably because it is some kind of hidden system app.
Does anyone know how to add these hidden system apps to homescreens or wherever without need root access or a custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without some serious dev work, it looks to me like this is not possible. It seems to be a part of the stock launcher from what I can tell. You might be able to write a non-launchable app that just launches the Favourites, but that would only work if they had any public Intents built-in.
Not too sure, since I'm at work and can't check right now, but thats just my thoughts.
Thanks,
I had thought as much. I actually don't mind the sony stock launcher, just wish I could create shortcuts that can jump to certain screens like in ADW launcher. I'm sure if I rooted, I could find some way to access that applications independently, but I don't really want to go that route with my tablet. My phone was enough lol

[Q] How do I remove the google bar from my home screen?

First, I'm not a developer (any more), just a novice user of a Nexus 10.
I've been playing with various widgets, putting them on the home screen & building groups of apps to keep the screen simple,
so I can actually see my wallpaper. (Nothing special, just pics I like.)
Problem is that huge Google bar at the top. Is there an simple way to get rid of it, like the select-drag-drop for other home screen stuff.?
Also, there seems to be some limits on where I can actually put apps or widgets. Is there a way to adjust this too?
I'd really like to put a dashboard widget in place of that Google bar.
Finally, is there a way to disable Google when I select or swipe nearby the bottom of the screen?
This is a real pain-in-the-patootie when playing solitaire & the cards get near the bottom of the screen.
Thanks in advance. I could not find this anywhere in the Q&A forum for Android.
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Ok, what' a "launcher"?
bodh said:
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds helpful, if I knew what a launcher is.
I am soooooo out of date re: computers of any kind anymore...
Just go on google play and search "launcher"! It is the app which launches other apps, provides the app drawer, and many other setting options, like how pages scroll, etc.
Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I'll go see whats I can find, & come back here to make sure its a good one.
Root file manager under system then apps. Look for Google search bar and add .back at end then restart phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
... and how do I...?
aandkharris said:
Root file manager under system then apps. Look for Google search bar and add .back at end then restart phone
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good, a real engineering solution instead of a workaround (not that there is anything wrong with a workaround).
How to I get to the root file system to modify filenames?
I'm on a Nexus 10. Any idea what app/widget/setting function to use?
I've got "androzip" which let's me see the file system down to a certain point ( /.) & shows a bunch of folders,
but crashes when I try to see what's in the folder named "root"
Suggested launcher?
bodh said:
Just go on google play and search "launcher"! It is the app which launches other apps, provides the app drawer, and many other setting options, like how pages scroll, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which one is best/most reliable/free-or-cheap?
If I muck this thing up, Duh Hubby will get really upset!
I know there is/was a list of recommended apps & widgets, but can't find the thread now. Don't know if it mentioned a launcher anyway.
Thanks again!
bodh said:
Try a different launcher, like nova, which will allow you to disable the persistent search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just now realized that you suggest a launcher here... Doh!
The other suggestion about changing s filename may be good too. I suspect a launcher will be safer for me.
Yes, using a launcher is better. Otherwise you'd have to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 10, which will wipe all your data, then set it up all over again and restore backed up data, then get into the root filesystem and modify the file name of the app file, which can be too much since you say you're not experienced (unless you're interested in learning to do all that) The app is called QuickSearchBox.apk btw not GoogleSearchBox.apk.
Also, custom launchers like Nova and Apex launcher look exactly the same as the default launcher you're using right now, but have a boatload of additional features a lot of which you may find interesting and useful. The default (stock) launcher is very basic in functionality.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Now using Nova launcher
sashank said:
Yes, using a launcher is better. Otherwise you'd have to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 10, which will wipe all your data, then set it up all over again and restore backed up data, then get into the root filesystem and modify the file name of the app file, which can be too much since you say you're not experienced (unless you're interested in learning to do all that) The app is called QuickSearchBox.apk btw not GoogleSearchBox.apk.
Also, custom launchers like Nova and Apex launcher look exactly the same as the default launcher you're using right now, but have a boatload of additional features a lot of which you may find interesting and useful. The default (stock) launcher is very basic in functionality.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Much nicer than Android basic, more "toys" to play with & no Google bar at the top!
I even learned what a home screen actually is & have set up several for different uses.
Another fun time waster to play with beyond just games... would be nice to set
different wallpaper for each screen, but being able to actually see the whole
image is really nice.
I think I'll get the Pro version to get rid of other Google launch with the sweep/touch near
the bottom of screen- the answer to the second part of my original question.
Thanks to all who replied... I feel like such a noon at this point. These forums are truly the best place
to find/get answers to basics questions. The Help provided by Google is distinctly lacking in detail.
Now to search for answers to more questions....
damn. the stock launcher is actually pretty nice on the hydro edge at least for my pop but I want that damned google bar gone (BUT WANT google search and google now) I just want the stupid useless homescreen bar gone (its too small for him to use he can't hit the mic icon reliably) so I just put a regular voice search icon on the screen for him.
Grrr I hate when they "shove" things down your throat like that.
nerys71 said:
damn. the stock launcher is actually pretty nice on the hydro edge at least for my pop but I want that damned google bar gone (BUT WANT google search and google now) I just want the stupid useless homescreen bar gone (its too small for him to use he can't hit the mic icon reliably) so I just put a regular voice search icon on the screen for him.
Grrr I hate when they "shove" things down your throat like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with you
Is there any way to go into system and delete it all together?
You can't delete system apps unless you are rooted, which if you have a nexus device than this is super easy
Yes as mentioned before the simple fix is just use another launcher, there are many amazing ones to pick from often with a free version that works great
As for removing the bar from the stock launcher the easiest way would be to decompile the .apk and find the xml file for it and chances are change a simple bit of code from true to false but without ever decompiling this myself can't say how its set up. But in truth this may be more work than it is worth
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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