Xiaomi Redmi’s desktop quickly fills up with unnecessary icons — whether preinstalled MIUI services, games or rarely used utilities. Removing them is not always possible (especially system ones), and constant eye-opening is annoying. Fortunately, MIUI’s firmware has both obvious and hidden ways to hide icons without removing the apps themselves.
Many users mistakenly believe that dragging an application to a folder or a second screen is enough, but that doesn’t solve the problem completely. The icon will still remain on the app menu, and some system utilities (like GetApps or Mi Video) will stubbornly return after the reboot. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including the little-known features of MIUI 14, which work without root rights and do not require third-party launchers.
Important: Hiding an icon is not the same as removing an app; it will continue to work in the background, take up space in memory, and can send notifications. If the goal is to completely get rid of the software, read our article “How to remove system applications on Xiaomi without root”.
1. Hiding through the application menu (standard method)
The simplest method, which works on all Redmi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, is suitable for most user applications, but not for all system ones.
Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen) Find the icon you want, hold it with your finger, and select Hide from the context menu that appears. The icon will disappear from the desktop, but will remain in the general application list.
⚠️ Note: This method does not work for:
- 📱 Pre-installed Google Services (Play Market, YouTube)
- 🔧 System Utilities (Security, Themes, Mi Account)
- 🎮 Applications with administrative rights (e.g. Game Turbo)
To return a hidden icon, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Hidden Apps and uncheck the box opposite the desired one.
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If the icon isn't hiding through the menu, try moving it to the desktop first and then repeating the action, which sometimes works for stubborn apps.
2.Use of the "Second Space" function to isolate icons
MIUI’s Second Space feature is designed to separate personal and work data, but it can also be used to hide unnecessary icons, a technique that is suitable for system applications that cannot be hidden in a standard way.
Algorithm of action:
- Go to Settings. → Second space.
- Create a new space (you will need to set a password or a pattern lock).
- In the main space, remove all unnecessary icons from the desktop.
- Return to Settings → Second Space → Application Management.
- Move all the necessary applications to the main space, and leave the unnecessary ones in the second.
Now, when you log in, you'll only see a clean desktop with selected icons. Unnecessary apps will remain in the second space and won't show up in normal use.
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| ✅ Works for system applications | ❌ Requires switching between spaces |
| ✅ It does not affect productivity. | ❌ You need to set up each application separately |
| ✅ Stores application data | ❌ When resetting the settings, the space will disappear. |
⚠️ Warning: If you forget the password from the second space, it will be impossible to restore access to hidden applications without resetting the phone to factory settings.
3. Hiding through launcher settings (for power users)
The MIUI launcher has hidden settings that allow you to manage the display of icons more flexibly, this method requires activation of Developer Mode and work with ADB, but does not need root rights.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).
- Turn on "Debugging by" USB» In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.miui.weather2 (replace com.miui.weather2 with the batch name of the desired application).
To find the batch name of the application, use the command:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"For example, for Mi Video, the keyword will be video.
Install ADB-PC drivers|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Download the Platform Tools utility|Check the connection of the team `adb devices`|Make a backup copy of the data-->
⚠️ Note: Hiding system applications through ADB It can lead to unstable work. MIUI. For example, disabling com.miui.securitycenter will disrupt the security center.
4.Using third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Apex)
If standard methods don’t work, you can install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which allows you to hide the icons of any application, including system ones, without interfering with firmware.
The following is a step-by-step configuration in Nova Launcher:
- 📥 Install a launcher from Google Play.
- 🔧 Go to the launcher settings (Long press on the desktop) → Settings).
- 🗃 Select “Hide Apps” in the “Apps Menu” section».
- ✅ Check the boxes of the applications you want to hide.
Advantages of this method:
- 🎨 Complete customization of the interface (themes, gestures, icon sizes).
- 🔒 The ability to hide even system applications (Google Play Services, Mi Account).
- 🔄 Easy recovery of hidden icons in two clicks.
Disadvantage: Some MIUI features (such as Super Wallpaper or Global Search) may not work properly with third-party launchers.
How to return the standard MIUI launcher?
5. Hiding through security settings (for MIUI 14)
The latest versions of MIUI 14 have a hidden feature to control the visibility of icons through the Security Center, which works for most pre-installed applications, including Mi Browser, Mi Music and GetApps.
Instructions:
- Open the "Security" (Shield icon).
- Go to Acceleration» → «Deep cleaning».
- Click on “App Management” at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the desired application and activate the option “Hide the icon”.
🔍 Why this method doesn’t always work?
- 🔄 Some apps (Google Play, Settings) are protected from hiding.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI settings may reset.
- 🔄 Not available on all Redmi models (tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ redmi K50).
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Hiding through the Security Center is the safest method for system applications, as it does not require superuser rights and does not affect the stability of the system.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users have problems trying to hide icons, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:
Error 1: The icon returns after the reboot
This is typical of system applications hidden through menus.
- 🔄 Use the method with ADB or “Second space».
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version - in new builds bugs are corrected.
Error 2: You can’t hide the Google Play icon or Settings
These applications are firmware-protected.
- 📁 Move the icon to a folder with rarely used apps.
- 🎨 Install a third-party launcher with a concealment function.
Error 3: After Hiding Through ADB, the App Stopped Working
Some system services (com.miui.securitycenter) are critical to stability.
- 🔄 Return the application with the command adb shell pm unhide batch name.
- 🔄 Use the “Second Space” method instead of ADB.
⚠️ Note: if after the manipulation of ADB phone started to brake or issue errors, reset the cache through Recovery Mode (clip the power supply) + Volume up when switched on).