A modern smartphone stores a huge amount of personal information that you don’t always want to give to outsiders. The owner of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 often faces the need to limit the visibility of certain programs from the prying eyes of friends or colleagues. Fortunately, the MIUI shell offers built-in tools to solve this problem without requiring the installation of additional software.
The procedure for hiding can vary depending on the version of the firmware installed, whether it is a global build or a Chinese version of China ROM. In some cases, standard functionality may be limited, which will require the use of alternative methods of data protection.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from built-in system functions to third-party launchers, how to configure fingerprint access and what the limitations of a standard concealment mode are. Data security begins with the right interface configuration.
Use of the built-in mode of Hidden Space
The most reliable and integrated way is to use the "Second Space" feature, which creates a virtual second profile on the device that is completely isolated from the main one, where you can install separate copies of applications, store photos and contacts that are accessed through a special password or fingerprint.
To activate this feature, go to the system settings. Find Settings → Additional settings → Second space. When you first start, the system will suggest setting up a profile by selecting the login method. This can be a separate pattern lock or using another finger to unlock the screen, which will switch the phone to a second profile.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data stored in it will be permanently lost.
Once you create a profile, you can hide its icon from the main desktop space, and to do so, select the option “Delete the shortcut” from the Second Space Management menu, now you can only access it through settings or a special fingerprint when you unlock the screen, which provides a high level of privacy for your data.
Configure Hidden Applications in the Security App
In the newer versions of the MIUI shell, which can be installed on the Redmi Note 7 via an update, the concealment feature is built directly into the Security system application, a method that is easier than creating a second space, since it simply hides the icons of selected programs from the menu and from the desktop, making them available only through special code.
To activate this feature, open the Security app (green icon with a shield). Scroll down to the Hidden Apps section and turn on the switch. The system will prompt you to come up with a special access code. This code will be entered in the search bar on the desktop (for example, 1234#), after which the folder with hidden programs will open.
If someone knows about the existence of the code or has access to the file system through a computer, the data can be found, but this tool is perfect for protection from the casual eye.
☑️ Configuring the concealment in MIUI
Alternative methods through third-party launchers
If Xiaomi’s standard tools are unavailable or removed from your firmware version for some reason, third-party launchers come to the rescue. Programs like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher allow you to hide application icons from the general list, replacing the standard MIUI interface.
Once you install the launcher, you have to set it as the default one, and the launcher itself usually has a Hidden Apps or an App Hiding section, and you pick the right programs, and they disappear from the application menu, and you have to use widgets, shortcuts with a different name, or a voice assistant to run them.
Using a third-party launcher gives more flexibility in customizing the appearance, but can consume more battery resources than a standard shell.In addition, some Xiaomi system functions may not work properly.
Risks of using third-party launchers
Comparison of data hiding methods on Redmi Note 7
The best method depends on how much protection you plan to implement, and below is a comparison table that will help you determine the right option for your smartphone use scenario.
| Method | Level of protection | Difficulty setting up | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second space | High (data isolation) | Medium | Low. |
| Hidden Applications (MIUI) | Medium (access code) | Low. | Minimum |
| Third-party launcher | Low (visual only) | Tall. | Average. |
| App Lock (Blocking) | Medium (password to the entrance) | Low. | Minimum |
As you can see from the table, Second Space provides the best protection because the data is physically separated. Security is easy to access, but less reliable. App Lock doesn't hide the presence of apps, but it prevents you from starting without a password.
💡
For maximum security, combine methods: use the Second storage space, and put a lock on the gallery entrance and instant messengers on the main profile.
Features and limitations of different versions of MIUI
Redmi Note 7 users may experience a situation where the features described are not on the menu, often due to regional features of the firmware, for example, in the European versions (Global EEA), some privacy features may be changed in accordance with local laws.
Also, keep in mind that hidden apps continue to run in the background and consume Internet traffic. If you hide the messenger, notifications from it can come to the lock screen, giving it the presence. You need to additionally configure notifications in the Settings → Notifications and status bar, preventing the display of content for hidden programs.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding the application does not mean stopping it. background processes continue to work, which can lead to increased battery consumption if you do not adjust the limitations of background activity.
In some cases, a system update may reset the concealment settings or change the path to the menu, and it is recommended that after each major update of the operating system, check the validity of the established restrictions and access to hidden data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you hide standard Xiaomi apps like Gallery or Contacts?
What happens if I forget the password from the second space?
Are hidden applications visible in the list of working processes?
Does app hiding work if the phone is connected to the computer via USB?
💡
Hiding apps on Redmi Note 7 is an effective way to protect personal information from prying eyes, but for complete data security, it is recommended to use encryption and complex access passwords.