Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to restrict access to certain apps, which may be due to a desire to hide the hobby from colleagues, to protect children from random purchases or simply to clean up the interface. MIUI and its modern version of HyperOS offer built-in tools to solve this problem, without requiring the installation of additional software.
However, the shell functionality can vary depending on the firmware version, and you can hide the game in a number of ways, from simply removing the label from the desktop to creating password-protected spaces, and understanding the difference between these methods will allow you to choose the best option for your situation.
In this article, we will take a look at all the privacy options available, how to use guest mode, hidden apps, and third-party launchers, and how to use them effectively will keep your data and digital environments private.
Using the built-in mode of hidden applications
The most effective way that the MIUI shell itself provides is called Hidden Applications, which allows you to remove icons of selected programs from the desktop and menu, making them available only through a special code or gesture. To activate, you need to go to Settings β Applications β Hidden Applications.
Once you turn on the function, the system will suggest creating a unique password or using biometrics, which is a critical step, because this data will serve as the key to your stash, and without entering the correct code, you will not be able to launch a hidden application, which guarantees a high level of protection.
To open the hidden, you need to run the Security app (or Manager), go to the hidden app tab and enter the specified code. An alternative way is to use a gesture in the Themes or Dialer app, depending on the firmware version.
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Use a complex digital code or long letter combination to access hidden applications so that no one can guess it by brute force.
Creating and setting up a guest mode
If you want to transfer your phone to another person, but you don't want them to see your games or chats, the ideal solution is Guest Mode, which is a separate space in the system that doesn't have access to the user's primary profile data, and you can activate it through the notification curtain or in the settings.
In the guest profile, the desktop looks empty. You can install the games you want, but they'll be isolated from the main system, and all saves, accounts, and guest mode activity history are automatically deleted when you log out or switch to your main account.
- π Complete isolation of data from the main user.
- ποΈ Automatic cleanup of history and cache after release.
- π« The guest does not see the applications and files you installed.
- βοΈ The ability to customize each profile individually.
Configuring the second space (Second Space)
Second Space creates a full-fledged copy of the operating system on your device, and it's not just a hidden folder, it's actually a second phone inside one, and you can install a separate set of games, you can register other Google accounts and you can register your Mi Account.
Switching between the main and second spaces is instantaneous through settings or a special widget. Each space can be set to unlock a screen password, such as a thumbprint that opens the main profile and an index one that opens the hidden one.
This is especially useful if you want to separate work from leisure completely. Games set in the second space are completely invisible in the first space. They don't show up in the main profile screen usage statistics, and they don't consume limits if they're set there.
β οΈ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data, applications and game saves inside will be permanently lost.
Hiding Games Through Third-Party Launchers
If Xiaomiβs built-in tools donβt suit you, you can use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which replace the standard interface and offer advanced customization capabilities, including hiding icons.
Most alternative launchers have a Hidden Applications section in their settings, and just add the game to it and the icon disappears from the desktop, but remember that the application itself will remain in the installed program list in the system settings.
Can I hide the app completely systematically?
For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to combine the launcher with the application lock function. This will create a double layer of protection: the icon is not on the table, and if you try to find the program in the settings, you will need an additional password to start it.
Blocking access to specific applications
Sometimes you don't have to hide a game, you just have to stop it from running without permission. The built-in security utility on Xiaomi smartphones has the "App Lock" feature, which allows you to set a password to run selected programs.
When you try to open a locked game, the system will request a pin, pattern lock or fingerprint.This is a great way to prevent children from accidentally launching or accessing your account in the game.
The setup is done via the Settings path β Applications β Applications β Application Locking. You can choose lock mode here: at each start or after unlocking the screen. You can also set the lock time.
βοΈ Setup of application locking
Comparison of data protection methods
The specific method you choose depends on your goals: If you just want to remove visual noise, you can hide icons, you can use lockdown or guest mode to protect against children, and Second Space is ideal for complete data privacy.
Below is a table comparing the main features of the methods reviewed, which will help you quickly navigate and choose the right option to protect your digital life on a Xiaomi device.
| Protection method | The Hiddenness of the Icon | Password protection | Data isolation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden MIUI applications | Yes (on the menu) | Yes. | No. |
| Guest mode | Yes (separate profile) | Yeah (refigure) | Partial |
| Second space | Yes (separate profile) | Yes (separate password) | Complete. |
| Application lockdown | No. | Yes. | No. |
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Combining methods (e.g. Hidden Apps + Blocking) ensures maximum security and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the game be lost after the game is hidden?
Can I hide the system applications?
Are hidden applications visible in usage statistics?
How to restore access if you forget the password from hidden applications?
β οΈ Note: Check system updates regularly. In newer versions of HyperOS, the security menu may be different from the classic one. MIUI.