Here is the caveat: Gboard is a system-level app. On many older Android versions or specific manufacturer skins (like Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI), you might not have the standard "Remove" option that regular apps have. This leads many users to believe the icon is permanent. It isn’t.
Hiding the Gboard app icon is a common request for users who prefer a minimalist home screen or want to declutter their app drawer. Because Gboard is primarily a system utility rather than a standalone app, it offers a built-in setting to toggle its icon visibility on Android. How to Hide the Gboard Icon on Android How to Hide Gboard App Icon