How to hide the shortcut to Android Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face the desire to remove unnecessary icons from the desktop while retaining access to applications. The standard MIUI interface and the new HyperOS offer flexible tools for organizing space, but not all features are obvious at first glance. Hiding shortcuts is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to protect sensitive data from prying eyes or simply make room for widgets.

There are several proven ways to remove the icon from public access, ranging from built-in system functions to installing third-party launchers. It is important to understand that removing the shortcut does not mean removing the application itself. You will still be able to run the program through search or settings, but it will stop corning your eyes on the home screen. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for modern versions of firmware.

Before you start manipulating, you need to set a goal: do you need to hide the app completely or just move it to a folder? System restrictions can vary depending on the version of Android and the regional build of the shell. We will look at universal solutions that work on most devices of the brand.

Use of built-in concealment mode in MIUI and HyperOS

The most reliable and safe way is to use the regular shell functionality, and the system settings have a special mode that allows you to hide applications, making them invisible on the desktop and on the menu. To activate this function, you need to go to Settings, then select the Application section and find Hidden Applications. In some versions of the firmware, the path may differ: → Passwords and security → Hidden applications.

Once you log in, you'll see a list of all the programs you've installed. Activate the switch against the apps you want to hide. From now on, their shortcuts will disappear from the screen. You'll need to enter a special code in the Phone app or use a fingerprint if you've set them up. Usually, the code is a sequence of characters, like #1234#, that you specify yourself.

⚠️ Warning: Remember the access code you have installed or the biometric key. If you forget the code to log into hidden applications, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to them without resetting data.

The concealment function works at the system level, so even when installing MIUI updates, the settings are saved, but it is worth considering that some system applications may not support this option, in which case the icon will remain visible, but access to its settings will be limited.

Creating Hidden Folders and Rename

If the standard concealment mode doesn't work for some reason, you can use visual masking, and the idea is to create a folder that has a name that's made up of spaces, so that the folder becomes virtually invisible against the wallpaper, and you'll need to use a third-party keyboard or copy a special space symbol from the clipboard.

Put all the apps you want to hide in one folder, then rename it by deleting the name and inserting the empty space symbol, and the visual effect is that the system doesn't display the signature under the folder, but it merges with the background, and it's a simple but effective way to disorient the casual observer.

• 📂 Create a new folder on your desktop and place targeted applications in it.
• 📝 Copy an empty character (special Unicode space) from the Internet or use the application to change fonts.
• 🔄 Rename the folder by inserting a copied character instead of a title.
• 🎨 Choose wallpapers whose color coincides with the color of the folder, for maximum effect.

It's worth noting that this is more of a crutch than a complete security solution, and any experienced user can guess if they start poking around the screen, but it's ideal for a quick space organization.

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To create the perfect invisible space, copy the space symbol from a special Unicode generator, as a regular keyboard may prevent you from entering a blank space in the folder name.

Application of third-party launchers

Xiaomi’s standard launcher doesn’t always satisfy the needs of advanced users. Installing an alternative shell like Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher or Microsoft Launcher opens up access to advanced shortcut management features. Many of these apps have built-in tools to hide icons or create secure profiles.

Once the launcher is installed, you need to give it the necessary permissions and make the default shell. In the new launcher settings, find the section that controls the appearance or hide of applications. For example, in Nova Launcher, this feature is located in the Settings → Hide applications menu. Here you can select any programs that you want to remove from view.

Using third-party software gives you more flexibility, but can consume more battery resources. Optimizing the third-party launcher on MIUI requires turning off the power saving for a particular application, otherwise the system can kill it in the background, and the widgets will stop updating.

Second Space Mode and Guest Mode

Xiaomi has a powerful data isolation tool called Second Space, which is basically creating a second user profile inside a single smartphone, and all the apps installed in the second space are completely hidden from the first space, and vice versa, and switching between them is through a password, a fingerprint, or a special shortcut.

To activate the function, go to Settings → Second Space and follow the instructions of the setup wizard. You will get a clean desktop where you can install any application, including bank clients or personal galleries.

This is ideal for separating work and personal life, or for handing over the phone to children, and the isolation is maximum: files, photos and browser history in the second space are not accessible from the main profile without authorization, a level of security comparable to having two different phones.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data, photos and apps inside it will be permanently deleted.

Limiting visibility through parental control

Another approach to hiding apps is to use parental controls like Google Family Link or built-in MIUI restrictions. While the main purpose of these features is to control time and content, they allow you to hide certain categories of apps or block them from running, which can visually simulate concealment.

By setting up a child or restricted user profile, you can disable specific programs from being displayed. However, this method is more suitable for restricting other people's access to your device than for aesthetically concealing shortcuts. In a security context, it is an effective barrier, but for usability it can be redundant.

In addition, some antivirus and memory cleanup applications have "App Lock" or file hiding features, which work on top of the system and can mask shortcuts, requiring a password to display them, which is handy if you need to quickly hide the icon for a couple of minutes while the phone is in the hands of another person.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The most reliable way to hide applications on Xiaomi is to use the built-in Hidden Apps mode or create a Second Space, as these methods ensure that the device will work even after a device is rebooted.

To sum up, the Xiaomi ecosystem provides a sufficient toolkit for managing app visibility. The choice of method depends on your goals: whether you want maximum security or just a clean desktop. Experiment with settings, but always remember to keep access to important system functions.

Keep in mind that regular firmware updates can change menu layouts or add new security features. Keep an eye out for the latest changes to the HyperOS or MIUI interface.