How to remove unnecessary icons on Xiaomi: hide icons forever

Irritating badges on Xiaomi desktop? System applications like Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps take up space but are never used? Or maybe you want to hide the icons of third-party programs from prying eyes? In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from standard MIUI functions to advanced methods using ADB.

It's important to understand that not all icons can be removed completely. For example, system applications like Settings or Phone cannot be hidden — they are critical to the operation of a smartphone. But most junk icons (including Xiaomi advertising widgets) can be removed quite realistic. We'll look at methods for MIUI 12-15, current for 2026, including bypassing manufacturer restrictions.

If you don't want to go through the settings, skip the first two sections and go straight to the ADB method (section 4). This is the most reliable method, but requires a computer connection. For the rest, there are simple solutions without additional tools.

1. Hiding icons through standard MIUI settings

The most obvious and safe way is to use the built-in MIUI features. It is suitable for most custom applications and some system ones (for example, Mi Pay or Mi Home).

1. Click on the free space on the desktop for a long time, then select Screen Settings (or Desktop Settings in older versions).
2. Go to Hide Apps (some firmware calls it Application Management).
3. Check the apps you want to remove, and they will disappear from your desktop, but they will remain on the menu of all apps.

⚠️ Note: This method doesn't physically delete applications -- they keep running in the background and taking up space in memory. ADB (see section 4).

• ✅ Pros: No root rights, reversible, works on all Xiaomi models (including Redmi and other Xiaomi models) POCO).
• ❌ Cons: Does not hide icons from the notification panel (for example, Security or Optimization).

2.Use of folders to mask icons

If you just want to remove the icons from the view, but leave them with quick access, create a hidden folder. This method doesn't delete the applications, but visually cleans the desktop.

1. Press and hold the icon you want to hide, then drag it to another icon, and that's how you create a folder.
2. Call the folder neutral (for example, Tools or. – the dot will make it less noticeable).
3. Move all the badges that you don't want to see, and to keep the folder from catching your eye, drag it to the second screen or the corner.

For additional disguise, you can:

• 🎨 Install a transparent folder icon (through launchers like Nova Launcher).
• 🔒 Password to folder (a feature available in some launchers, such as Apex Launcher).
• 📱 Use a concealment gesture (in) MIUI You can swipe down to hide folders).

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If drag and drop icons don't work, check if Safe Zone is on in the special feature settings. It blocks long-term clicks.

3. Disable system applications through settings

Some Xiaomi system programs (such as Mi Browser, Mi Video or Cleaner) can be not only hidden, but also disabled, which will stop them from working in the background and remove icons from the menu.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the right app in the list (use a title search).
3. Click Disable (the button will only be active for programs that can be deactivated).
4. Confirm the action. The icon will disappear and the application will stop running.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling some system services (such as Mi Account or Google Play Services) can cause malfunctions in the smartphone. Do not disable applications with a warning "May disrupt the system" - this can be a cyclical reboot or loss of functionality.

4. Complete removal of system applications via ADB

If standard methods don't work, you'll need to connect ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to completely uninstall system applications, including those that can't be disabled through settings.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB;
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step 1: Enable debugging over USB

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.

Step 2: Connect to ADB

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer and in the terminal (or command line) do: adb devices If the device is displayed – type: adb shell

Step 3: Remove unnecessary applications

Use the command:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.package

Examples of packages for popular Xiaomi system applications:

• com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video;
• com.miui.player — Mi Music;
• com.xiaomi.mipicks — GetApps;
• com.android.browser — Mi Browser;
• com.miui.cleanmaster - Cleaner (Optimization)

USB debugging enabled

Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC

Download Platform Tools

Smartphone connected with original cable

Backup of important data is made-->

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in loss of functionality (in this case, a security center). 4PDA.

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ADB-The method removes applications only for the current user (flag) --user 0). After the reset, they'll come back.

5. Hiding icons with third-party launchers

If you don't want to mess with ADB, but standard MIUI methods don't work, install an alternative launcher.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports hiding icons, gestures, setting up the grid;
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – allows you to block folders with a password;
• ⚡ Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher;
• 🔒 Smart Launcher 6 – Automatically sorts and hides rarely used apps.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Long click on the desktop → Settings Nova → Hiding applications.
3. Check the apps you want to remove, and they disappear from the menu, but they stay in the system.

The advantage of this is flexibility, and you can not only hide the icons, but you can also:

• 🔄 Change their appearance (through icon packs);
• 📱 Customize gestures (such as swiping up to start the camera);
• 🎯 Create smart folders (automatic grouping by category).

6. Hiding icons in the notification panel

Along with desktop icons, many users want to remove icons from the notification panel (e.g., Security, Optimization or Mi Cloud) in two ways:

Method 1: Through notification settings

1. Open the notification panel and press ⚙️ Management of notifications.
2. Find the app you want to hide (e.g. Security).
3. Turn off the Show icon switch (or Important Notifications in new versions of MIUI).

Method 2: Through ADB (for stubborn icons)

Some system notifications (such as the Sim Toolkit) are not hidden through the settings.

adb shell dumpsys notification --noredact | grep "mPackageName=name.packet"

Find the notification ID, then turn it off:

adb shell dumpsys notification --cancel "name.packet" ID_ notifications

⚠️ Warning: Hiding notifications from System Updates or Security may deprive you of important warnings (such as viruses or new versions). MIUI).

7.What to do if the icons returned after the update

After major MIUI updates (e.g., version 13 to version 14), hidden or deleted icons may reappear.

• 🔄 The system restores standard applications;
• 📦 Update resets launcher settings;
• 🔧 Some packages (com.miui.systemAdSolution) are responsible for returning junk applications.

To prevent this from happening:

1. Before updating, make a backup of the list of hidden applications (launchers like Nova have the function of exporting settings).
2. After the update, re-apply all the hidden settings (via ADB or launcher).
3. Turn off automatic updates of system applications in Settings → Applications → Auto Update.

If the icons are back despite all the effort, try:

• 🛠️ Remove them through ADB (see section 4);
• 🔄 Reset the launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data);
• 📵 In the extreme, go back to the previous version. MIUI (But it's risky!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about badge hiding on Xiaomi