Hide Launcher Icon & Open Settings Via Actions: Feature Request

Nov 7, 2025 by Admin 64 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a cool feature request about hiding the launcher icon and using Actions to open settings. This idea comes from a user who prefers apps to run quietly in the background, and it's definitely something worth discussing. So, let's break down the suggestion, explore the potential benefits, and see how it could be implemented.

Understanding the Feature Request

The main idea here is to give users the option to hide the app's launcher icon. This means the app wouldn't appear in the app drawer or on the home screen like a regular app. Instead, the user proposes launching the settings activity via actions.sh within the module. Actions are supported by most mainstream root managers, making this a viable alternative.

Essentially, the user suggests two possible ways to achieve this:

Don't define a launcher entry in the AndroidManifest.xml file. This would prevent the icon from appearing in the first place.
Provide a setting within the app to hide the icon. The user points out that this is feasible for system apps, citing GBoard (Google Keyboard) as an example.

The beauty of this approach is that it gives users more control over their app experience. For those who prefer a cleaner home screen or want certain apps to run discreetly, this feature would be a welcome addition.

Diving Deeper into the Implementation

To really understand the implications, let's consider the technical aspects a bit more. The AndroidManifest.xml file is the heart of any Android app, defining its structure and behavior. By omitting the launcher entry, we're essentially telling the system not to display an icon for the app.

The second option, providing a setting to hide the icon, is a bit more involved. This would require adding a preference within the app's settings that toggles the visibility of the launcher icon. The app would then need to dynamically update its AndroidManifest.xml or use other techniques to hide the icon when the setting is enabled. This approach offers more flexibility, as users can easily switch between having the icon visible and hidden.

The suggestion to use actions.sh to launch the settings activity is particularly interesting. actions.sh is a script that allows users to interact with the app through root commands. This means that users could use a root manager app to trigger the settings activity, even if the app icon is hidden. This adds a layer of control and customization for advanced users.

Why This Feature Matters: Benefits and Use Cases

So, why is this feature request so compelling? Let's explore the benefits and use cases:

Clean Home Screen: Many users strive for a minimalist home screen setup. Hiding rarely used app icons can contribute to a cleaner and more organized look. This feature perfectly caters to that need.
Discreet Operation: Some apps are designed to run in the background without requiring constant user interaction. Hiding the launcher icon for such apps can prevent clutter and confusion. Imagine an app that automatically performs tasks in the background – hiding its icon makes perfect sense.
Enhanced Privacy: In certain situations, users might prefer to keep certain apps hidden from plain sight. While this feature isn't a substitute for proper security measures, it can add a layer of privacy by making it less obvious that the app is installed.
Customization and Control: Ultimately, this feature is about giving users more control over their app experience. It empowers them to tailor the app's behavior to their specific needs and preferences.

Consider these scenarios:

A user has an app that automates certain tasks on their device. They want the app to run in the background but don't need to access it frequently. Hiding the launcher icon would be ideal.
A user wants to keep a particular app discreet for privacy reasons. Hiding the icon makes it less likely that someone will stumble upon it.
A user simply prefers a clean and uncluttered home screen. Hiding the icons of rarely used apps helps them achieve this.

In all these cases, the ability to hide the launcher icon provides a tangible benefit to the user.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Of course, implementing this feature isn't without its challenges. We need to consider potential drawbacks and ensure a smooth user experience.

Discoverability: If the launcher icon is hidden, how will users find the app's settings? The suggestion to use actions.sh is one solution, but it requires root access and isn't the most user-friendly approach for everyone. We might need to explore alternative methods for accessing the settings activity, such as a notification or a quick settings tile.
User Confusion: Hiding the launcher icon could confuse some users, especially those who aren't familiar with the concept. We need to provide clear instructions and documentation to explain how the feature works and how to access the app's settings when the icon is hidden.
Compatibility: We need to ensure that the feature works seamlessly across different Android versions and devices. This might require careful testing and adjustments to the implementation.
Security: While hiding the launcher icon can add a layer of privacy, it's not a foolproof security measure. We need to make it clear to users that this feature isn't a substitute for proper security practices, such as using strong passwords and keeping their device updated.

Possible Solutions and Implementation Details

Let's brainstorm some possible solutions and implementation details:

Settings Toggle: The most straightforward approach is to add a toggle in the app's settings that allows users to hide or show the launcher icon. This provides a clear and user-friendly way to control the feature.
Alternative Launch Methods: We need to provide alternative ways to launch the app's settings activity when the icon is hidden. Here are a few ideas:
- Notification: Display a persistent notification that allows users to quickly access the settings.
- Quick Settings Tile: Add a quick settings tile that toggles the app's visibility or directly launches the settings activity.
- actions.sh (for Rooted Users): Continue to support actions.sh for users who prefer this method.
Clear Documentation: We need to provide clear and concise documentation explaining how the feature works and how to access the settings when the icon is hidden. This documentation should be easily accessible within the app and online.
User Education: Consider adding a one-time tutorial or tooltip to guide users through the feature when they first enable it. This can help prevent confusion and ensure a smooth experience.

Community Contribution and Collaboration

The user who suggested this feature also mentioned the possibility of submitting a pull request (PR) to implement it. However, they also acknowledged their limited experience with Android development. This highlights the importance of community contribution and collaboration.

If you're an Android developer and find this feature interesting, consider contributing to the project! You could help implement the feature, write tests, or improve the documentation. Even if you're not a developer, you can still contribute by providing feedback, suggesting improvements, or helping to test the feature.

Conclusion: A Promising Feature for Enhanced User Control

In conclusion, the feature request to hide the launcher icon and use Actions to open settings is a promising one. It offers several benefits, including a cleaner home screen, discreet operation, and enhanced user control. While there are challenges to consider, such as discoverability and user confusion, these can be addressed with careful planning and implementation.

By providing users with the option to hide the launcher icon, we can empower them to tailor their app experience to their specific needs and preferences. This feature aligns perfectly with the goal of creating a user-friendly and customizable app.

What do you guys think about this feature? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below! Let's discuss the best way to bring this feature to life. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just an enthusiastic user, your input is valuable.