How to hide applications on Xiaomi: hidden settings and Second Space

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the challenge of hiding access to certain apps from prying eyes. Whether it’s banking apps, personal messengers, or just games you don’t want to show to your colleagues, MIUI (and its new version of HyperOS) offers powerful built-in tools to do this.

Unlike many competitors, the Chinese giant does not require third-party software installation, as the privacy protection feature is deeply integrated into the shell. Hiding applications can be implemented in several ways, from creating a separate isolated space to simply masking icons in a shared menu.

In this article, we will break down all available methods, including settings for old and new firmware versions, you will learn how to create hidden folders, use Second Space mode, and configure biometric protection to access sensitive content.

Use of the Hiding Applications function in MIUI and HyperOS

The easiest way to get rid of unnecessary icons is to use the native concealment feature that is built into the standard launcher, but it is worth noting that in the latest versions of the HyperOS shell and the latest MIUI 14 updates, the algorithm for this feature may have changed or moved to another menu.

To activate the Hidden mode, you need to go to the launcher system settings. To do this, pinch with two fingers on the desktop or go to Settings → Home. In the menu that opens, find “Hide Apps” (or “Hidden Apps”). After activation, you can select programs that should disappear from the main screen.

It's important to understand the difference between deletion and concealment: Deletion completely erases data, and concealment only hides the label. Apps continue to run in the background, receive notifications and updates.

• 📱 Access to hidden applications is through a special gesture or folder.
• 🔒 Opening hidden content often requires entering a password or fingerprint.
• 👁️ Hidden applications do not appear in the list of all programs in a standard viewing.

If you didn’t find this feature on the standard path, it may have been dropped in your firmware version in favor of more advanced security tools, which we’ll talk about below, in which case the system may suggest using “Second Space” or “Application Protection.”

Second Space Mode: Complete isolation

If standard icon hiding isn't enough, Xiaomi offers a unique feature called Second Space, which isn't just a hidden folder, but a full-fledged copy of the operating system inside your smartphone, essentially getting two in one: one phone with two independent desktops.

The first space is your normal interface with all the major apps, and the second is an isolated environment where you can install any program, create a separate Google or Mi Account account, and customize your wallpaper, and switch between them instantly through settings or a special fingerprint.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data, photos and applications installed inside it will be irretrievably lost.

To activate this function, go to Settings → Second Space and click “Enable.” The system will suggest setting up access: you can create a separate pattern lock to enter the second space or tie it to a specific fingerprint, for example, unlocking the right thumb opens the main screen, and the left thumb opens the hidden one.

Blocking access via Mi Security

Another layer of protection that is often confused with concealment is blocking the launch of applications.Mi Security, preinstalled on all devices of the brand, allows you to set a password to run specific applications. The icon remains in place, but when you try to open the program, the system will require authorization.

This solution is ideal if your goal is not to hide the fact that the application is available, but to prevent children or curious acquaintances from accessing it when they have the phone in their hands. You can block the Gallery, Messages, Settings or any other system services.

To set up the lock, open the Security app (green zipper icon). Scroll down to the Application Lock section and activate the feature. The system will ask you to create an unlock password (different from the screen password) and configure the use of your fingerprint or Face ID.

• 🔐 The lock works even after the device is restarted.
• ⏱️ You can set a lock timer (immediately, in 1 minute or in 10 minutes).
• 👀 Hide the content of notifications from blocked applications in the privacy settings.

It’s worth noting that this method doesn’t hide the icon from the menu, so for complete privacy, it’s better to combine it with other methods, such as moving sensitive applications to the folder on the back page of the desktop and further protecting them with a password.

Creating a Hidden Folder in the Gallery

Often users don't want to hide the apps themselves, but rather their contents, such as photos and videos. MIUI and HyperOS have a built-in Hidden Album mechanism that allows you to hide media files from prying eyes, and access them through a special folder protected by a password.

To put a photo or video in a hidden album, open the Gallery, select the files you want, click three dots in the corner of the screen and select Hide. Files will disappear from the shared tape and move to secure storage. To view, go to the Albums section, scroll down and select Hidden Album, then enter the password.

This method is especially useful for storing scans of documents, personal correspondence in the form of screenshots or private photos.

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Use different fingerprints to unlock the main screen and hidden partitions, which will allow you to quickly switch between “for all” and “for me only” modes by simply touching the scanner.

Limitations and Features of HyperOS

With the release of the new HyperOS shell, Xiaomi has begun to rethink the privacy menu structure. In some regions and on certain models, the classic feature of hiding applications through a desktop gesture has been abolished or moved, and now the emphasis is on comprehensive security through Mi Account and biometrics.

New smartphone users may notice that hidden apps now require a mandatory account link to restore access in case of a reset, which is designed to protect against data theft, but can create difficulties if you forget your account password.

⚠️ Note: On devices with global firmware (Global) ROM) Some of the hidden features available in Chinese versions may be missing or may be running in a reduced mode due to the requirements of the Chinese version. GDPR and local legislation.

If you have upgraded to the latest version of the software and do not find the usual settings, try searching in the settings menu. Enter the request “Hide” or “Privacy”, and the system itself will indicate the current path for your version of the software. It is also worth checking the launcher updates in the GetApps store or Google Play store.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The combination of methods (Icon Hiding + Password Block + Second Space) provides the maximum level of privacy on Xiaomi devices.