Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where the desktop is full of shortcuts that are used extremely rarely or not at all.
Standard application removal methods don’t always help, as some system components can’t be removed in the usual way without losing warranty or disrupting the device. In this article, we’ll look at all the available ways to clean the interface of unnecessary visual noise.
Understanding the difference between completely removing a program and simply hiding its label is key to properly customizing MIUI or the new HyperOS. We'll look at the standard shell, the possibilities of hiding, and advanced methods for advanced users.
Differences between deleting and concealing a label
Before you start, you need to be clear about what you want to get: Deleting an application involves erasing all its files and data from the device’s memory; hiding the label only hides the icon from the desktop or menu, leaving the program itself installed and running in the background.
For system applications such as Security, Themes, or Google Services, complete removal is often impossible without root rights. In such cases, hiding or disabling is the only safe option. Android allows you to flexibly manage the visibility of elements, but the functionality depends on the firmware version.
If you want to make room for memory, hiding the icon won't help you, but if the job is to clean up your desktop and protect your privacy, the methods of hiding will be most effective. Always check if the application is critical to the system.
- 🗑️ Complete deletion frees up memory and processor resources.
- 👁️ Hiding the label retains functionality, but removes the visual element.
- ⚙️ System applications can often only be hidden or disabled.
⚠️ Note: Removal of system components through ADB or third-party utilities can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone or “bootloop” (cyclic reboot).
Standard removal of applications on the desktop
The easiest way to get rid of an unnecessary icon is to use the standard removal mechanism built into the Xiaomi launcher. You just need to find a shortcut on the desktop or in the menu of all applications.
Depending on the theme settings and the shell version, you may need to drag the shortcut to the top of the screen where a cart will appear that says "Delete." In other cases, the menu will offer a delete button immediately after a long tap. If the cart does not appear, then the application is system.
The alternative path is through settings. Go to Settings. → Annexes → All apps. Find the program you don't want, click on it, and select "Delete" -- this method works for all custom apps downloaded from or installed through Google Play. APK-file.
☑️ Pre-deletion check
It is worth noting that some pre-installed apps (bloatware) from third-party services, such as Facebook or TikTok, are also removed in a standard way, unlike the components of MIUI itself.
Hiding applications in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s shells have a built-in Hidden Apps feature that allows you to remove icons from public access without removing the programs themselves. This is ideal for hiding gallery, messengers or financial applications from prying eyes. To activate this feature, open the Security app (green zipper icon).
Scroll down to Hidden Apps or find the corresponding item in the tool menu. Once you turn on the feature, you'll see a list of all installed programs. Activate the switch against those apps whose icons you want to hide, and then they disappear from the desktop and from the menu.
There is a special gesture to access hidden applications, usually by placing two fingers sideways on the desktop or entering a special password/fingerprint if it is configured in privacy settings. HyperOS may require biometric authorization to log in to this section.
| Action. | Where to find out. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Hiding Through Security | Security Appendix → Hidden Applications | The icon disappears, password/guest access |
| Second space | Settings → Second Space | Create a separate desktop with your own icons |
| Do Not Disturb mode | Settings → Digital well-being | Restriction of use, but the icon remains |
💡
For quick access to hidden apps, set up fingerprint login in the Passwords and Security section.
Use of the Second Space for Insulation
If standard concealment isn't enough, Xiaomi offers a unique "Second Space" feature, which is actually creating a second user profile inside a single smartphone, so you can move all the extra icons there, and leave only the necessary ones on the home screen. The interface in the second space can be completely independent.
To set up, go to Settings → Second Space. The system will prompt you to create a new profile that will require a separate password or fingerprint to log in. Once created, you can move any apps there, and their icons will disappear from your main screen.
This method is often used to separate work and personal life, but it is also great for cleaning up rarely used but necessary programs, switching between spaces instantly through settings or a special widget on the lock screen.
- 🔒 Complete isolation of data and icons from the main profile.
- 🔄 Quick switching by fingerprint.
- 📱 The ability to use different accounts for one application.
Disabling system components through settings
Many users want to remove icons of system services such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps. Standard removal is not available for them, but there is a function “Disable”. When you turn off the application stops starting, updating and consuming resources, and its icon disappears from the menu.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find an unnecessary system component. If the Remove button is inactive (gray), see if there is a Disable button. By pressing it, you effectively hide the program from the interface. Android will alert you to the possible consequences, but for most Xiaomi services, it is safe.
It's important to understand that a disabled application can be turned on back at any time through the same settings menu, which is a reversible procedure that doesn't require complex manipulation, but some critical system processes may not even have a shutdown button.
⚠️ Warning: Do not disable applications called “System Framework”, “Google Play Services” or «MIUI Daemon, this could disrupt the phone.
Advanced removal through ADB (for experienced)
For those who want to completely remove system applications, leaving only their skeleton or removing them completely, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having drivers, it allows you to remove even those components that are hidden from the user.
First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then, in the Additional menu, turn on USB Debugging. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer Mode.
On your computer, running the command line with administrator rights in the folder with ADB, enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesOnce confirmed on the phone screen, you can delete the packets.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packetFor example, to delete Mi Video: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer.
How do I know the name of the package?
This method requires caution: if you delete an important system package, the phone may stop booting, and you can only restore a packet that is remote through ADB with the install command or a complete reset.
Installation of a third-party launcher
A radical but effective way to change the look of the desktop is to install a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher. They completely replace the standard Xiaomi interface, allowing you to flexibly configure the grid, hide icons and change animations.
Once installed, it will become the default default, and the new launcher will often have a Hidden Applications section in its settings, or the ability to simply not create shortcuts for certain programs, giving you complete control over the visual part without deep interference.
However, the use of third-party launchers on Xiaomi has its own peculiarities: animations can work less smoothly due to aggressive optimization of MIUI memory, and some features, such as swipes to call menus, can conflict with system gestures.
- 🎨 Complete customization of the appearance of icons and fonts.
- 🚫 The ability to hide any application without system restrictions.
- ⚡ Potential performance decline on weak devices.
💡
Third-party launcher is the best choice for those who want to radically change the appearance of the interface, but require customization of permissions in MIUI.