How to hide unnecessary apps on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, have a huge amount of functionality that is often hidden from the eyes of the average user. One of these features is the built-in application hiding feature, which allows you to remove program icons from the desktop and from the menu without removing them from the device’s memory.

Unlike simply removing shortcuts, hiding apps keeps all of the program’s data intact, making it accessible only through a special password or biometrics. You can remove system services you don’t use but are afraid to delete, or hide programs that children shouldn’t see. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the available methods, from standard system settings to advanced tricks.

It’s worth noting that the location of the menus you want may vary slightly depending on your Xiaomi firmware version and regional settings, but the general principle of how the privacy tools work remains the same across the brand ecosystem, and be prepared to disappear from the general list once set up, and only know the secret access code will be able to find them.

The standard function of hiding applications in MIUI and HyperOS

The easiest and most reliable way to get rid of the excess is to use the built-in Hidden Apps tool, which is deeply integrated into Xiaomi’s security system and does not require installing third-party software. To activate it, you need to go to the security settings menu, where all the tools for data protection and optimizing the smartphone are collected.

Open the Security app (green zipper icon) that is preinstalled on each device. At the top of the screen, you'll see a number of icons that you want to find the Hide Apps section. If this icon isn't available quickly, scroll down the tool list and click Settings, then select Hide Apps from the general list, and that's where you control the visibility of installed programs.

Once you activate the switch in front of the desired application, its icon will instantly disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all programs. It is important to understand that the program does not stop working: notifications may come, and background processes will continue to be performed. To access hidden content, you will need to enter a special code or fingerprint, which you will configure in the same menu.

⚠️ Note: Once the apps are hidden in the standard way, they won’t appear in the list of recent tasks until you unlock access to them. Don’t be alarmed if the icon doesn’t appear on the screen after a call or message – this is the normal behavior of the security system.

To return the program to normal mode, just go back to the hide menu and turn off the switchboard. The system immediately returns the shortcut to its rightful place in the application menu, which is the most preferred method for most users, since it is stable and does not consume battery resources.

Set up access and passwords for hidden content

The security of hidden data depends on the complexity of the security installed. Xiaomi system allows you to use not only a pattern lock or a digital pin code, but also biometric data such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, which greatly speeds up access to hidden applications, making the login process almost invisible to the owner.

To set up access, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Privacy. You need to create a separate privacy password that will differ from the unlock password of the screen. Remembering this code is critical, because when it is lost, it will be extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to restore access to hidden data without resetting.

In the same section, you can activate the display of notifications from hidden applications. If you hide messengers, but want to see incoming messages, turn on the appropriate item. However, the content of the message will not be displayed in this case, protecting your correspondence from curious glances at the time of notification.

Using biometrics makes it easy to use hidden applications, so you don't have to type code every time, just put your finger on the scanner, or look at the screen (if facial recognition is enabled), and hidden programs will become available, especially for Redmi and POCO models, where unlock speed plays a major role in everyday use.

Using the Second Space mode for complete isolation

If you don't have enough standard icon hiding and you need complete data isolation, use the Second Space feature, which is a unique feature of the MIUI shell, which creates a second, completely independent operating environment inside your smartphone, in which you can install any applications, store photos and files that will not be visible in the main profile.

To activate, go to Settings → Second Space and click Add Second Space. The system will prompt you to set up a separate password or fingerprint to enter this mode. The key feature is that you can switch between the main and second space simply by using different fingerprints on the lock screen.

In the second space, you can set up a separate Google account, social networks, or banking applications, and for the main system, it would look like a void: Task Manager, battery usage statistics, or memory data would not show the activity of programs running in the second space.

This is ideal for separating work and personal life, or handing the phone to your kids: You give the device to your child by unlocking it with your finger (main space) where there are no donations or personal photos, the child sees only the apps allowed and cannot access your data.

Hiding system applications and MIUI components

In addition to custom software, Xiaomi smartphones have a lot of system applications that are not used daily, but also to remove them is risky, including services Mi Credit, Mi Pay (for regions where they do not work), various analytical services and preinstalled software, hiding such items helps to clear visual noise in the menu.

Note that not all system processes can be hidden by standard methods: some critical system components, such as Settings, Phone or Messages, are always visible to ensure the basic functionality of the device, and attempts to hide them through third-party launchers can lead to unstable operation.

Controlling the visibility of system components often requires a more in-depth approach. ADB-commands to disable visibility or certain packages, but this requires caution. Normal concealment through security settings only works with applications that have a user interface (icon).

When working with system components, always remember the balance between clean interfaces and system stability. Completely removing or hiding critical system processes can lead to a cyclical reboot of the device. If you are not sure about the purpose of a particular package with a name in Chinese or English, it is better to leave it visible or just do not touch it.

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Use search in settings by entering the name of the system application to find out what it is responsible for before trying to hide or disable it.

Alternative methods: Launchers and folders

If built-in tools aren’t enough, third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher come to the rescue, replacing Xiaomi’s standard interface completely and offering advanced desktop management capabilities, including hiding icons, creating secure folders, and changing the look and feel.

Installing a third-party launcher requires permission to "Manage the Main Screen," which the system will request when it first starts, and then you access settings where you can hide any application from the installed list, and the advantage of the method is flexibility: you can hide applications on a schedule or create complex display scenarios.

However, this approach has its downsides: Third-party launchers can consume more battery life, and animations can run less smoothly than native shells, and some MIUI features, such as gestures or widgets, may not work properly or require additional customization.

The simple alternative is to create a regular folder on your desktop and put in the rarely used applications, and while that doesn't bore them completely, it helps to visually unload the screen, and for added protection, you can call it a nondescript folder, like "Service" or "Tools," so that it doesn't attract attention.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers on Xiaomi, you may experience problems with navigation gestures and pop-ups. It is recommended to thoroughly test the launcher before fully switching to it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Hiding applications on Xiaomi is an effective way to protect personal data without losing functionality, but requires a responsible attitude to storing access passwords.