How to view hidden apps on Xiaomi: a complete guide with step-by-step instructions

Why Xiaomi is Hiding Apps and How It Works

Smartphone makers Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are actively using the MIUI app hiding mechanism for several reasons: optimizing the interface, protecting system processes from accidental removal, and hiding preinstalled software (bloatver) that cannot be uninstalled by standard methods. However, sometimes users need to access these hidden elements — for example, to disable unnecessary services, free up memory or restore deleted applications by mistake.

It's important to understand that hidden applications fall into two types: custom (which you have hidden through the settings yourself) and system (disguised by the developers of MIUI). The first type is easy to return, but the second one will have to tinker. In this article, we will discuss both cases, including methods using ADB, hidden menus and third-party utilities.

Before you start looking for hidden apps, make sure that your device is on Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap this item 7 times in a row. Once activated, a new Developer Mode will appear, which will be useful for some of the methods below.

Method 1: View hidden applications through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in shell tools, which is suitable for applications that you have hidden manually (for example, through the Hidden Apps menu in the launcher).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Hidden Apps.
3. The list will show all the programs you have hidden. To return them to the menu, click on the app and select Show.

If you don't have Hidden Apps on the menu, you're not hiding anything manually, or you're using the older version of MIUI (below 12).

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On some firmware, hidden applications can be found through a search in the settings. Type "hidden" and the system will prompt the desired section.

Note that this method does not show the hidden system applications that the manufacturer has installed, but will require more in-depth manipulation.

Method 2: Use of the Hidden Applications Launcher (for custom programs)

MIUI has a built-in feature to hide applications from prying eyes, which works like a "secret folder." If you've used this option before, here's how to retrieve access:

• 📱 Open the standard launcher (main screen).
• 👆 Make a gesture up with a delay (hold your finger) 1-2 seconds and pull up).
• 🔒 Enter a password/fingerprint if requested.
• 📂 Hidden applications folder will appear – all hidden programs are stored here.

To remove the app from hidden mode, tap it, hold it, and drag it to the home screen or another folder. If the gesture doesn't work, check if the feature is enabled in the launcher settings: Settings → Home Screen → Hidden apps.

Method 3: View all installed applications through ADB (for advanced)

If the first two methods didn't work, then the hidden applications are system applications. USB utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a computer connection, but gives you complete control over all processes.

First, prepare the device:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack into any folder on your computer.

Now run the following commands in Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux):

adb devices

(Checks device connectivity. If the list is empty, confirm debugging permission on your smartphone screen.)

adb shell pm list packages -f

(Publishes a complete list of all installed packages, including hidden ones.)

adb shell pm list packages -d

(Shows only disabled applications.)

To find a specific application, use the filter:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'keyword'

Replace the keyword with a part of the title (e.g. miui, google, cleaner).

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Enable debugging over USB on your phone

Download ADB Tools from the official website

Connect your phone to the original cable

Unblock ADB to a folder without Cyrillic

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⚠️ Note: Do not remove or disable system applications called com.miui., com.android. or com.qualcomm.* – this can lead to unstable phone operation or complete loss of functionality!

Method 4: Third-party applications for finding hidden programs

If you work with ADB It's kind of complicated, you can use specialized tools from Google Play, which scan the system and show you all the packages installed, including the hidden ones.-3 tested applications:

When using third-party applications, pay attention to permission requests. If a utility requires Accessibility Service or super-user rights (root), this should be a warning.

Important: Some apps from Google Play may show an incomplete list of hidden packages, as MIUI restricts access to system data without ADB.

Method 5: Manually remove or disable hidden applications (for experienced ones)

If you find a hidden app and want to remove or disable it, be extremely careful.Incorrect actions can lead to bootloop (a looped download) or loss of functionality (for example, the camera, Bluetooth or mobile network will disappear).

The safest way is to disable (not delete!) unnecessary packets, and you can do this through ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.package.name

Replace com.package.name with the name of the package from the list (e.g. com.miui.analytics for analytics service).

To turn the app back on:

adb shell pm enable com.package.name

To completely remove system applications, root or custom recovery (TWRP) rights will be required.

adb shell


su




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name

⚠️ Attention: Removing the system applications com.miui.home (launcher), com.android.phone (telephony) or com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice (modem) will cause the phone to fail! TWRP.

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Disable is safer than uninstall, as you can always return it to working condition without losing data.

What to do if the hidden application is not removed

Sometimes, even with ADB, you can't delete or disable some system packets, because of the protection of MIUI, which blocks changes to critical components.

• 🔄 Update of firmware. New versions MIUI Some applications may be removed or replaced.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware. firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience does not contain a Xiaomi bloater.
• 📦 Magisk modules, like Universal Debloater or MIUI Debloater allows you to disable system applications without root.
• ⚙️ Factory reset, in some cases, it helps to regain control of hidden packages.

If you decide on custom firmware, remember the risks: loss of warranty, possible bugs in the camera or sensors, as well as the need to unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock). XDA Developers or 4PDA.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden apps on Xiaomi