RegisterLogin

Why doesn't the MyPhones app offer a "Hide icon" (hide app icon) feature?

  • Android system limitation: On most Android devices, hiding an app icon relies on specific launcher or OEM features—not on individual apps. The Agent app runs as a standard app and cannot control how other launchers display its icon (Fairphone Community Forum).

  • Cross-device compatibility: Since Android skins and launchers vary (e.g., Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and stock Android), implementing a unified hide-icon feature inside the Agent app would not work reliably across devices (Samsung, messagingapplab.com).

  • Security best practices: Most privacy-focused hiding features are part of the operating system (e.g., Samsung's "Hide Apps", secure folder, or Android work profiles), which offer better control and protection than individual apps. The agent app avoids requesting special permissions that are restricted or unsupported by specific Android versions.

👉 In short: It’s not a feature omission—it’s a technical limitation. The capability to hide an app icon must come from the Android launcher or system itself, not from inside the app.

❓ How can I hide the Agent app icon?

While the Agent app itself does not include a "hide icon" feature, you can hide it using built-in settings on your Android device or a third-party launcher:

✅ Option 1: Using built-in Android settings

(Some models only — e.g., Samsung, Xiaomi)

Samsung:

  1. Go to Home screen settings (long press on home screen → tap Settings).

  2. Tap Hide apps.

  3. Select the Agent and tap Done.

Xiaomi (MIUI):

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → App Lock.

  2. Enable Hidden apps → Choose the [Agent app].

✅ Option 2: Use a third-party launcher

Install a launcher that supports hiding icons, such as:

  • Nova Launcher (Free & Prime version)

  • Microsoft Launcher

  • Apex Launcher

  • Smart Launcher

Steps (Nova Launcher example):

  1. Install and set Nova Launcher as your default launcher.

  2. Go to Nova Settings → App drawer → Hide apps.

  3. Select the Agent app.

🔐 Note:

Hiding the icon does not stop the app from working. All background tasks will continue running as configured.