Hiding apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to organize the desktop to hiding confidential programs from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where the application hiding feature is implemented at the system level, MIUI offers several alternative solutions, both built-in and using third-party tools.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including the official settings of MIUI 14/15, using Second Space, archiving applications, and methods for advanced users with root rights.
Important: Not all methods are equally secure. For example, disabling system applications through ADB can cause MIUI to crash, and using third-party launchers can cause update conflicts. We will note the risks in each section so that you can choose the best option.
1. Hiding through Second Space (official method)
The MIUI’s Second Space feature is designed to separate personal and work data, but it can also be used to hide applications, a method that does not require root rights and works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 12 and later.
How it works: you create a second profile where you don't install "extra" apps, when you switch between profiles, hidden programs will not be available, and the less the way the applications are not deleted, they just don't appear in the current space.
- 🔧 Step 1. Open the Settings. → Second Space (or “Second Profile” in Russian-language firmware).
- 📱 Step 2. Click on “Create Second Space” and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password).
- 🔄 Step 3. After creating, switch between profiles to swipe down the notification panel (Profile icon»).
- 🚫 Step 4: In the main space, remove unnecessary apps – they will only remain in the second profile.
⚠️ Note: When you remove an application from your main profile, it will be removed completely if it was not installed in the second space. To simply hide it, transfer it to Second Space via the app menu (hold the icon). → «Move to Second Space»).
2. Archiving of applications (hiding without deletion)
The MIUI archiving feature allows you to hide an application without deleting its data. Archived programs don't show up on the desktop or menu, but stay in the system and can be restored, a technique that is suitable for temporarily hiding rarely used utilities.
How to archive:
- Keep your finger on the icon of the app you want to hide.
- In the menu that appears, select Archive (or Delete → Archive in some versions of MIUI).
- Confirm the action. The icon will disappear from the desktop.
To return the app:
- Open Settings → Applications → Archived.
- Find the right application and click “Restore”.
| Method | Need root? | Deleting data? | You see it on the app menu? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Space | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No (only in another profile) |
| Archiving | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Disconnection through ADB | ❌ No, but I need a PC) | ⚠️ Partially (cash cleared) | ❌ No. |
| Third-party launcher | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Depends on the launcher. |
⚠️ Note: Archived applications continue to consume memory and can be updated in the background. To completely stop them from working, turn off auto-start in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
3. Use of third-party launchers
If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, you can install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that supports hiding icons, which requires no root rights and is reversible.
Advantages of third-party launchers:
- 🎨 Flexible configuration of appearance (themes, gestures, animations).
- 🔒 Ability to hide applications from outsiders without removing.
- 📂 Sorting applications by folders and tags.
How to hide the app through Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Hold your finger in the free desktop space → “Nova Settings”.
- Go to the section “Hidden applications” (App & widget drawers → Hide apps).
- Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.
Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)
Make a backup copy of the current desktop settings
Check compatibility with the Android version
Disable battery optimization for launcher (in the application settings)
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Disadvantages of the method:
- 🔋 Some launchers increase battery consumption.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI It may be the default launcher.
- 🛠️ Requires manual setup after resetting the phone.
4. Disable applications via ADB (for advanced)
If you need to completely hide a system application (such as Mi Browser, Mi Video or GetApps), you can disable it via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
Warning: Disabling system applications may cause MIUI to malfunction.Do not disable com.android. or com.miui. services unless you are sure of their purpose.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to “Additional” → “Developers”).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (you should display your device).
- To hide the app, type: adb shell pm hide com.package.name (replace com.package.name with a real package, for example com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
- To return the app, use: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name
How to find out the name of the application package?
⚠️ Note: After resetting settings or updating MIUI switched off ADB applications may reappear. Nor does this method work for applications installed in /system/priv-app (root).
5. Hiding with root rights (maximum flexibility)
If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and root rights (for example, through Magisk), you can use applications like Titanium Backup or App Quarantine to hide programs, including system ones, completely.
Advantages of root method:
- 🔐 Ability to hide any applications, including system.
- 🗑️ Complete removal (or "freezing") without traces.
- 🔄 Easy recovery through backups.
Instructions for Titanium Backup:
- Install the application and provide root access.
- Find the desired application in the list and click on it.
- Select Freeze. The app will disappear from the system, but its data will be saved.
- To return, click "Defrost!" (Defrost).
💡
Before freezing system applications through Titanium Backup, back up in.tar.gz format, which will allow you to quickly restore them in the event of a failure.
Risks of root-method:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
- 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware (root gives full access to the system).
- 🔄 Problems with updates MIUI (It may be necessary to re-unblock).
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after the app is hidden, Xiaomi users face unexpected challenges, and let’s look at typical situations and how to solve them.
Problem 1: The app is hidden, but it keeps sending notifications.
Solution: Turn off notifications for this application in Settings → Notifications → Notification Management. If the application is archived, restore it first, disable notifications, then archive again.
Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the hidden apps reappeared.
Solution: For Second Space, check your profile settings. ADB-Repeat the concealment command. If you used the launcher, reset the settings.
Problem 3: I can’t find the archived app in the settings.
Solution: In some versions of MIUI, archived applications are displayed in Settings → Applications → Installed (scroll down). If not visible, use a title search.
💡
Before hiding the application, check if it is a system component (e.g., com.miui.securitycenter) and if it is disabled, it can cause MIUI errors.