How to hide applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways from standard to advanced

Hiding applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones is a task that arises for users for various reasons: from the desire to remove unnecessary system utilities from view to the need to hide personal information from outsiders. MIUI The Redmi 9 has its own nuances, and there is no built-in safe (like the Mi 11), but there are alternative ways to go from standard shell tools to workarounds using launchers and other devices. ADB-team.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to hide applications on Redmi 9 (including modifications of Redmi 9A/9C/9T), taking into account the limitations of MIUI 12-14. Particular attention will be paid to methods that do not require superuser rights (root), since obtaining them on modern versions of firmware is associated with the risks of blocking Xiaomi account.

If you're looking for a way to hide apps from kids, coworkers, or just want to clean up your desktop, there's a workable solution, and if you need to completely uninstall system programs like Mi Browser or GetApps, go to the ADB deactivation section, which is the only reliable way to do that.

⚠️ Important: Hiding system applications (such as Security or Settings) can cause phone malfunctions.In this guide, we focus on secure methods that do not disrupt stability. MIUI.

1. Hiding applications through the standard MIUI launcher

The easiest way to hide applications on Redmi 9 is to use the built-in MIUI launcher features, which require no additional software installation and is suitable for most users, but it has a limitation: hidden applications will remain available through the search and All Apps menu.

To hide the app:

1. Press and hold your finger on the free space of the desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Desktop Settings (or Launcher Settings, depending on the MIUI version).
3. Go to Hidden Applications (in some firmwares, this item may be called Hide Apps).
4. Tick the boxes you want to hide and click Ready.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔹 No need to have root or additional programs.
• 🔹 Quick recovery of hidden applications.
• 🔹 It works on all versions. MIUI for Redmi 9.

❌ Cons:

• 🔸 Apps remain in the "All Apps" menu and search.
• 🔸 Does not hide notifications from hidden programs.
• 🔸 It does not work for system utilities (e.g. Mi Community or Themes).

2.Use of the function "Second space" (Dual Apps)

The second space in MIUI is designed to create a separate user profile with its own settings and applications, but it can be adapted to hide programs: install the desired applications in only one of the spaces, and leave the second one “clean”.

How it works:

1. Open the Settings. → Second space.
2. Create a second space by following the instructions on the screen (you need to set a password or a pattern lock).
3. Once created, go to the main space and remove unnecessary apps from it (they will remain in the second space).
4. Now, when entering the main space, hidden applications will not be displayed.

🔹 Nuance: This method doesn't hide apps completely, it's going to be available when you switch between spaces, but it allows you to separate personal and work programs, which is convenient for protecting privacy.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block the second space due to security policies.

Backup of important data |

Remember the password to switch between spaces |

Check the compatibility of banking applications |

Disable Google account sync in the second space (if necessary)|-->

3. Hiding through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher)

If standard MIUI capabilities are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher. These programs offer advanced hide-out settings for applications, including the ability to remove them from search and the All Apps menu.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press and hold your finger on your desktop → select Settings Nova.
3. Go to the Application Box → Hide the Applications.
4. Check the boxes for the programs you want to hide.
5. For full concealment, disable the option to Show hidden apps in search.

📌 Comparison of launchers for hiding applications:

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, support for branded gestures is disabled MIUI (For example, swipe down for search or double tap to lock. If these features are critical to you, return to the standard launcher after setting up the hideout.

Deactivation of system applications via ADB (without root)

For advanced users who are ready to work with the command line, there is a way to completely disable system applications without removing them, which does not hide them, but deactivates them, which allows you to free RAM and remove programs from all menus. The method requires connecting the phone to the PC and using the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 9: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on MIUI Version until the notification “You are a developer” appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

ADB

Minimal ADB and Fastboot

adb devices

Make sure your Redmi 9 is on the list.

Mi Browser

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

Replace com.android.browser with the batch name of the desired application (you can find it through the App Inspector in Google Play).

🔹 Examples of batch names of popular Xiaomi system applications:

⚠️ Warning: Deactivation of system components (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in inability to update firmware or malfunction of the phone. → System system → Backup.

5. Hiding applications with a “Blacklist” in Security

The Security app in MIUI has a Blacklist feature that is originally designed to block calls and messages, but it can be adapted to restrict access to certain programs through a password.

How to set up:

🔹 What does it mean:

• 🔒 When you try to open a blocked application, a password will be asked.
• 📵 The app will remain visible on the menu, but not available without authorization.
• 🔔 Notifications from blocked programs will be hidden.

❌ Limitations:

💡

If you forget your password from the Blacklist, reset it through Settings → Passwords & Security → Delete all Security app data. Note that this will also remove all antivirus and cleanup settings.

6. Advanced Methods: App Hider and Island (for root)

If you're willing to go to extreme lengths to get root rights, you'll have the opportunity to use specialized software like App Hider or Island, tools that not only hide applications, but also create isolated sandboxes to run them.

App Hider (without root, but with limitations):

• 📱 Hiding applications under the guise of a calculator or other harmless program.
• 🔐 Requires installation APK (Unavailable on Google Play for MIUI).
• 🚫 Does not work on firmware with a lock installation from unknown sources.

Island (requires root):

• 🏝️ Creates an isolated user profile (similar to Work Profile).
• 🔒 Completely hides applications from the main system.
• ⚠️ Could be in conflict with MIUI Optimization (disable it through the ADB: adb shell pm disable com.miui.zeus).

⚠️ Attention: Getting root rights to Redmi 9 with modern firmware fraught with:

• 🔴 Blocking your Xiaomi account (if tied to your device).
• 🔴 Loss of guarantee.
• 🔴 Inability to upgrade “by air" (OTA).

💡

For most applications hiding tasks on Redmi 9, standard methods (launcher, ADB, Second Space) are sufficient. Root rights are justified only in extreme cases when other methods do not work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Redmi 9