How to hide applications on Xiaomi: all the ways from standard to hidden

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in mechanisms for masking programs. However, not all of them are obvious, and some require knowledge of hidden settings or third-party tools.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including standard MIUI options, alternative launchers and even methods for advanced users (without the need to obtain root rights), pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of the shell – from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14 (and HyperOS), and also explain how to avoid common errors that cause applications to become visible again after a restart or update of the system.

Important: cover-up ≠ All programs continue to run in the background, take up space in memory and consume battery power. If the goal is to free up resources, consider alternative solutions at the end of the article.

1. Standard method: Hidden applications function in MIUI

The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with the MIUI 10+ shell (including HyperOS) is that it does not require additional software installation and is reversible – the hidden application can be returned to the menu at any time.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
3. In the list, tick the programs that you want to remove from the menu.
4. Confirm the action with the button Ready.

After that, the icons will disappear from the home screen and from the list of all applications, but they can still be found through a search system (swipe down on the home screen) or in the settings, and to completely eliminate such access, you will have to use other methods.

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If the Hidden Apps item is not on the menu, update your firmware to the latest version or check if the Child For Kids mode is disabled in the security settings.

Method limitations:

• 🔴 It does not work for system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music).
• 🔴 Hidden programs remain in search results.
• 🔴 After resetting the settings to the factory, the concealment is reset.

2. Use of the second space (Dual Apps)

Second Space (or Dual Apps) is originally designed to create a separate work profile with unique settings and applications, but it can be adapted to hide programs: move unnecessary utilities to the second space, and then disable its display.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a second space (you will need to create a password).
3. In the main space, open Settings → Applications, select the desired one and tap Clone into the second space.
4. Return to the second space settings and turn off the option to Show the Switch icon.

Now the app will only be available after you enter the password in the second space, minus the method - the application continues to appear in the main space until it is manually removed from there, and some programs (for example, messengers) can duplicate notifications.

3. Hiding through alternative launchers

If standard methods don’t work, you can install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that supports icon hiding, and the advantage of this is flexibility: you can hide not only apps, but entire folders, and adjust gestures for quick access.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one.
2. Press your finger on the free screen space and select Settings → Hide applications.
3. Check the boxes of the programs you want to remove.
4. Save the changes.

Important: Hiding only works within the launcher, and when you use standard MIUI search or go into the settings, the applications will remain visible, and to hide them completely, combine this method with the first method.

Download the launcher from the official source

Backup of current screen settings

Disable battery optimization for launcher

Check compatibility with the version MIUI-->

Pros of the method:

• ✅ It works for all applications, including system.
• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
• ✅ You can set a password to access hidden programs (in Nova Launcher Prime).

Cons:

• ⚠️ The launcher consumes additional resources (up to 100-150 MB of RAM).
• ⚠️ Some features (such as hiding from search) are only available in the paid version.

4. Disable system applications via ADB

For advanced users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to disable system applications without root. This will not remove them completely, but will make them invisible and inactive.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoplayer

Replace com.miui.videoplayer with the batch name of the desired application (you can find out through the App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

To return the application, use the command:

adb shell pm unhide com.miui.videoplayer

⚠️ Warning: Disabling critical system components (e.g. com.miui.home) can cause a cyclical reboot of your phone. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

5. Hiding through security settings (for MIUI 14/HyperOS)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 and the new HyperOS shell have introduced a Privacy section where you can not only hide applications, but also block access to them through a password or fingerprint, which combines convenience and security.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Hiding applications.
2. Enter the password from the lock screen (if not installed, you will need to create).
3. Select programs for concealment and confirm.

After that, the applications will disappear from the menu and search, and when you try to run, you will ask for a password, which does not work for system utilities, but reliably protects user programs (messengers, banking applications, etc.).

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For maximum privacy, combine methods: hide apps through MIUI settings + set your password in the Privacy section + use the launcher to mask the remaining icons.

What to do if the application is not hidden?

Sometimes, even after you've done all the steps, the icons stay in place, and let's look at the typical reasons and solutions.

Problem 1: The item “Hidden Apps” is not on the menu.

• 🔹 Update the firmware to the latest version (in) MIUI 9 and below this function is not).
• 🔹 Check if the mode for children is activated in Settings → Special facilities.
• 🔹 Reset the launcher settings: press on the home screen → Settings → Reset the settings.

Problem 2: The hidden app reappears after the reboot.

• 🔹 It's typical of MIUI 12.5 and below. MIUI 13+.
• 🔹 If you use a launcher, add it to the battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find the launcher. → No restrictions.

Problem 3: You can’t disable the system application through ADB.

• 🔹 Make sure the debugging is done USB included and installed on the PC drivers Xiaomi.
• 🔹 Check the correct packet name (use adb shell pm list packages) | grep miui to search for).
• 🔹 Some applications (e.g. Security) are protected – they can only be disabled from root.

⚠️ Attention: if after the commands ADB phone stopped turning on, try to boot into Safe Mode (press the power button) → long tap on "Switch off» → «Reboot in Safe Mode) and execute adb shell pm unhide for all hidden packets.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi