How to Hide Shortcuts on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Hiding Apps

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often face the challenge of hiding their screen content from prying eyes. Whether it’s personal photos, banking apps or just games you don’t want to share with your colleagues, privacy remains a concern. MIUI’s built-in shell and its up-to-date version of HyperOS provide powerful tools to manage icon visibility, allowing you to flexibly customize your desktop space.

There are several effective ways to do this, each of which is suitable for different use cases: you can completely hide the application from the menu, turning it into invisible for standard search, or simply remove the label from the home screen by leaving access to the program through the menus of all applications, understanding the differences between these methods will allow you to organize digital order and improve data security.

In this guide, we will look at all available methods, from standard system functions to advanced launcher settings. We will look at how to activate hidden application mode, how to properly configure password access and what nuances work with system components. Data security on Xiaomi devices is based on a multi-level system, and the correct use of these tools is the first step to protecting your personal information.

Using the built-in mode of hidden applications

The most reliable and functional way to hide icons is to use the native MIUI/HyperOS shell feature called Hidden Apps, which not only removes the label from the desktop, but completely hides the application from the list of all installed programs, making it available only through a special gesture or search query.

To activate this feature, you need to go to the system settings. Find the Applications section, then select Hidden Applications. In some versions of the firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Passwords and Security → Hidden Applications. Here you will see a list of all the programs that can be hidden. Just switch the slider opposite the desired application to the active state.

⚠️ Warning: Once the hidden app is activated, it will disappear from the general menu. To open it, you will need to use a special gesture (swipe up in the Security app or on the desktop, depending on the version). MIUI) or enter a search query in a global search.

It's important to note that system applications like Phone, Messages, or Settings are not going to be hidden by this method, and they're designed to prevent critical operating system errors, but most third-party programs downloaded from Google Play or Mi GetApps are easy to hide.

Set up access and passwords for hidden programs

Just removing the icon from view is only half the battle. To fully protect the content of hidden applications, it is recommended to install an additional layer of protection, PIN-Specifically, a fingerprint or code to enter a hidden partition.

To set up access, go to the Security menu (green zipper icon). In the upper right corner, click on the gear icon (Settings). Here you are interested in Hidden Applications. Activate the Hidden Applications switch and below select Access to Hidden Applications.

Using biometric security (fingerprint scanner or face unlock) greatly speeds up access to hidden data, eliminating the need to enter a password every time. However, if you use Guest mode or give a phone to a child, make sure that your biometrics do not unlock this partition automatically in their profiles.

Removing shortcuts from the desktop without removing the application

Sometimes, the user doesn't have to hide an application deep in the system, but simply free the workspace from unnecessary icons, keeping quick access through the menu of all applications, a method often confused with complete concealment, but technically it simply changes the display of the shortcut on the home screen.

To implement this method, press your finger on the app icon you want to remove. In the context menu that appears, select the Remove option (not “Delete App”, namely “Delete” or the basket / minus icon). The system will ask for confirmation: “Delete the shortcut from the desktop?”. Confirm the action.

The program will remain in the phone's memory, and you can find it by swiping up the center of the screen (opening the menu of all apps) or by searching, an approach that is ideal for those who like a minimalist desktop but often use certain services.

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If you accidentally delete the shortcut, don’t rush to remove the app itself. Just search it through the search (swipe down on the desktop) and drag the icon back to the desktop with a long press.

Organization of space with folders

The classic but effective way to hide applications is to group them into folders. Although icons remain visible, they stop calling your eyes and take up less space. MIUI has a handy folder-building feature that allows you to quickly sort programs into categories.

Put all the apps you want to hide in a group, drag and drop one icon to another, call the folder neutral, like Services or Tools, so you don't get too much attention, and you can create multiple layers of nesting, although the latest versions of MIUI have made folder functionality a little bit simplified.

Foldering is especially important if you want to keep the visual order, the desktop is clean, and the software takes one second to access, and it's a trade-off between usability and visual privacy.

Comparison of methods of hiding icons

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparative table of basic methods, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your goals: complete confidentiality or simply organizing space.

As you can see from the table, Hidden Applications is the only mode that actually hides the fact that the program is present from the average user and protects notifications from being viewed in the curtain.

Alternative methods: Guest mode and profiles

If standard shortcuts aren't enough, you can use the "Second Space" or "Guest Mode" feature, which is a radical but very effective way to split your phone into two devices: your personal and public.

In the second space mode, you create a completely separate environment with your apps, photos and accounts, and you switch between them through a special password or fingerprint when you unlock the screen, and to an outsider, your phone will look like a device with a minimum set of programs.

⚠️ Note: When using the Second Space, the battery consumption may be higher than usual, as some system processes work in the background for both profiles.

To activate, go to Settings → Second Space and follow the settings wizard’s instructions. This is ideal if you give your children or colleagues a phone often and want to ensure they don’t see anything superfluous.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Hiding shortcuts on Xiaomi is a balance between convenience and security. Use a combination of Hidden Apps and a separate password to maximize security, and there are enough folders for order on the table.