Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often question the privacy of data stored on the home screen. The standard interface of MIUI or the new HyperOS does not allow you to just right-click and choose Hide, as is done on a personal computer.
There are several proven ways to get the data out of the way: you can use the built-in features to hide applications, create secure folders, or use third-party launchers to choose how you want to hide the data and whether you are willing to put up with some of the interface's limitations.
In this article, we'll look at all the options available, from simple settings to advanced encryption techniques, and learn how to make icons disappear from your desktop but remain available to you at any time, especially if your device is used by children or colleagues.
Use of Hidden Applications in MIUI
The most reliable and built-in way is to use the native Hidden Apps feature, which is available in most modern shells from a Chinese manufacturer. To activate this mode, you need to go to the system settings. Find a section that can be called Applications or Application Settings.
Inside the menu, you need to find Hidden Apps, and once you turn on this option, the system will prompt you to select the programs you want to hide. Importantly, once activated, only the app icons are hidden, not entire folders with files, but this is an effective way to remove access to messengers or gallery from the desktop.
To access hidden content, a special gesture is used: On the desktop (in viewing all icons), you need to spread two fingers to the sides, as if you want to zoom in on the image. If the function is set up correctly, additional space with hidden icons will open.
⚠️ Note: The hidden application function may not be available in global firmware versions or may be replaced by a "Second Space" in which case it is recommended to use alternative methods described below.
Remember that you may need a password or fingerprint to log into hidden app mode if you have set up security in the security menu, which adds an additional layer of privacy to your data.
Creating a Second Space for Total Isolation
If you want to hide not just icons, but an entire environment with your photos, contacts and accounts, Second Space is the perfect function. It's a full copy of the system inside your smartphone that works as a single user.
To create a second space, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Second Space. The system will create a new desktop that is completely independent of the main one. You can set different wallpapers, different unlock passwords, and even different fingerprints to log into the main and second spaces.
This solution is ideal for separating work and personal life, with one space having work apps, and the other with personal photos and correspondence, and switching between them is instantaneous through a notification panel or a special gesture.
- 🔒 Complete data isolation: applications in the second space are not visible in the first space.
- 📸 Separate gallery: photos taken in the second space are not displayed in the main gallery.
- ⚙️ Independent settings: you can configure different settings of sound, Wi-Fi and notifications.
Using Second Space consumes more battery and RAM resources, since two copies of the system are actually running, but for maximum security purposes, it is the best standard tool.
Hiding folders with third-party launchers
The MIUI standard launcher has limited functionality compared to the alternatives. If the built-in methods don't suit you, you can install a third-party launcher from Google Play. Popular options like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher provide flexible look and feel settings.
However, it’s worth noting that most free launchers don’t have a built-in folder or app hide feature without buying a Pro version. Nova Launcher Prime, for example, has the option to hide icons in the app drawer, but desktop folders are harder to hide.
To accomplish a task, you often have to do a trick: create a folder, put applications there, and then use the launcher's Hide App feature, if it's available, or hide the folder shortcut through the grid settings, but the most effective ones are dedicated launchers with Private Folder.
⚠️ Note: Installing third-party launchers can change navigation gesture behavior and notifications. In some cases, the system may force the return of a standard launcher after a restart.
Before installing a new launcher, make sure it is compatible with your version of Android. Also check the permissions the app requests to avoid passing on any extra data to third parties.