Xiaomi’s MIUI-powered smartphones offer users a wide range of customization options, including the ability to hide certain software icons from prying eyes, for those who want to protect personal communications, financial data, or simply remove rarely used system utilities from the desktop.
Redmi Note 5 owners often face the nuances of different firmware versions, where menu layouts may differ, and in this article we will discuss in detail the standard methods of hiding available in MIUI, as well as alternative methods if the standard functionality was changed or removed in your version of the software.
There are several approaches to this, ranging from the built-in Hiding Apps tool to using third-party launchers, and it’s important to understand that hiding an icon doesn’t always mean blocking access to data completely, so in some cases, additional security settings will be required.
MIUI's regular capabilities for hiding programs
Starting with certain versions of the shell, Xiaomi developers have implemented a native feature that allows you to hide selected applications without installing additional software. However, depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global, China, EEA), the path to this configuration can vary.
To activate the concealment mode, you must open the Security app (lightning icon or shield icon) preinstalled. At the bottom of the screen or in the Tools menu, you should find the Hiding Applications item. When you first start, the system will ask you to create a password or attach a fingerprint to access hidden space.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from hidden apps, it will be extremely difficult or impossible to restore access to them without resetting your phone settings.
Once the function is activated, the list will display all installed programs. Simply switch the switchboard against the desired application so that its icon disappears from the desktop and from the menu. To enter the hidden section, a special gesture or password is usually used in the Security application.
- 📱 Open the Security app on the home screen.
- 🔒 Find and select “Hide Apps” in the Tool List.
- ⚙️ Set an unlock password or use biometrics.
- ✅ Activate switches next to programs that need to be hidden.
It is worth noting that in some updated versions of MIUI, this functionality has been removed or moved, and if you do not find this option, this means that in your particular software build it is either missing or replaced with “Second Space”.
Using the Second Space as an Alternative
If standard hiding isn’t available, the “Second Space” feature is a complete, isolated environment inside your Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 that works as a standalone smartphone with its own set of apps, photos and accounts.
The essence of the method is that you install the desired programs in the Second Space, and in the main profile they will not be. Switching between spaces is instantaneously through a special shortcut on the lock screen or through settings. This provides a high level of privacy, as access to the second profile is protected by a separate PIN-code-print.
To create a new space, go to Settings → Second Space and click “Enable Second Space.” The system will suggest setting the switching method. Once you have created a copy of your desktop, you can download the necessary apps from Google Play or Mi Store directly to the second profile.
☑️ Configuring the Second Space
The advantage of this method is complete data isolation, and even if someone accesses the main menu of the phone, they will not see the shortcuts and notifications from the Second Space, but it is worth considering that applications running in the background in the second profile can consume the device's RAM.
- 🔄 Allows you to fully separate your personal and work data.
- 🛡️ Provides a separate level of protection for confidential files.
- 📲 It allows you to run two accounts of one messenger at the same time.
Application of third-party launchers
The most flexible way to hide icons is to install a third-party launcher.The standard MIUI shell sometimes limits customization options, so many users prefer solutions such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play, it will replace the standard interface, and the new launcher almost always has a Hidden Apps or Hide Icons section in its settings, and you just select the programs from the list, and they stop showing up in the app menu, while remaining installed on the system.
⚠️ Note: When installing a third-party launcher, some system gestures MIUI (For example, swipes for window management may not work properly or require additional configuration.
The Nova Launcher, which allows you to not only hide icons, but also create complex access schemes, for example, you can configure hidden applications to open only with a certain gesture or after entering secret code in the search bar, which makes the method extremely effective for advanced users.
How do you get back the standard launcher?
It's important to understand that a third-party launcher changes only the visual part, and the applications themselves continue to work in the background if they are running, and to completely stop their activity you need to monitor through the battery settings or task manager.
Freezing method through ADB and system utilities
For users who want to maximize their impact, there is a method of freezing applications, and unlike simply hiding an icon, this approach effectively shuts down the program, making it invisible to the system and the user until it is defrosted.
This can be done using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) computer utility or specialized freezer applications such as Ice Box or Hail. To work with ADB, you need to turn on the USB debugging mode in the Developer menu and connect the phone to your PC.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.package.nameThis command puts the application into a "disabled" state, which is equivalent to deleting it, but with the ability to quickly restore it. Visually, the icon disappears, and in the settings, the application is marked as disabled, this is the perfect way to remove system software that can not be removed in the usual way.
| Method | Difficulty | Level of concealment | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff cover-up | Low. | Medium. | It doesn't. |
| Second space | Medium | High-pitched | Moderate. |
| Third-party launcher | Low. | Medium. | Depends on the launcher. |
| Freezing (ADB) | Tall. | Maximum | Reduces the cost |
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Freezing applications through ADB is the only way to completely stop the background processes of a hidden program without root rights.
Features of working with system applications
When trying to hide the system components of Android or MIUI, the user may face limitations.The operating system protects critical services from modification, so standard methods of hiding them may not apply.
If you use a third-party launcher, it can hide the system application icon, but when you reset the launcher settings, it will appear again. ADB-Disabling important services such as com.android.systemui or Google Play services can lead to unstable device operation or cyclical restart.
It is recommended that before any manipulation of system packages, you study the documentation or use management applications that mark the components that are safe to disable. On the Redmi Note 5 with its Snapdragon 625 architecture, disabling heavy system processes can even have a positive effect on performance if done correctly.
- ⚠️ Do not disable apps related to phone, messages, or settings.
- 🔍 Use a packet search engine to find out the purpose of the process before disabling.
- 💾 Always have the option to boot in Safe Mode to roll back changes.
Restoring access to hidden data
Sooner or later, you may need to return the hidden application to a prominent place, the recovery procedure depends on the method of protection you choose. In the case of standard concealment, just re-enter the Security menu → Hiding applications and disable the switch.
If you used Second Space, you need to switch to the appropriate profile and delete unnecessary applications or transfer their data. When using third-party launchers, the hiding settings are located in the menu of the launcher itself, usually in the “Desktop Settings” or “Hidden Applications” section.
In a situation where the ADB freezing method was used, the return of the functionality will require the inverse command:
adb shell pm enable com.package.nameOnce the command is executed, the icon may not appear instantly. In this case, it is recommended to restart the device or clear the launcher cache through Settings → Apps → All Applications → Launcher → Memory → Clear the cache.
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Periodically check the list of hidden applications to ensure you do not lose access to important services such as banking applications or two-factor authentication.