How to hide the application on Xiaomi: from simple ways to advanced

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that comes with users 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 offers several built-in tools to mask programs. However, they are not all equally effective: some simply remove the icon from the desktop, others completely block access to the application without a password.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from basic (available even for beginners) to advanced (requires superuser rights or ADB), and pay special attention to the nuances for different models: Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T and other devices on MIUI 14/15.

1. Built-in "Hidden Applications" function in MIUI

The easiest way is to use the regular firmware tool, which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models, and does not remove the program, but only hides its icon from the main menu and search.

To activate this mode:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Tap it on Application Management.
3. Select Hidden Applications (on some firmware, the item is called Hide Apps).
4. Check the boxes next to the programs you want to hide and confirm your choice.

⚠️ Note: Hidden applications will still appear in the list of all installed programs (Settings) → Annexes → Application management requires additional manipulation to hide them completely (see section on the application management section). ADB).

• ✅ Pros: No need to root or connect to a PC, reversible process.
• ❌ Cons: The application remains in the system and can be found through a search by settings.
• 🔄 Feature: On POCO-The path may be different: settings → Additionally. → Hidden applications.

2. Use of the second space (Dual Apps)

Dual Apps (or Second Space) is originally designed to clone messengers, but it can be adapted to hide programs, the essence of the method: you create a separate user profile, where you install "secret" applications, and then hide the second space itself.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. Activate the function and follow the setup wizard (reboot will be required).
3. After creating the second space, install the necessary applications in it.
4. Return to the main space and turn off the display of the second: Settings → Lock screen and password → Second space → Hide the switch icon.

Access to the second space is now possible only through:

• 🔑 Entering a password/fingerprint in the lock menu (if Quick Switch option is activated).
• 📱 Special gesture (configured in Settings) → Additionally. → Gestures).

💡

If you forget the password from the second space, you can reset it only through a full reset settings (Settings → About the phone → Reset settings).

3. Third-party launchers with concealment function

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

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, hidden applications may become visible after updating the firmware or resetting the launcher to the factory settings.

A critical nuance for MIUI 14+: Some launchers (like Nova) may conflict with system memory optimization. To avoid spontaneously closing the launcher, add it to the exception list: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications → Select Launcher → No restrictions.

4. Hiding through ADB (no root)

For advanced users ready to connect a smartphone to a PC, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that allows you to completely hide the application from the system, including its display in the settings. Works on all Xiaomi devices with the unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.example.app (replace com.example.app with a real application package).
4. To return the application, use: adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

🔍 How to find out the application package?

• 📱 App Inspector (app from Google Play).
• 💻 Through ADB: adb shell pm list packages | grep “keyword"

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro and others.) ADB-In this case, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (risk of loss of warranty!).

5. Complete removal of system applications (requires root)

If you need to not just hide, but completely remove unnecessary system utilities (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps), super-user rights are required. This method is only suitable for advanced users, since careless actions can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).

Instructions:

1. Get root rights through Magisk (instructions for Xiaomi here).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app and find the folder with the name of the application.
4. Rename the folder (add at the end of.bak) or delete it.
5. Reset the device.

📌 List of safe for removing system applications (MIUI 14/15):

• 🌐 com.android.browser — Mi Browser
• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music
• 📦 com.xiaomi.mipicks — GetApps
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video

Check backup of important data

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Download the original firmware for your model

Disable the antivirus (it can block root access)

Create a recovery point in TWRP (if established)-->

⚠️ Note: Removing the following packets will cause the system to fail:

• com.miui.home is a MIUI launcher.
• com.android.settings – system settings.
• com.miui.securitycenter is a security center.

Alternative methods: archiving and freezing

If deletion or concealment is not appropriate, consider freezing or archiving applications, which block the program but do not delete its data.

Method 1: Freeze with Titanium Backup (requires root)

1. Install Titanium Backup from Google Play.
2. Open the Backup tab and find the desired application.
3. Slip it and select Freeze it.

Method 2: Archiving through ADB (without root)

Archiving command (the application will remain in the system, but will stop working):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app

For return:

adb shell pm enable com.example.app

🔹 When to Use Archivalization?

• 🔄 To temporarily shut down applications (such as Facebook or TikTok that consume battery).
• 🛡️ To block system utilities that cannot be removed (e.g. com.miui.analytics – Xiaomi statistics compiler).

💡

Archiving through ADB is the safest way to disable system applications without root, and unlike uninstalling, it can always be canceled by one command.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi