How to hide the app on Xiaomi 8: full methods

Owning a modern smartphone involves storing a huge amount of personal information, access to which is desirable to restrict from prying eyes. Owners of Xiaomi brand devices often face the need to remove icons of certain programs from the desktop to protect their data or simply clean up the interface. The standard shell MIUI provides built-in tools for this, but their location and logic can vary depending on the version of the firmware.

In this article, we will discuss how to hide the application on Xiaomi Mi 8 and other current models using standard system tools. You will learn about the nuances of the function “Hidden applications”, which in the latest updates of MIUI 14 has undergone changes, and also consider alternative ways if the standard method does not suit you. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to effectively manage access to sensitive data on your device.

It should be noted that the process of hiding does not remove the program from the memory of the phone, but only makes it invisible to the average user on the menu. This is an important aspect of digital hygiene, which helps prevent children or colleagues from accidentally starting or viewing content. Below is a detailed guide covering all known ways to solve this problem.

Built-in application hiding function in MIUI

Since the early versions of the shell, Xiaomi has implemented a native icon hiding mechanism that does not require additional software installation. However, in updated versions of MIUI (especially global ones), this feature has often migrated to the Security section or was replaced by the more advanced Second Profile. To activate the classic method, you need to open the standard system application Security, which is preinstalled on each device.

Inside the security utility, you should scroll down to Hidden Applications, where you can create a special password or use biometrics to access hidden space. Importantly, if you forget this password, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to hidden data, so use reliable but memorable combinations. Once you set up, you will see a list of all installed programs.

The user interface allows you to select any programs you want to make invisible, and once you confirm the selection, they will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications, and to return them back or run them, you will need to enter the previously installed code or fingerprint in a special input field.

• 🔒 Open the Security app and find the Hidden Apps tool».
• 👆 Click the Add Apps button and select the desired programs from the list.
• 🔢 Set an unlock password or attach a fingerprint for quick access.
• 👁️ To view hidden content, swipe two fingers up on your desktop (if the feature is active) or through the security menu.

⚠️ Attention: After updating to MIUI 12.5 and higher on global firmware versions, the classic Hidden Applications feature may not be available, in which case the system will suggest using the Second Profile or Hiding Applications via Explorer.

Use Explorer to Hide Files and APK

An alternative and often more reliable way is to use System Explorer, which hides not only application shortcuts, but also.apk media, documents, and installation packages. To take advantage of this method, open the File Manager app and go to settings by clicking on the three bars in the top corner.

From the settings menu, select Hide Files and activate the switch. The system will ask you to set a password or link a Mi Account for authorization. Then a special folder will appear in the main Explorer menu, which is only accessible after you enter the code, and this is where you can move the installers of applications or files associated with them.

This method is especially useful if you want to hide the installation file of the application so that no one can re-installe it, but it is worth remembering that hiding the installer will not hide the already installed application from the menu unless you use additional launchers.

• 📂 Launch Explorer and go to settings via the side menu.
• 🔐 Activate the Hide Files function and set a strong password.
• 📁 Move the required files or APK-installers in the created hidden folder.
• 🔍 To access files, open the Explorer settings again and log in.

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Use different passwords to log in to your phone and to access hidden files, which will create an additional layer of protection for your personal information.

The second profile (Second Space)

The most radical and secure way to isolate data is the Second Profile function, which creates a completely separate space in the smartphone with its own settings, accounts and applications. In fact, your Xiaomi Mi 8 turns into two independent devices, switching between them through the lock screen or notification panel.

To activate this feature, go to Settings → Second Profile and click Enable. The system will create a new environment where you can install copies of any applications. The applications installed in the second profile are completely invisible to the first profile, which guarantees maximum privacy.

This is a perfect way to separate your workspace from your personal space, so you can install messengers or banking apps in the second profile and just not switch to it when you pick up your phone in a public place, and the profile data is isolated from each other at the file system level.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Profile, all data, apps and photos inside it will be permanently lost.

Hiding through third-party launchers

If the built-in MIUI tools seem uncomfortable or are missing from your firmware version, third-party launchers will come to the rescue. Popular shells such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher have their own powerful icon hiding tools. Once installed, it will replace the standard interface.

Most third-party launchers have a Hidden Apps or App Hider section in their settings. The way it works is simple: you pick apps from a list and they disappear from the desktop and menu. To run a hidden application, you often need to enter a special code in the search box or use a gesture.

The advantage of this method is the flexibility of the setup: you can create a folder with fake icons or set up a pin code to run a specific application. However, it is worth considering that third-party launchers can consume more battery resources than the standard shell Xiaomi.

• 📲 Download and install a launcher (like Nova Launcher from Google Play.
• ⚙️ Go to the launcher settings and find the Hidden Applications section».
• ✅ Choose programs that you need to hide from prying eyes.
• 🔑 Set up a password or gesture to display hidden items (if supported).

Blocking access to application settings

Simply hiding an icon is sometimes not enough, especially if the user is aware of the existence of hidden programs.An additional measure of protection is to block the launch of the applications themselves or access to the phone settings. MIUI has an Application Protection feature that requires you to enter a password or fingerprint when you start selected programs.

This is located along the Settings path → Applications → Applications → Application Locking. Here you can select any installed programs, including a gallery, messages or bank clients. Even if the application icon is visible, you can not run it without authorization.

Combining concealment and locking techniques is the best way to do this, for example, you can hide an application through a launcher and use a widget or voice assistant to run it, which can also be password protected, and this creates a layered security system.

Path to Protection: Settings → Applications → Blocking Applications → Select Application → Enable

It is worth noting that blocking your phone’s settings will prevent an attacker from changing system settings, especially if the device is used by children who may accidentally knock down important network or sound configurations.

⚠️ Note: Do not block system applications that you are not sure about (for example, Phone, Contacts, Messages) if you do not want to encounter problems with incoming calls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Hiding apps is primarily a visual measure. For real data protection, be sure to use password or biometrics to block startups.