How to open hidden applications on Xiaomi: from system utilities to remote programs

Smartphone makers often hide part of pre-installed apps to avoid cluttering the desktop or menu. MIUI And it goes even further: some system utilities don't show up in the list of programs at all, although they still run in the background, and it can be diagnostic tools, debugging menus, or even standard applications like this. FM-radio or screen recording that is deactivated by default.

But what if you need to access these hidden elements? Maybe you're looking for a way to return a remote icon, turn on a feature that's disabled, or just want to see the full list of installed software. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methods, from simple settings. MIUI beforehand ADB-It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can affect the warranty and security of the device.

Before you start, make sure your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO has the current version of MIUI installed (check in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).Some methods may not work on older firmware or custom builds. Also keep in mind that hidden system applications are not always designed for the average user - changing them can lead to crashes.

1. Search for hidden applications through standard MIUI settings

The safest way is to use built-in shell tools. MIUI allows you to view all installed programs, including those that do not appear on the home screen or in the application menu.

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management. Here you will see three tabs:

• 📱 Installed – all user and system programs;
• 🔍 All applications – extended list, including hidden;
• 🔄 The loaded ones are only the ones you installed manually.

Go to the All Apps tab and scroll down. Hidden system utilities usually have a gray icon or a Systems signature in the top right corner, for example, here you can find:

• 📻 FM Radio (deactivated by default on many models);
• 🎥 Screen Recorder (screen recording if the icon is missing);
• 🔧 EngineerMode or CIT (engineering menu for tests).

To return the icon to the desktop, tap the app and select Display on the home screen (if the option is active). For some system utilities, this item may be blocked, in which case alternative methods will be required.

💡

If the app is not listed, try typing its name into the search bar at the top of the screen, such as typing “radio” or “engineer” — sometimes titles in English.

2.Use of hidden menu MIUI Hidden Settings

MIUI has an undocumented Hidden Settings menu that allows you to manage hidden functions, including displaying system applications.

1. Launch the standard Phone application;
2. Enter the combination: ##4636##;
3. In the menu that opens, select MIUI Hidden Settings (if there is no option, the method is not supported by your version of MIUI);
4. Go to the Manage Applications or App List.

Here you'll see a complete list of apps, including those that are hidden from the user. Notice the Visibility column, if Hidden is next to the program, you can make it visible by changing the status to Visible.

Not all Xiaomi models support this method. On newer versions of MIUI 14+, access to Hidden Settings may be limited. If the combination doesn't work, try alternative methods.

3. Recover Hidden Applications through ADB

For advanced users, the most reliable way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to unlock hidden system applications even if they do not appear in the MIUI settings.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver;
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB);
• 🔌 USB-plug-in.

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the following commands in the terminal (command line):

adb devices

(Connection check – the serial number of the device should be displayed.)

adb shell

(Transfer to the device shell.)

pm list packages -f

(Get a list of all packages, including hidden ones. Look for titles like com.miui.fm for radio or com.miui.screenrecorder for screen recording.)

pm enable com.name.package

(Activation of a hidden application. for example, pm enable com.miui.fm will enable FM-radio.)

pm install-existing com.name.package

(If the application is uninstalled for the user but remains in the system, this command will restore it.)

Install Platform Tools on PC| Enable USB debugging on your phone | Connect your phone with the original cable | Check the connection with the adb devices | Download the list of packages for analysis-->

Once you have completed the commands, restart the device. The hidden app icon should appear on the menu. If this does not happen, check if it is blocked by MIUI policies (for example, on corporate devices).

⚠️ Attention: Improper use ADB Do not change the status of packets whose names you do not know, this can turn off critical services (for example, com.android.phone is responsible for mobile communication).

4. Third-party launchers to display hidden applications

If system methods have not worked, alternative launchers that ignore the limitations of MIUI can be used.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher allows you to show hidden system applications in the menu. → Application settings → Hidden applications and turn off filtering;
• 🔍 Apex Launcher – similarly has the option to display all packages;
• 🛠️ Microsoft Launcher – Sometimes shows more icons than the standard launcher MIUI.

After the launcher is installed:

1. Make it the default launcher (at the first start the system will prompt you to do this);
2. Open the app menu and check if hidden icons have appeared.
3. If not, go to the launcher settings and find an option like Show hidden apps or Display all activities.

This method does not require root or ADB, but it does not work with all system utilities, for example, the engineering menu (CIT) may still not be displayed because it is locked at the MIUI level.

💡

Third-party launchers are the safest way to see hidden applications, but they don’t guarantee access to system utilities locked at the firmware level.

5 Unlock hidden functions through the Engineering Menu (CIT)

Xiaomi devices have a hidden CIT (Customer Engineer Mode) menu that allows you to turn on disabled features, including some system applications.

1. Open the phone application;
2. Enter the code ##4636## or ##2486###
3. In the menu that appears, select CIT or Engineer Mode.
4. Go to Function Test or Application Test.

Here you will find a list of all the hardware and software tests, including hidden utilities.

• 📡 RF Testing – Testing of mobile network;
• 🔊 Audio Test – Checking speakers and microphones;
• 📱 Touch Screen Test – Calibration of the sensor;
• 📻 FM Radio Test - Activation FM-module.

Some tests not only allow you to check the equipment, but also enable hidden functions on a permanent basis. FM Radio Test Application FM-The radio may appear on the menu.

⚠️ Note: Changing the parameters in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the device. RF Test can disrupt mobile communications, and errors in the Touch Screen Test can cause screen failure. Don't save changes unless you're sure of their consequences.

What to do if the hidden application does not start?

Even after displaying the icon, some system utilities may not open.

• 🔌 No hardware support: For example, FM-The radio will not work if your model is not FM-chip (check the specifications on GSMArena);
• 🔒 Politicians' lockdown MIUI: On some devices (e.g., corporate devices) access to an engineering menu or ADB Restricted. Try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings);
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version – sometimes hidden features become available after the update;
• 🛠️ Damaged system files: If the application has been previously deleted through root or ADB, may need to be re-flashed.

If neither method works, there are two options:

1. Use custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there are no MIUI restrictions.
2. Contact Xiaomi Service Center – some hidden utilities (such as diagnostics) can be unlocked officially upon request.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden apps on Xiaomi