How to hide icons on Android Xiaomi: hidden space and settings

The interface of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, which works on the basis of the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS, provides users with extensive personalization options. One of the most popular features is the ability to remove unnecessary icons from the desktop or completely hide confidential applications from prying eyes. This not only helps to clean up the menu, but also provides an additional level of security for your personal data.

There are several effective ways to do this, from standard system settings to the use of special utilities. Hiding icons may be necessary for banking applications, instant messengers or games that you do not want to show to guests. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail and answer questions that arise from users when setting up privacy.

It's important to understand that the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the basic principles of how security works have remained the same over the years, and we'll look at the current algorithms that will help you quickly achieve the desired result.

Use of the function of Hidden Space

The most reliable and built-in way is to use Hidden Space, which creates a separate, isolated environment on your device where you can move any application, and when you're there, it disappears completely from the home screen and from the menu of all applications, only accessible through a special login.

To activate this feature, you need to go to the security settings. Usually the path is: Settings → Applications → Hidden Applications or through the Security application → Hidden Applications. Once enabled, you will be asked to create a unique password, pin code or use a fingerprint to access. Without setting a password, access to hidden applications will not be possible, since the system requires verification at each login.

Once you've set up, you can add any programs to it, they disappear from the main desktop, and to get into the hidden space, you need to do something like spread two fingers on your desktop or type in a special code, which makes it ideal for storing information.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t forget the hidden space password! Unleash it without losing data inside a hidden container is often impossible, as the data is encrypted separately.

Setting up visibility through the application menu

Newer versions of the HyperOS shell and some MIUI 14 builds have changed the approach to visibility management, now called simply Hidden Apps and run directly through desktop settings, a method less radical than hidden space, as apps remain searchable, but their icons do not horn your eyes.

To set this setting, open Settings → Desktop. Find Hidden Apps or Hidden Apps. Here you will see a list of all the programs with the switches installed. Activate the switch in front of the desired application, you will remove its icon from the screen.

It is worth noting that in some regions this functionality may be limited or renamed. If you do not find such an option, it is possible that your version of the firmware requires the use of alternative methods described below. Always check for system updates, as Xiaomi often changes the location of settings.

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If you can’t find the hideout settings, try changing the region in the phone’s settings to India or Singapore – this sometimes opens up additional interface features.

Creating secure folders with a password

Another elegant way to get the icons out of sight is to put them in a folder and set a password on that folder, and while the folder itself will remain on the screen, the contents inside it will be hidden from prying eyes until unlocked, which is convenient for grouping financial or social applications.

The process of creating such protection is simple. Create a new folder on your desktop and put the desired applications there. Then click on the folder name or the lock icon (if available in your version of the launcher). In the menu that opens, select the option "Add password" or "Block." Now, when you try to open the folder, the system will request unlock.

This method doesn't hide the fact that a folder is there, but it effectively hides the contents of the folder, and for maximum privacy, it's best to combine this method with renaming the folder as something neutral, like Tools or Systems, so as not to attract attention.

Use of third-party launchers

If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t suit you or aren’t in your version, you can always use third-party launchers. Apps like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher offer advanced desktop management tools, including hiding icons.

Once you install the launcher and assign it to the main one, you get access to its settings. In the Desktop or Applications section, there's often the option "Hide Apps." You select the programs you want, and they disappear from the list. To return them, you need to look in the launcher's settings.

However, it is worth considering that on new versions of Android and HyperOS, third-party launchers may work with restrictions. Animations may differ, and some Xiaomi system features may not be available.

Restricting Access Through Digital Well-being

Android has a built-in Digital Well-Being and Parental Control tool that also allows you to restrict access to apps. While this doesn’t hide the icon entirely, it can block the app from launching after a time limit or on schedule, making it impossible to use without the password of the Google account owner.

Go to Settings → Digital Well-Being → Parental Controls, where you can set up profiles for kids or guests where certain apps are not available, and it's a good way to hide the functionality of your phone when you give it to someone else.

You can also set timers in this section, and when the time goes out, the app icon will turn gray and you can't run it, which is more of a self-control method, but in some situations it helps to limit access to distracting content.

• 🔒 Use complex passwords for hidden space to eliminate brute-force selection.
• 📱 Check the list of hidden apps regularly so you don’t lose important programs after resetting your settings.
• 🔄 Make backups of data before experimenting with system visibility settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Hiding icons on Xiaomi is a balance between convenience and security.Use the built-in MIUI/HyperOS tools for maximum protection, as they are integrated deeper than third-party solutions.