How to make a hidden desktop on Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones store vast amounts of personal information, from bank correspondence to sensitive photos that should be restricted from prying eyes. The standard MIUI interface or the new HyperOS offers a single desktop, where all app icons are visible to anyone who picks up the device, posing risks not only in public transport but also at home when children or guests can use the phone.

The question of how to make a hidden desktop on shaomi often arises for users who want maximum privacy without installing questionable software. Fortunately, the company's engineers have provided several built-in protection mechanisms to hide not only individual files, but entire parts of the system. In this article, we will discuss in detail the regular features of the shell, which allow you to create the illusion of the absence of certain programs or even run a completely isolated space.

The implementation of hidden space depends on the version of the operating system and the regional firmware of your device. Global versions of MIUI often have a reduced functionality compared to Chinese counterparts, but basic security tools are everywhere. We will look at all the options available, from simple hiding icons to creating a full-fledged second profile.

Use of the Hidden Applications function

The easiest and fastest way to get rid of the unnecessary is to use the built-in Hidden Applications function. This tool does not create a separate desktop in the full sense of the word, but effectively hides the icons of selected programs from the general menu and the list of recently launched tasks. To activate this option, you need to go to the Settings menu and find the Application section where the Hidden Applications item is located.

Once the function is enabled, the system will prompt you to select the programs you want to hide. It is important to understand that after that the icons will disappear from the desktop, but the applications themselves will continue to work in the background and will be able to send notifications if you do not configure them separately.

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For quick access to hidden apps, set up a password or fingerprint entry when trying to open a hidden partition so that outsiders can’t accidentally see your list.

It's worth noting that in the new versions of HyperOS, the algorithm for this tool has been slightly modified to improve security. Now hidden applications may not even appear in search on the system, making them almost invisible to the average user. However, if someone knows about the existence of such a feature, they can try to find them through the settings, so this method is for protection from random glances than from targeted hacking.

Second Space: A Fully Hidden Table

If you want to not just hide icons, but create a completely isolated environment with its own set of applications, accounts and files, then Second Space is the perfect solution. In fact, your smartphone turns into two independent devices: the main and the guest, switching between them instantly through a special shortcut on the lock screen or in the notification curtain.

The second space is set up in just a few minutes. Go to Settings → About (or to the Additional section depending on the MIUI version) and select Second Space. The system will suggest setting up a separate unlock method, such as the main thumbprint input and the index input to the second space, which allows you to instantly switch between worlds by simply putting different fingers on the scanner.

Inside the second space, you get a clean desktop that you can install any apps from Google Play or GetApps on, all the data here is encrypted and not accessible from the main profile, and it's a great way to separate work and privacy, or create a safe environment for kids to have, so they can't accidentally delete important system files or buy extra in games.

Guest mode and access restrictions

For situations where you need to give the phone to another person for a while, Xiaomi has Guest Mode. Unlike the Second Space, which is a permanent second profile, the Guest Mode is designed for temporary use. It blocks access to your personal apps, contacts and gallery, leaving only the basic feature set and browser available.

You can activate this mode through the notification curtain, adding the appropriate switch there, or through the settings of the Mi Account account. In this mode, the desktop looks as as ascetic as possible, and the guest will not be able to see your hidden folders or second spaces, since the system temporarily restricts access rights to the user's file system.

However, it is worth considering that the guest mode does not save a state after exiting. All files and browser history downloaded in this mode will be automatically deleted when you return to the main profile. This provides a high level of privacy, but is not suitable for creating a permanent hidden desktop with its own settings.

⚠️ Note: When activating the Second Space or Guest Mode, make sure you remember the password or pin code to log in. You cannot reset the second space password without accessing the main profile and the data will be lost.

Hiding through third-party launchers

MIUI and HyperOS are flexible, but sometimes users need to fine-tune the look and feel of the desktop. In such cases, third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher come to the rescue. These applications completely replace the standard interface and often have built-in features to hide icons or create hidden folders protected by password.

Installing a third-party launcher requires the default permission that the system requests when it first starts, and then you get access to advanced grid settings, animations, and most importantly, privacy features that can be more convenient than standard ones. For example, Nova Launcher can hide any application from the menu, and it will no longer appear anywhere except for the launcher’s settings.

Using third-party solutions offers greater freedom, but also carries certain risks. Third-party launchers can consume more battery resources and sometimes conflict with Xiaomi’s system gestures. In addition, some concealment features may require special permissions through ADB or root rights, which complicates the setup process for an untrained user.

Comparison of data protection methods

The best way to hide your desktop depends on your specific security and convenience needs, and below is a table comparing the main features of the methods reviewed to help you make your choice.

As you can see from the table, the Second Space offers the best balance between security and functionality for continuous use. It creates real data isolation, which is critical when storing sensitive information. Hidden apps are suitable for quick camouflage, and guest mode is ideal for handing out the phone to acquaintances.

Important nuances of working with HyperOS and MIUI

The shift of many Xiaomi devices to the HyperOS shell has brought some changes to the logic of security features, with the new system shifting its focus to ecosystem integration and artificial intelligence, sometimes leading to a change in the location of familiar settings, such as finding a concealment feature that may now require the use of a voice assistant or deep search through settings.

Global firmware users should be prepared that some features available in Chinese versions may be missing or limited due to regional restrictions and data protection laws, and in such cases, upgrading to the latest version of the software or changing the region in settings (which is not recommended without understanding the consequences) can return access to the desired options.

It is also important to remember the impact of memory optimization: MIUI’s aggressive energy saving can unload applications from Second Space from memory if they are not used for a long time. To avoid data loss or notification delays, you need to manually attach important applications to memory through the multitasking menu.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to hide system applications through third-party launchers or ADB-This can lead to unstable phone operation, cyclical reboots or complete loss of access to the interface.

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The most reliable and secure way to create a hidden desktop on Xiaomi is the regular function "Second Space", which does not require the installation of additional software and guarantees the isolation of data at the system level.

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