How to add an app to hidden on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for those who want to protect personal data, free the desktop from unnecessary icons or simply keep the system in order. Depending on the version of MIUI (14 or 15) and the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), various methods are available, from embedded tools to third-party solutions. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hiding through Security Settings, using second space, and even methods for system applications that can not be removed.

It’s important to understand that the hidden app doesn’t disappear from the device — it just becomes inaccessible through the standard interface, which means it still takes up space in memory, can receive updates, and even send notifications (if not disable them separately). If your goal is to completely remove preinstalled software (such as Mi Browser or GetApps), root or other rights will be required. ADB-This is a subject for a separate instruction.

Before you start, check the MIUI version in the Settings → About Phone menu. Some features (such as Hidden Apps in the Privacy section) may not be available on old firmware or regional versions for Europe (MIUI EU).

Hiding through the built-in Hidden Applications (MIUI 14/15)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the standard MIUI tool that is available on most modern Xiaomi devices, which requires no administrator rights and works even on a locked bootloader, but hides apps only from the menu of all apps, not from search results or the notification panel.

To take advantage of the function:

1. Open Settings and go to the Applications → Application Management section.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
3. Enter a password or pattern lock (if requested).
4. Select apps from the list and click Hide.

After that, the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the general list, but they can be found through system search (App Search) or in the settings. To return the application back, repeat the same steps and click Show.

Make sure the application is not system-based (e.g. Settings or Phone)

Remember the name of the application – it will be needed to search for the app.

Check if it is used in the background (for example, messengers)

- Turn off notifications if you don’t want to see them.-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) Hidden Apps may not be on the menu, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Use of the second space (Dual Apps)

The Second Space (or Dual Apps) function is originally designed to clone messengers (like WhatsApp or Telegram), but it can be adapted to hide applications, creating an isolated environment where applications will be inaccessible without special login.

Instructions for setting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Second Space.
2. Activate the function and set the password (required!).
3. Go back to the main space, find the app you want to hide, and hold on to its icon.
4. In the context menu, select Move to the second space.

Now, the app will only be available after switching the second space through the notification bar or the Settings section, which is more reliable than the previous one, since hidden apps don't even show up in search, but it requires additional actions to access them.

Built-in function MIUI|Second space|Third-party launchers|ADB-team|Don't hide the app.-->

3. Hiding through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If standard MIUI methods don't suit you, you can install an alternative launcher from Google Play, popular options such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, which offer flexible app visibility settings, including the ability to completely hide icons without removing the programs themselves.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Set the launcher and make it the main one (in the settings Home).
2. Click on the empty space on your desktop and select Nova Settings.
3. Go to Apps and Widgets → Hide Apps.
4. Check the boxes that you want to remove from the screen.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can hide applications selectively without affecting system processes. In addition, many launchers support gestures and additional personalization features. However, note that applications will remain visible in the standard MIUI menu if you go back to it.

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If after installing the launcher, some icons are missing, check the settings of the Application Box section - perhaps the filter by category is turned on.

4. Hiding system applications through ADB (for power users)

For those willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a way to hide even system applications that cannot be removed or disabled through the standard interface.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm hide com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with a real application package (e.g. com.miui.browser for Mi Browser). To find the package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

This method removes the icon from the system completely, but the application remains in memory and can be returned by the command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app. Note: improper use of ADB can lead to malfunctions of the phone!

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (such as Mi Account or Security) are critical to the job MIUI. Hiding them can cause errors or inability to update the firmware.

5. Hiding with a password or fingerprint (Secure Folder)

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60) have Secure Folder, a secure folder where applications and files can be transferred, similar to the Second Space, but with enhanced security through biometric authentication.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Secure Folder
2. Create a folder by setting a password or fingerprint.
3. Click Add Apps and select the ones you need from the list.
4. Confirm the transfer – applications will disappear from the main menu.

Secure Folder uses hardware encryption, so the data inside it is protected even when the phone is reset to factory settings, but this method is not available on all devices and can conflict with some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), which block work in virtual environments.

Alternative methods: archiving and disabling

If your goal is not to simply hide, but to completely disable an unnecessary application (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music), you can use the archival or disable function, which will not delete the program, but stop its background activity and free up RAM.

How to disable the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the unnecessary application and tap Disable.
3. Confirm the action – the icon will disappear, and the application will stop updating.

For archiving (not available on all models):

• 📦 Find the app in the menu of all applications.
• 🔽 Hold the icon and select Archive (if the option is available).
• 🔄 To return, go to Settings. → Annexes → Archived.

The applications that are disabled don't take up memory space, but their data is stored, which is convenient for temporarily freeing up resources without completely deleting them, but system applications like MiuiDaemon can't be turned off, because the button is inactive.

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Disabling applications saves battery power and RAM, but does not free up space in internal storage. Root rights will be required to completely remove system programs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi