How to Hide an App on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Hiding Icons

The modern smartphone has become a digital safe, where bank passwords, personal correspondence and sensitive photos are stored. But the standard interface of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system often leaves this data open to anyone who unlocks the screen, and many users do not even realize that their device has powerful built-in privacy protection tools.

Making matters worse, Xiaomi’s shell settings are constantly changing, and some features can be hidden from the eyes of the average user. If you want to get games, instant messengers, or banking software out of sight, you don’t have to look for complex root rights.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways Xiaomi can hide an app, look at native shell features that work consistently, and discuss alternative methods for advanced users. It is important to understand that completely removing an icon from your desktop does not always mean completely blocking access to data inside the program.

The standard function of hidden applications in MIUI

The native MIUI shell has been built-in icon masking tool for many years, and this is the simplest method, and it doesn't require any additional software to be installed. To activate it, you need to go to the Settings menu and find the Apps section. In some firmware versions, this option can be entered into the App Settings subsection.

Once you log in, you need to find Hidden Apps. If you see a switch, turn it on. The system will prompt you to set a pin code or use a fingerprint to access this section, so that no one else can change the hidden software list without your knowledge.

Once you activate the function, you'll see a list of all the programs installed. Just move the sliders opposite the apps you want to go to the On position. The icons will disappear instantly from the desktop and from the menu of all the programs. To return them to their place, just go back to the settings and turn off the switch.

There's a nuance about global firmware versions, and in some regions, the function may be called differently or moved, and if you don't find this, try searching for settings by typing "Hidden."

• 🔒 The function works at the system level, so even after a reboot, applications will remain hidden.
• 📱 Hidden control interface is available in any launcher that uses a standard shell.
• 🚫 Removing an app from the hidden list instantly returns its icon to the home screen.

⚠️ Note: When you reset your settings to factory (Hard Reset), the list of hidden applications will be cleared, and all programs will become visible by default.

Use of the Second Space Mode

For those who need to not just hide the icon, but completely isolate the data, Xiaomi has developed the Second Space feature, which is a full-fledged second profile on your smartphone that looks like a clean device, where you can install individual copies of apps, have a different Google account, and set up your passwords.

To create a second space, go to Settings and select Second Space (or Additional → Second Space). Press the enable button and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be prompted to set up a separate password or fingerprint to log in to this mode.

The main feature of this method is that the applications installed in the second space are not physically visible in the first. If you hand the phone to someone in the main mode, the person will not even know that the second profile exists.

This method is ideal for separating work and personal use of a gadget, so you can keep your work messengers in one space and your personal messengers in another, hiding them from your colleagues or your inspectors.

• 🔄 Complete data isolation: files, contacts, and browser history are split between spaces.
• 🔑 The entry is made by different fingerprint, which allows you to instantly switch between profiles.
• 📲 Ability to transfer files between spaces through a special folder-bridge.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data and applications inside it will be permanently destroyed.

Hiding through the folder of the Hidden Album

While this method is more commonly associated with photos, many users are unaware that some versions of MIUI can hide the apps themselves by using hidden album logic or creating secure folders. However, a more relevant analogue is Application Protection, which is often confused with concealment.

Application protection doesn't hide the icon, but it blocks access to the program's content with a password. To set this up, go to Settings → Applications → Application Protection. Here you can select any software and set a password or biometric for it. When you try to open the application, the system will require confirmation.

If your goal is visual concealment, newer versions of HyperOS may have limited functionality, and in such cases, it is recommended to use a combination of methods: put the application in a folder on the desktop, and rename the folder itself into something boring, such as “Calculator” or “Weather”, and move to the end of the list.

It's worth noting that "Hidden Album" is for media files. APK-File files can lead to errors. It is better to use specialized shell tools.

💡

For maximum privacy, combine methods: hide the application through the standard menu, and access to the phone settings also close with a password.

Application of third-party launchers

If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t seem flexible enough, third-party launchers come to the rescue, and these are programs that completely replace the standard desktop, and popular options are Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher.

The way it works is simple: you install the launcher from Google Play, make it the default one, and then you go to the launcher settings and find the Hidden Apps or the App Hider section, and you can select the programs that should disappear from the App Drawer menu.

The advantage of this method is cross-platform: if you switch from Xiaomi to another brand, your usage habits will continue, and third-party launchers often offer more subtle customization of the appearance of hidden folders.

However, there are downsides: Third-party launchers can consume more battery and RAM than native POCO Launcher or MIUI Home, and some system features, such as control gestures, may not work properly.

• 🎨 Deep Customization: You can change not only the visibility, but also the icons of hidden applications.
• 📉 Resource consumption: Additional processes can reduce smartphone autonomy.
• ⚙️ Compatibility: Not all system applications can be hidden through third-party software.

Comparison of data protection methods

The best way to choose depends on your goals: whether you want to simply remove visual noise or provide serious protection from prying eyes.

As you can see from the table, Second Space is the most reliable way, but it's addictive. Native hiding is the middle ground for most users. Third-party solutions are good for enthusiasts who are willing to sacrifice autonomy for functionality.