Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Mi 9T store vast amounts of personal information that is not always worth sharing with others. Device owners often face the need to hide certain programs from prying eyes, whether they are banking services, personal correspondence or game profiles. The standard MIUI interface provides powerful tools for data protection, but they are not always obvious to the average user.
Unlike simple launchers, MIUI offers deep system changes to create isolated environments, not just masking icons, but fully sharing device space. In this article, we will discuss how to effectively use built-in security features to ensure the privacy of your data on the Mi 9T model.
Understanding Second Space and hidden folders will not only help you get the extra out of sight, but also significantly improve your digital hygiene, and we will look at the technical nuances of implementing these features and the possible limitations that you may face during the setup process.
Principles of operation of application hiding in MIUI
The MIUI hider mechanism is based on creating virtual profiles or special containers, so when you hide an application using standard system methods, it is not deleted, but moved to a secure memory area that is only accessible after authorization, which ensures that even when the phone is unlocked, an unauthorized person will not see your data.
The main tool here is Second Space, which creates a virtually independent operating system inside your phone, and the applications installed in Second Space are not physically visible in the main menu, are not displayed in the list of running main profile processes, and have their own permission settings.
⚠️ Note: When you move the application to the Second Space, it may stop receiving notifications in the background if you do not configure the appropriate permissions to work in the background.
Another layer of protection is the use of Hidden Folders in a standard explorer or gallery, which is often confused with hiding the applications themselves. It is important to distinguish between these concepts: hiding the application icon and hiding the files it works with are different processes that require separate settings in the security menu.
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The second space is a full-fledged, isolated user profile, not just a folder with hidden icons.
Configure the Second Space (Second Space)
The most reliable way to hide the app on the Xiaomi Mi 9T is to activate Second Space, which is ideal for those who want to completely separate working tools from personal ones or hide the presence of certain programs from children or colleagues.
To start, you need to go to the system settings. Find the Settings → Second Space and click the activation button. The system will suggest configuring the method of switching between spaces: this can be a special pin code, a fingerprint or a graphical key. Once you create a profile, you will find yourself in a clean interface, where you will need to reconfigure accounts and download the necessary applications.
☑️ Second Space setup
When you move to Space Two, you'll see a standard desktop, and that's where you want to install or migrate the apps you want to hide, and all the data you download here will be stored separately from the main storage, which also saves space and makes it easier to manage files.
- 🔐 Use different fingerprints to quickly and discreetly switch between the main and second profiles.
- 📱 Set different wallpapers in each space to visually understand where you are at the moment.
- 🚫 Do not share your Google account in Second Space if you want to remain anonymous.
Switching between profiles is done through settings or a specially assigned gesture/fingerprint, which allows you to instantly hide all applications of the Second Space with one touch, turning your smartphone into a completely ordinary device without traces of hidden software.
Use of the Hidden Applications function
Some versions of MIUI firmware installed on the Xiaomi Mi 9T have a simpler feature called Hidden Apps, which does not create a separate profile, but simply hides the icons of selected programs from the menu and desktop, accessed through a special gesture in the Security app or through a set of code in the “caller”.
To activate this option, open the Security app (green zipper icon), scroll down to Hidden Apps and turn on the switchboard, where you can choose which programs should be hidden. Once activated, the icons will disappear, but the apps will continue to work in the background.
How do I find hidden applications?
It is important to understand that this method only hides the visual presence of the program. In the list of working processes or in the section of battery use, the experienced user will still be able to notice the activity of the hidden application.
To access hidden applications, a combination of actions is often used, such as fingers spreading on the desktop or entering special code, these settings are customized individually in the hide menu, allowing you to create a convenient and understandable access mechanism only for you.
Working with folders and file manager
Hiding apps is closely linked to the security of the files they create, and the standard MIUI file manager allows you to create hidden folders where you can move photos, videos and documents associated with hidden apps, creating an additional layer of privacy.
To create a hidden folder, open Explorer, go to the directory you want, and select files. In the action menu (three dots), find Hide. Files will move to a secure partition that is only accessible by password or fingerprint. This is especially true for messengers who save media files to a shared gallery.
| Type of data | Protection method | Level of access |
|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos | Hidden album at the Gallery | Password/Printprint |
| Documents | Hidden folder in the Explorer | Password/Printprint |
| Annexes | Second space | Separate profile |
| Correspondences | Built-in application lock | Password/Printprint |
| Notes | Hidden notes | Mi Account password |
Using a file manager to hide data requires care. If you hide an application through Second Space but leave its files in a shared folder, traces of activity may remain visible. Always check the ways to save data in the settings of each application.
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Check the Cleanup section in the Security app regularly – sometimes hidden files can appear as occupying space there, giving them the presence.
Limitations and technical nuances
Despite the power of Xiaomi’s tools, there are certain limitations that Mi 9T owners need to be aware of. First, some banking applications can detect root rights or a modified environment (as in Second Space) and refuse to work.
Second, hiding apps affects notifications, so if the app is in the Second Space and you are in the main profile, the notifications from the hidden programs will not come, which can lead to missing important calls or messages if you do not set up the correct sync or switch between profiles regularly.
⚠️ Warning: When you reset your settings to factory or delete Second Space, all the data inside will be permanently deleted.
The impact on RAM is also worth considering: Running two profiles at the same time (although one is formally active) can consume more system resources, which on older versions of Android sometimes led to more aggressive offloading of background processes. On the Xiaomi Mi 9T with its storage capacity, this is rarely a problem, but it is worth keeping in mind this fact.
Alternative methods and third-party solutions
If MIUI is not enough, the market offers a lot of third-party solutions, launchers like Nova Launcher or special-purpose hidden calculator applications (App Hider) allow for additional layers of protection, but using third-party software requires extensive permissions, which reduces the overall level of security of the device.
Many users prefer not to hide the application, but to use the application lock feature, which allows you to set a password to run a particular program. Although the icon remains visible, you can not run the application without code, it is a compromise between full concealment and open access.
When choosing a third-party solution, pay attention to the feedback and permissions that the program requests. Often, the “hiding” in such applications is implemented through the creation of a virtual environment, which can conflict with Xiaomi’s system functions, causing unstable work.
- 🛡️ Use only verified apps from the official Google Play Store.
- 🔋 Watch battery consumption – third-party “hiding rooms” often work in the background and plant the battery.
- ⚙️ Check the compatibility of the third-party launcher with control gestures MIUI.