How to hide applications on Xiaomi: all ways to MIUI 14 and older

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove system utilities to having to hide personal data from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI offers several built-in mechanisms and also supports third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove icons from the home screen, others block access to the application without a password, and still others work only on certain models.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of hiding applications on Xiaomi in the Internet. 2026 year, including official functions MIUI 14/13, Launcher settings, use of Second Space (second desktop) and even hiding through ADB We'll focus on the nuances of why some applications can't be hidden by standard means, how to get around the limitations of models with a high-end user experience. POCO Launcher, and what to do after the update MIUI Hidden programs have disappeared.

1. Hiding applications through Second Space (Second Desktop)

Second Space is a built-in MIUI tool for creating an isolated environment with a separate set of apps, wallpapers and even accounts, ideal if you need to not just hide the application, but completely isolate it from the main profile (for example, for work purposes or privacy).

How it works:

• 🔄 Second Space can install the same apps as the main profile, but they will be completely independent (different data, cache, notifications).
• 🔒 Access to the second space is protected by a separate password or fingerprint.
• 📱 The home screen will not show app icons from Second Space, and vice versa.

To activate Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click “Create Second Space” and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password).
3. After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the notification panel (Face icon → Second space).

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) the path to settings may be different: Settings → Memory. → Second Space. If you don't have an option, update. MIUI last-minute.

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If you only need to hide one app instead of creating a whole second space, skip this method and move on to the next section about hiding through the launcher settings.

2. Hiding icons through the settings of the MIUI launcher

The easiest way to remove an application from the home screen is to use the launcher's built-in settings, which does not remove the application, but only removes its icon from the menu, leaving access through the search or All Apps folder, suitable for system utilities that cannot be uninstalled (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps).

Instructions:

1. Open the application menu (swipe up from the main screen).
2. Find the app you want, pinch its icon, and select Hide (or Remove from Screen on some versions of MIUI).
3. Confirm the action. The application will disappear from the home screen, but will remain on the list of all programs (Settings → Applications → Application Management).

To return the hidden app:

• 🔍 Enter the name of the application in the search bar (swipe down the main screen).
• 📂 Or go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Hidden and click "Show».

3. Password blocking of applications (App Lock)

If the goal is not just to hide the icon, but to block access to the application without entering a password, use the App Lock feature. MIUI It protects any application and PIN-It's a code, a fingerprint, or a pattern lock, and it's still on the screen, but you're going to ask for authorization if you try to open it.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → App Lock.
2. Set a password for App Lock (if not previously configured).
3. Select the applications that you want to block and activate the switch.
4. Enable the “Hide Notifications” option (optional) so that the content of the notifications blocked by the apps does not appear in the notification bar.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Protects data even if the phone falls into the wrong hands.
• 📱 It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO s MIUI 12 and newer.
• 🔄 You can quickly unlock the application through your fingerprint.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your App Lock password, you can only restore it through your Mi Account!

4. Hiding system applications through ADB (for advanced)

Some Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Community, Cleaner) cannot be removed or hidden by standard methods, in which case ADB (Android Debug Bridge) – a tool for debugging Android, which allows you to disable system packages without root rights.

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause system failures, and we recommend backing up the data before starting.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification “You are a developer” appears.
2. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB Debugging Switch.

ADB Tools

adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoplayer

(Replace com.miui.videoplayer with the name of the application package).

How to find out the name of the application package:

• 📱 Install App Inspector from Google Play.
• 🔍 Or use the team. ADB: adb shell pm list packages | grep miui

5. Third-party launchers: Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher

If you don’t like the built-in MIUI methods, you can use third-party launchers that offer advanced app hide-out features, such as Nova Launcher, which allows you to create “hidden folders,” and POCO Launcher (even on non-POCO devices) supports categorization and hiding icons.

The best launchers for hiding applications:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – Supports Hiding Icons via App & Widget Drawers Settings» → «Hide Apps».
• 📂 Apex Launcher – allows you to create password-protected folders.
• 🔄 POCO Launcher – built-in “Hidden Apps” feature in settings.
• 🔒 Smart Launcher 6 – Automatic sorting and hiding of rarely used applications.

How to hide the app in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the free space on the home screen → Settings → App & Widget Drawers.
3. Select “Hide Apps” and select the desired applications.
4. Save the settings. The icons will disappear from the menu, but will remain available through search.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware, third-party launchers may conflict with system services (for example, with the system). MIUI If you have a lag after installing the launcher, turn off optimization. MIUI through ADB: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

6. Hiding through “Private Mode” (for files and applications)

The MIUI Private Mode feature allows you to hide not only files, but also some applications from prying eyes, but this method does not work on all models and requires additional settings.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Private mode.
2. Create a password or use a fingerprint to access.
3. Select the apps you want to hide (e.g. gallery, instant messengers).
4. Activate mode – hidden applications will only be available after entering the password.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn't work on all versions. MIUI (It is not available on some Redmi Notes and POCO M).
• ❌ It does not hide icons, but access to data inside apps (for example, photos in a gallery).
• ✅ Useful for protecting confidential files in standard applications (Gallery, Notes).

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Private mode does not replace full-fledged hiding of applications, but it complements other methods well if you need to protect data inside programs (photos, documents, correspondence).

7. Frequent problems and solutions

Even after hiding applications, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and we will discuss the most common ways to solve them:

Problem 1: The hidden app reappears after the MIUI update. Solution: Updates often reset the launcher settings. After the update, rediscover the app through Settings → Apps → Hidden or Launcher settings.

Problem 2: You can't hide a system application (like Mi Browser). ADB (Section 4) or disable the application through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Disable (not all system utilities support shutdown).

Problem 3: The POCO F4 or Redmi K50 doesn't have a "Second Space" option. Solution: Update MIUI to the latest version. If the option doesn't show up, check the firmware region: Global ROM may not have Second Space. Try switching to EEA or China ROM (risky, requires unlocking the bootloader).

Problem 4: Third-party launcher doesn't hide icons Solution: Make sure launcher is set as primary (Settings → Home Screen → Launcher Choice). If the problem persists, clear the launcher's cache.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions