Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to restrict access to certain software. Personal photos, banking services or just games that children should not see require reliable protection. The Redmi Note 8 Pro, which runs on the shell of MIUI 12, offers several built-in mechanisms to solve this problem without installing third-party software.
Hiding icons is not just visual masking, but a complete level of security. Unlike simple launchers, Xiaomi’s system tools allow you to not only remove the shortcut from the desktop, but also protect access with a password or fingerprint. It is important to understand the difference between simply removing a shortcut and full-fledged concealment, since the functionality of the system offers deeper settings.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from the standard concealment function to creating an isolated environment, how to configure access to hidden content and what the nuances of working with dual applications on this model are.
The standard application hiding function in MIUI 12
The easiest way to get rid of unnecessary icons is to use the built-in shell function, which is available by default and does not require activation of complex modes. To get started, you need to open the standard Security application, which is the system center for managing smartphone settings.
Inside the security menu, you need to find the utilities section, and there are a lot of useful tools, including our target setting, and once you activate the function, the system will suggest you specify the login method: pin code, pattern lock, or biometrics, which is a key protection point, because without a password, hidden content will remain inaccessible.
Once you have set up your password, you will be asked to select specific programs from the list of installed programs. 8 The list of Pro may include up to 20-30 Apps simultaneously, which is enough for basic privacy needs, and once selected, the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all apps.
☑️ Checking before hiding
There is a special gesture or code entry to dialer to access hidden programs, usually a set of characters, such as #password# in the call app, or swipe upwards in the menu of all applications if this option is enabled in the launcher settings, which makes the use of hidden content fast, but invisible to outsiders.
Use of the Second Space for Total Isolation
If standard concealment isn't enough, MIUI 12 offers a Second Space feature, which is a fully-fledged, isolated environment that acts as a separate user profile, and you can install the same applications again, and they'll be completely independent of the main space.
Switching between spaces is instantaneous through a notification panel or a special widget on the desktop. In Redmi Note 8 Pro, this process is optimized and does not cause noticeable delays. The data in the two spaces do not overlap: gallery, contacts and files are separated.
To activate this function, go to Settings → Second Space. The system will create a virtual copy of the interface. You can set different fingerprints to enter the first and second spaces. For example, the thumb of the right hand opens the main profile, and the pinky of the left one opens the secret profile.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data, photos and applications installed inside it will be irretrievably lost.
This is ideal for separating work and personal life, or for storing highly sensitive information, visually it looks like two different phones in the same case, and you can switch between them even without unlocking the screen using assigned prints.
Impact on productivity
Setup of Double Applications and Hiding Them
App Cloning allows you to run two copies of the same program at the same time, which is often used for second messenger accounts, but many users are unaware that cloned applications can also be hidden by standard methods.
To create a clone, go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps. Here activate the switchboard opposite the desired service, such as WhatsApp or Telegram. The system will have a second icon with a yellow icon. After that, you can apply all the methods of hiding described in the first section to the clone.
It’s important to consider that cloned apps work as independent processes, which means they can consume more RAM. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with its 6 or 8GB of storage, this is not critical, but the background activity of the two heavy messengers can affect autonomy.
- 📱 Cloning is available for most social networks and instant messengers.
- 🔒 Hidden clone requires a separate password if hidden apps are configured.
- ⚡ Notifications from a hidden clone may not appear on a locked screen.
- 🔄 The update of the cloned application occurs regardless of the main application.
Using dual apps in conjunction with hiding is a powerful tool for those who need to share the flow of information. You can have a personal and work account in the same messenger, and the worker will be completely hidden from prying eyes at regular times.
Comparison of data protection methods
The right method depends on your goals: Simple hiding is easy to access, Second space is easy to isolate, and Double Apps are multi-account. To better understand the differences, let's take a comparative table.
| Characteristics | Hiding applications | Second space | Dual annexes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of isolation | Low (visible in processes) | High (complete isolation) | Medium (separate process) |
| Password protection | Yes (separate) | Yes (print/password) | No (depending on cover-up) |
| Impact on the battery | Minimum | Medium (background services) | Medium (double activity) |
| Difficulty setting up | Low. | Medium | Low. |
As you can see from the table, Second Space provides the most robust protection, but requires getting used to profile switching. Conventional concealment is faster to use, but less safe when you analyze the device in depth. Combining these techniques yields the best result.
For example, you can create a Second Space to work with, and inside it, you can use the hide function for the most important files. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the processor performance is enough for such a multi-level organization without losing the interface response speed.
💡
Use different wallpapers for First and Second Spaces, which will help you instantly navigate your profile and not confuse work chats with personal ones.
Problems with notifications and access
Once apps are hidden, users often face a lack of notifications, which is normal behavior in the MIUI 12 security system, but it can be a nuisance, and you need to set exceptions correctly to keep an important call or message from missing.
In the hidden application settings, you can allow notifications to be displayed on the lock screen, but without the sender name, which is a compromise: you will see that a message has arrived, but you will not be able to read its contents without entering a password, which maintains a balance between privacy and speed.
⚠️ Attention: Hidden applications can be stopped by the power saving system.If you don't receive notifications, add the app to the battery exception list and allow auto-start.
Also, it is worth considering that voice assistants may not have access to hidden programs, and a request to send a message to WhatsApp may not work if the application is hidden or located in the Second Space, a security limitation that cannot be circumvented by standard means.
To address access issues, check system updates regularly. MIUI 12 regularly releases patches that fix notification and background bugs. Go to Settings → About the phone to check the software version is up to date.
💡
Properly configuring notifications for hidden apps requires a balance between security and convenience: Allow pop-ups, but hide the contents of the text.