How to Open Hidden Apps on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to All Models

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of hidden features and system applications that the manufacturer hides from the user, whether it’s utility diagnostics, debugging tools, duplicate services, or even programs you delete that continue to take up space in memory. But how do you access them if they’re not displayed in the app menu?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways - from standard settings MIUI before using the engineering menu and ADB-You will learn how to find hidden apps on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and other models, and what to do if the application is hidden by a virus or optimizer.

Before you start, check if your problem is one of the most common situations:

• 📱 The application is deleted, but takes up space - these are residual files in the folder /data/app.
• 🔍 System application is hidden MIUI — It can be returned through the settings.
• 🛠️ Virus or optimizer has hidden the icon – scanning will be required.
• 🔧 Service utility for developers - available through the engineering menu.

1. Search for hidden applications through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use built-in firmware tools. Xiaomi allows you to display hidden system applications without any additional manipulation.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Show All Apps (or Show System in Older MIUI versions).
4. Scroll down the list and all installed programs, including hidden ones, will be displayed here.

If the app you want isn’t on this list, try another way:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Special facilities services.
• 📌 Service utilities that are not visible in the main menu can be displayed here.
• 🔧 In the Settings section → Memory. → Cleanup sometimes appears "ghost" applications taking up space.

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If you’re looking for a standard app (like Camera or Gallery) that’s gone after the update, try resetting the app menu settings: Settings → Home Screen → Reset layout.

Note that in MIUI 14 and later, some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) can be deactivated by default. They can be enabled in the same Application Management section by clicking on the three-dot icon next to the name.

2.Use of a launcher from a third-party developer

The standard MIUI launcher often hides system and uninstalled applications. By installing an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), you can see the full list of programs, including those that do not appear in the native interface.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Press and hold the empty space on the home screen, then select Settings.
3. Go to Application Settings → Hidden Applications.
4. Uncheck the boxes from the programs you want to return to the menu.

The advantage of this method is that it does not require root rights and works on all Xiaomi models, including the POCO F5 and Redmi K60. However, some system utilities (for example, com.xiaomi.mitv.tvhome) may remain hidden – they will have to be searched for in other ways.

3. View hidden folders through the file manager

Many applications, even those that are deleted by the user, leave traces in the form of folders with cache or data, to find them:

1. Open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Go to the root directory (/) and open folders: /data/app – here are stored APK remote applications (root rights required). /system/priv-app or /system/app – system applications. /sdcard/Android/data – residual files of user programs.

If you don't have root permissions, you can't open /data or /system, but you can check /sdcard for folders with hidden app names. For example, the com.xiaomi.scanner folder points to a hidden Scanner application that can be returned through settings.

4. Search for hidden applications through ADB (no root)

If you don’t want root rights, but you need to find a hidden app, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro and others.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm list packages -f

This command will display a list of all installed packages, including hidden ones. To find a particular application, use the filter:

adb shell pm list packages | findstr "xiaomi"

(Replace xiaomi with part of the name of the application you are looking for).

If you find the right package (e.g. com.xiaomi.calculator) but it is not on the menu, you can try running it directly:

adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.calculator/.ui.CalculatorActivity

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging over USB on your phone | Download ADB Tools from the official Google | Connect your phone over the original cable (not USB-hub)

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⚠️ Note: Not all system applications can be run through ADB. Some (e.g. com.xiaomi.updater) require additional settings or superuser rights, and be careful with pm disable and pm hide commands, which can disrupt the system.

5. Recover Hidden Applications via Engineering Menu

The engineering menu (#4636##) allows you to access hidden MIUI settings, including disabled system services. However, on new devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12 Pro), this menu can be blocked.

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon).
2. Open the Apps or Software Info section.
3. Find a list of all packages installed, including hidden ones.

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Engineering menu and ADB-Teams are the only ways to see hidden system applications without root permissions, but they don't guarantee that all utilities will be successful, especially on newer versions. MIUI (14+).

6.Verification for viruses and optimizers

Sometimes apps are not hidden by MIUI, but by viruses or aggressive SEOs (like Security or Clean Master).If you notice icons disappearing on their own, follow these steps:

1. Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web) and scan the device.
2. Check the optimizer settings: Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Optimization. Turn off Deep Clean or Automatic Optimization.

DU Speed Booster

In 80% of cases, missing icons are due to the action of optimizers, not the system settings of MIUI. For example, on Redmi 9, there is a common problem when the Security App automatically hides underused programs.

1. Open Security → Optimization → Exceptions
2. Add the hidden app to the list.
3. Reset the device.

For discharge:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Delete all data.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Once reset, all system applications will return to their original state, but this method will not help if the application was removed through ADB or root access.

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If the reset didn’t help and the application is critical (such as Mi Account or Settings), try flashing the device through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. This will return all system files to their original state, but will require unlocking the bootloader.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden apps on Xiaomi