Hide android application icon after install

Question

I\'ve seen that there are some GPS application on Google apps where, after installation, the application will have no icon display yet will run services in the background.

Answer 1

For removing Application from Launcher just do not put these lines with main Activity in AndroidManifest.xml

<intent-filter>
  <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
  <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
</intent-filter>

and if you want to remove it programatically then use PackageManager.setComponentEnabledSetting for removing it from the Launcher as :

  ComponentName componentToDisable =
  new ComponentName("com.xxx.apptodisable",
  "com.xxx.apptodisable.LauncherActivity");

  getPackageManager().setComponentEnabledSetting(
  componentToDisable,
  PackageManager.COMPONENT_ENABLED_STATE_DISABLED,
  PackageManager.DONT_KILL_APP);

Answer 2

Just don't implement an Activity with a android.intent.category.LAUNCHER category intent-filter, and that the Service receive boot broadcast.

Answer 3

use this code

PackageManager p = getApplicationContext().getPackageManager(); 
p.setComponentEnabledSetting(getComponentName(),PackageManager.COMPONENT_ENABLED_STATE_DISABLED, PackageManager.DONT_KILL_APP);

Answer 4

Best Way To Hide Application Icon From Launcher You Can Use <category android:name="android.intent.category.LEANBACK_LAUNCHER"/> In Your Manifest MainActivity

  <activity android:name=".MainActivity">
        <intent-filter>
            <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
            <category android:name="android.intent.category.LEANBACK_LAUNCHER"/>
        </intent-filter>
    </activity>

also add uses-feature

<uses-feature
    android:name="android.software.leanback"
    android:required="true" />