How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: hidden features MIUI

The modern smartphone has long been a digital store of our personal lives, where, along with useful utilities, there are applications that are better to limit access from prying eyes. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9T devices often wonder how to make certain icons invisible on the desktop without removing the programs themselves. This can be banking software, personal correspondence or just games that you do not want to show to colleagues or children.

The MIUI operating system installed on Redmi 9T has built-in privacy tools, but they are not always obvious at first glance. The standard interface does not offer a simple Hide button in the context menu, which forces users to look for alternative ways to solve the problem. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from native system functions to installing specialized launchers.

It’s worth noting that methods can vary depending on the firmware version and regional configuration of your device. Global versions of MIUI sometimes lack some of the features available in Chinese builds, but workarounds are always there. We’ll look at both standard tools and third-party solutions so you can choose the most convenient option.

Use of the built-in function "Hiding Applications"

Most of the builds of the MIUI operating system for the Redmi 9T model have a native tool called Application Hiding, which allows you to remove shortcuts of selected programs from the desktop and from the menu of all applications, making them visible only through a special access code.

To activate this feature, go to the Settings menu, then select the App section and find the App Hide option. If this option is not directly available in your region, you can search the settings by entering the “Hide” request. Once enabled, you will be asked to create a unique pin code or pattern lock that will be used to access hidden content.

It's based on entering a secret code in a Security app or a desktop search bar, and you set a code, like a sequence of numbers, and then you type it in, and then you have hidden apps on the screen, and it's an elegant solution that doesn't require you to install any additional software.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the installed access code to the Hidden Room, it will be almost impossible to restore access to hidden applications without resetting your phone settings.

It is important to understand that hiding an application does not mean blocking it completely. Notifications from such programs may still come to the lock screen if you do not configure the corresponding notification settings separately.

Creating a Second Space for Total Isolation

A more radical and reliable method is to use the “Second Space” feature, which is implemented in the Xiaomi Redmi 9T, creating a completely isolated environment inside your smartphone that works as a separate phone with its own apps, photos and accounts.

To use this method, go to Settings and select Second Space. The system will suggest setting up a new profile with a separate password or fingerprint for it. Once activated, you can switch between the main and second space simply by touching a special icon or using a designated fingerprint when unlocked.

All apps installed in the Second Space are completely invisible in the main profile, and you can install instant messengers, banking apps or games there, and they will not appear in the usage statistics or in the list of installed programs of the main account.

The main advantage of this approach is that it is completely isolated, and even if someone accesses your main phone, they will not be able to see files or applications in the Second Space without knowing the additional password or biometric key.

Guest mode setting for temporary access

If your goal is to temporarily transfer your phone to another person and hide the extra, the ideal solution is Guest Mode. Unlike Second Space, which is permanent, Guest Mode is for occasional use and does not require complex profile settings.

You can activate this mode through the Quick Access Panel or in account settings. When you turn on Guest Mode, your phone is cleared of personal data, and the user only accesses the basic set of applications. All your personal photos, contacts and hidden programs remain inaccessible.

This method is especially useful when you need to make a call or look at a map on someone else's device without showing the contents of your smartphone. After the session is over, just exit Guest Mode, and all data will automatically return to its original state.

However, it is worth remembering that Guest mode is not designed to permanently hide applications, it is a temporary security measure, and for permanent work with hidden content, it is better to use Second Space or specialized launchers.

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Use different fingerprints to enter the main mode and Guest mode. Set the thumbprint for normal access, and the index fingerprint for guest profile activation.

Use of third-party launchers to hide icons

The built-in MIUI tools do not always meet the needs of all users, especially if more flexible interface management is required, in such cases third-party launchers come to the rescue, which completely replace the standard shell and provide advanced features for hiding elements.

Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher have built-in app hider features. Once you install the launcher and assign it to the main one, you get access to advanced interface settings where you can hide icons, change the desktop grid and customize gestures.

To hide an application in a third-party launcher, it is usually enough to pinch the icon on the desktop, select “Edit” or “Hide” and the program will disappear from view, while the application itself continues to work in the background, and it can be found through a global search or in the system settings.

Using a third-party launcher gives you more freedom, but can consume slightly more battery life compared to the standard Redmi 9T shell. Also, some features, such as MIUI gestures, may not work properly or require additional adjustment.

Blocking apps instead of hiding

Often, users don’t need to hide an application so much as protect it from unauthorized opening. For this purpose, Xiaomi Redmi 9T has a powerful tool called Application Lock, which allows you to set a separate password for running specific programs.

You can find this feature in the Security app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi devices. From the security menu, select App Lock, enable the function and set the password. Next, simply select from the list those programs that should only open after you enter the code or apply your finger.

This method doesn't hide the app icon, but it does secure the data inside it. If someone takes your phone and tries to open a locked messenger or gallery, the system will require authorization, which is an effective trade-off between convenience and security.

An important advantage of locking is the ability to set up an access profile: You can allow access to certain apps without a password while the phone is unlocked, but require re-authorization after a period of inactivity.

Comparison of data protection methods on Redmi 9T

To make it easier for you to choose the right way to protect your privacy, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of using the Xiaomi Redmi 9T.

Analyzing the data from the table, we can conclude that a combination of methods is the best option for everyday use, for example, you can use Application Lock for quick protection and Second Space for storing highly sensitive data.

And remember, no software method is 100% secure from professionals, but to protect against curious acquaintances, children or colleagues, these methods are quite enough, the main thing is to use complex passwords and not transfer the device unlocked into the wrong hands.

⚠️ Warning: Installing launchers from unknown sources may pose security risks. Only download apps from the official Google Play store or GetApps to avoid malicious code being introduced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Combining security techniques, such as using Second Space with blocking individual applications, creates a layered security system that is extremely difficult to circumvent without the owner’s knowledge.