How to hide the application on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 2026

Why users want to hide applications from Xiaomi

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO MIUI-based smartphones offer extensive customization options, but not always obvious. One of the frequent queries is how to remove unnecessary or sensitive apps from the home screen. The reasons range from wanting to get rid of visual clutter to having to hide personal information from prying eyes.

Unlike iOS or pure Android, where app hiding is done through folders or launcher settings, MIUI has its own nuances, such as the standard way to remove an icon from the desktop doesn’t remove the app itself from the system, it stays in the All Apps menu, and some system utilities (Security, Mi Video) don’t have a Delete button at all.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including built-in MIUI 14/15 features, third-party launchers and advanced solutions for root-right users, and we will also explain which applications can not be completely hidden and why.

Method 1: Remove the icon from the desktop (without deleting)

The easiest way is not to remove the application, but simply to remove its label from the home screen, so it doesn't hide the program from the system, but it visually cleans the workspace.

• 📱 Press your finger on the icon of the app you want to hide.
• 🗑️ At the top of the screen will appear a panel with options – drag the icon to the inscription “Delete” (or basket).
• ⚠️ Please note: this will only remove the shortcut, the app itself will remain in the menu All applications.
• 🔍 To return the icon, find the app in the shared list and hold it to add to the desktop.

This is suitable for most user applications, but does not work with system utilities (such as Camera or Phone).

Method 2: Use folders to mask applications

If you do not want to delete the icon completely, but want to hide it from strangers, you can use the standard folder function in MIUI.

1. 📂 Create a new folder on your desktop: press your finger in the free space of the screen → "folder".
2. 🔄 Drag the application you want to hide into it.
3. 🖼️ Set a neutral name for the folder (for example, “Utilities”) and change its icon to a standard one (long press). → "Change the icon").
4. 🔒 For additional privacy, set a password to the folder through Settings → Password and security → Privacy → File protection.

The downside is that the folder will still be visible on the screen, and when you open the All Apps menu, the hidden program will remain available, but this method does not require additional programs and works on all versions of MIUI.

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If you use MIUI 15, try the swipe down folder gesture, which opens the contents without a name, making it more effective.

Method 3: Disable the application in the system settings

For system applications that cannot be removed or hidden by standard methods, there is a radical way to disable it, which will remove the icon from the desktop and menu, but the software itself will remain in the device's memory.

Instructions:

1. ⚙️ Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
2. 🔍 Find the app you want in the list (such as Mi Music or Mi Video).
3. 🚫 Click "Disable" (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
4. ✅ Confirm the action – the icon will disappear from the desktop and from the menu.

Important: Disabling system utilities (such as Security or Mi Account) can cause your smartphone to work unstable, and check before you act whether other functionality (such as push notifications or synchronization) depends on the application.

Method 4: Third-party launchers for deep customization

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher.

• 🌈 Nova Launcher – supports hiding applications through menu settings.
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – allows you to create “hidden” folders with a password.
• 🖥️ Microsoft Launcher - Windows integration and the "Personal Space" feature".
• 📱 POCO Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi devices, has built-in sorting of applications.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. 📥 Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. ⚙️ Go to the Nova Settings → Hiding applications.
3. ✅ Check the programs you want to hide.
4. 🔄 Restart the launcher (long press on the desktop) → "Reset").

The advantage of the method: hidden applications will not be displayed on the desktop or in the menu.

Make sure your device has enough memory | Backup your current desktop settings | Check the launcher’s compatibility with your version of MIUI | Turn off battery optimization for the launcher in the settings-->

Method 5: Advanced Methods (for root users)

If you have root rights, you can completely remove or freeze system applications, including those that cannot be disabled by standard means.

• 🛠️ Magisk (to obtain root).
• ❄️ Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher (for freezing).
• 🗑️ Root Explorer (for manual removal).

Instructions for freezing through Titanium Backup:

1. Open Titanium Backup and provide root access.


2. Find the app in the list (e.g. com.miui.video).




3. Press it → "Freeze!"




4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications without backup can lead to a "bootloop" before action, create a backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

Alternatively, use ADB (without root, but with a PC connection):

adb shell pm hide com.miui.video

This command will hide the Mi Video app without deleting it. To return it, use:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.video

What apps can’t be hidden and why

Not all Xiaomi programs can be hidden or removed, and this is due to the MIUI architecture, where some components are critical to the system, and here is a list of untouchable utilities:

• 🔐 Mi Account – responsible for authorization and cloud services.
• 🛡️ Security – manages protection, viruses and optimization.
• 📞 Phone Services – Provides Calls and SMS.
• ⚙️ Settings – the main menu of device settings.
• 🔄 System UI — notification interface and control panel.

Attempting to remove or disable these applications will result in:

• 🚨 Loss of functionality (for example, inability to call).
• 🔄 Automatic Recovery after Rebooting.
• 💥 "Departure of the system in Safe Mode.

If you need to hide the system application, consider using the second space in MIUI (see the next section).

Additional method: Second desktop in MIUI

MIUI offers Second Space, which allows you to create a separate user profile with your own set of applications, which is useful if you want to hide programs not only visually but also functionally.

How to set up:

1. ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second work table.
2. 🔑 Set a password to switch between spaces.
3. 📱 In the main space, remove unnecessary apps (they will remain in the second one).
4. 🔄 Switch between swipe profiles on the lock screen (configure to Security). → Lock screen).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation of applications and data.
• 📱 Ability to use different wallpapers, widgets and settings.
• 🛡️ Password or fingerprint protection.

⚠️ Note: When using the Second Space, some functions (such as notifications or calls) may be duplicated, and this feature is not available on devices with an unlocked bootloader).

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The second space is the only official way to completely hide system applications without root rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi