How to Hide a Xiaomi App from Your Desktop: All Ways (including MIUI 14)

Hiding apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a challenge that users face for all sorts of reasons, from wanting to remove system utilities to having to hide personal information. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI offers several built-in and hidden mechanisms for this. However, not all of them are obvious: some methods require knowledge of specific settings, while others work only on certain versions of firmware.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including official MIUI tools and workarounds for models without support for hiding applications. We will focus on the nuances for the latest versions - MIUI 14 and HyperOS, where the interface and logic of operation have changed, and you will learn how to return the hidden application back and what to do if the standard methods do not work.

Why you can’t just remove system applications

Many users try to get rid of unnecessary apps (such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps) through normal removal, but encounter an error "You can't delete the system application", which is due to the Android architecture and Xiaomi's policy:

• 🔒 Protect against system damage: Removing key applications can disrupt the shell MIUI.
• 📦 Embedded services: Some programs (e.g., Security) are linked to the core of the system and cannot be uninstalled.
• 🔄 Updates by air (OTA). After updating the firmware, remote system applications can be restored.

So hiding is the best option. It allows you to:

• 👁️ Remove the icon from the desktop and application menu.
• 🔍 Save access to the program through search or settings.
• 🔄 Return the application at any time without losing data.

⚠️ Warning: Hiding system applications (such as Mi Account or Settings) can cause phone malfunctions.

Method 1: Built-in Hidden Applications in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added an official app hiding tool.It works on most models, including the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5 and the flagship Xiaomi 13/14.

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Tap it on Application Management.
3. Select the Hidden Applications tab (on some firmwares – Hide applications).
4. Click Add and tick the required programs.
5. Confirm the action with a password or fingerprint (if the lock is configured).

After that, the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the app menu, to return them:

1. Go to the same Hidden Applications section.
2. Swipe left on the app or click Delete.

This method does not require root rights and is reversible, but has limitations:

Method 2: Use of Second Space (Second Profile)

If your firmware doesn't have an app hide feature, you can use Second Space, the built-in MIUI tool, to create a second working profile.

• 🔒 Hide apps from prying eyes (they will only be available in a second space).
• 📱 Separate personal and work data.
• 🔄 Quickly switch between profiles.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Second Space (on some models: Settings → Accounts → Second profile).
2. Create a second profile by following the instructions (you will need to create a password).
3. After creating, go to the second profile through the notification panel (icon) 👤).
4. Install or transfer the desired applications to the second profile only.

Now these apps won't be displayed in the main space. To come back, swipe down the notification bar and tap on the profile avatar.

⚠️ Warning: The second profile takes up extra space in memory. On models with 64GB of storage, this can lead to a lack of space for updates.

Method 3: Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher)

If standard methods do not work, you can install an alternative launcher.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports hiding icons through settings (Nova Settings) → App & widget drawers → Hide apps).
• 📱 POCO Launcher – has a built-in concealment function (even if not on the-POCO device).
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – allows you to hide applications and create gestures for quick access.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop → Settings.
3. Go to App & widget drawers → Hide apps.
4. Check the boxes for the apps you want to hide.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI HyperOS.
• ✅ You can hide even system applications (but they will remain in the settings menu).
• ✅ Additional functions: gestures, themes, customization of icons.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The launcher consumes additional RAM.
• ❌ Some system notifications may be duplicated.

💡

Before installing the launcher, back up your current desktop: go to Settings → Applications → Default Launcher → Backup. This will help you quickly restore the previous look if the new launcher does not fit.

Method 4: ADB-Teams for experienced users

If previous methods didn't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but allows you to hide any applications, including system ones, without rooting permissions. Importantly, it only works on MIUI and can reset once you update your firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

ADB-tools

adb

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

com.example.app

adb shell pm hide com.example.app

To find the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, for Mi Video:

adb shell pm list packages | grep"video"

To return the application, use:

adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g., com.miui.securitycenter) cannot be hidden through the ADB — This will lead to a reboot cycle. Before you experiment, check the list of secure packages in the forums. XDA Developers.

Method 5: Hiding through the "Folder" (bypass)

If you just need to remove the icon from your desktop but leave the app in the menu, you can use the standard folder function in MIUI:

1. Press and hold the icon of the app you want to hide.
2. Drag it to another icon to create a folder.
3. Name the folder neutral (e.g., "Tools").
4. Move the folder to the second screen or to the far corner.
5. Turn off the folder name display (slip on the folder → folder settings → Hide the name).

This method doesn't remove the application from the system, but it visually hides it.

• ❌ The app will remain on the menu of all programs.
• ❌ The folder may accidentally open when swipe.

To make a bigger impact, you can:

• 🔒 Set a password to the folder (through third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher).
• 📌 Fix frequently used applications on the desktop so that the folder with hidden programs is less visible.

What to do if the application is not hidden

Sometimes the standard methods don't work. Let's look at the problems and solutions.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Firmware version: Some regional builds (e.g. India or China) may not have features.
• 🔧 Launcher rights: third-party launchers need to be assigned by default in settings.
• 🔄 Cash Systems: Clear the Cache in Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.

💡

On HyperOS devices (2026), the app hide feature has been moved to Settings → Privacy → Hidden Apps. If it isn’t, upgrade to the latest version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi