How to hide applications on Xiaomi: from simple to advanced

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge for those who value privacy or want to get rid of the visual clutter on the home screen. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI offers several built-in and third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove icons from the screen, others completely block access to the program through search and menus.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways, from basic launcher settings to advanced tricks with ADB and third-party utilities, and focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12-15) and models (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi), where the interface may differ, and you will learn how to get around the limitations of the system if standard methods do not work.

1. Hiding through the settings of the MIUI launcher

The easiest way is to use the built-in features of the standard launcher, which does not remove the application, but only removes its icon from the home screen and application menu, and works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the POCO Launcher.

To hide the app:

1. Press and hold your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
2. Select Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings in POCO).
3. Go to the Hidden Applications section.
4. Check the boxes for the programs you want to hide.

• ✅ It works without superuser rights (root).
• ✅ The app stays in the system and is updated via Google Play.
• ❌ Does not block access through search (Google search or search) MIUI Search).
• ❌ The icon may accidentally appear after the launcher update.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro, hidden apps still appear in All Apps when swiped up. To completely remove them, use the methods in the following sections.

2.Use of the "Second Space" function

The second space (or Dual Apps) is a unique MIUI feature that allows you to create a separate user profile with your own set of applications, which is not just hiding programs, but isolating them in another account, which is useful for separating work and personal data.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Create a second profile and go to it.
3. Remove unnecessary apps from the main space (they will remain in the second space).
4. Return to the main profile – hidden programs will disappear from the menu.

This is ideal for hiding messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or banking applications, but keep in mind that if you forget the password from the second space, it will be difficult to restore access - you will need to reset your settings.

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To quickly switch between spaces, add the Second Space widget to the home screen. To do this, press and hold your finger in free space → Widgets → find the corresponding element.

3. Disable applications through system settings

If you need to not just hide, but completely block access to the program (including background activity), use the disable function. This will be useful for removing preinstalled system utilities that cannot be uninstalled in the standard way (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Video).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Application disabled:

• ✅ Disappears from menu and search.
• ✅ Does not consume resources or send notifications.
• ✅ Not updated through Google Play.
• ❌ May reappear after resetting settings or updating MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable system services called com.android. or miui. – This can lead to unstable phone operation. For example, disabling com.miui.securitycenter will block access to security settings.

Backup important data | Check the name of the application package (via Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, tap 5 times) | Make sure the application is not critical to the system | Remember the path to the disable-->

4. Hiding through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods didn’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that hides applications at the system level without requiring root rights. Suitable for MIUI 14/15 and most Xiaomi models, except for devices with blocked debugging (for example, some Redmi for the Chinese market).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.package.name (replace com.package.name with the real name of the package, for example, com.miui.calculator for the calculator).
4. To return the application, use: adb shell pm unhide com.package.name

How to find out the name of the package:

• 📱 App Inspector (app from Google Play).
• 💻 Through ADB: adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword word" (e.g., grep "browser" to search for a browser).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 for POCO F3) In this case, use an alternative method with pm disable-user: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.package.name However, this will completely disable the app, not just hide it.

5. Third-party launchers with concealment function

If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, install an alternative launcher.

• 🏆 Nova Launcher: Support for Hiding Applications through Settings → Hidden apps: Flexible gesture and animation configuration. Nova Prime adds icon grouping.
• 🔍 Apex Launcher: Free version allows you to hide up to 3 apps. There is a function to lock the launcher password.
• 🛡️ Lawnchair (open source): Minimalist design close to Android's stock.Shidden support via Lawnfeed plugin.

How to hide the app in Nova Launcher:

1. Hold your finger in the free screen space → Nova settings.
2. Go to Apps and Widgets → Hidden Apps.
3. Select programs from the list and save the changes.

Important: Third-party launchers don't remove applications from the system -- they just don't display them in their interface. To block access completely, combine this method with disabling through ADB or Second Space.

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Third-party launchers are the best choice if you need to not only hide apps but customize the interface, however, they can conflict with proprietary MIUI features like Super Wallpaper or Always on Screen.

6 Advanced Methods: Root and Magisk

If you're prepared for radical action, getting root rights will give you full control of the system, and with Magisk modules or Titanium Backup, you can not only hide, but also freeze or delete any programs, including system ones.

_popular_ modules for Magisk:

• 🧊 App Systemizer – transfers user applications to the system section (hidden from uninstallation).
• 🔒 Hide My App – blocks access to selected programs without deleting them.
• 🗑️ Debloater – Mass removal of preinstalled software.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty – unlocking the bootloader and root cancel the Xiaomi warranty.
• ⚠️ Risk of “brike” – wrong actions can make your phone inoperable.
• ⚠️ Update issues – after installing Magisk Update MIUI You have to install it manually.

If you do, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days for new accounts).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) and swipe Magisk.
3. Download the app hider module (like Hide My App) and activate it in Magisk Manager.
4. Reboot the phone and set up the cover-up via the module interface.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ and Snapdragon processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) unlocking the bootloader can lead to blocking Widevine L1 — This will disable Full support. HD streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

For most users, the best solution is to combine a second space (for complete isolation) and disable unnecessary applications (for resource savings).If you just need to remove icons from the screen, you will have enough settings for a standard launcher or Nova Launcher.

For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, Magisk is the best option. However, remember: on the new flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), unlocking the bootloader may deprive you of some features (for example, IR Blaster or UWB).

FAQ: Frequent questions