How to hide the app on Xiaomi with Android 10: the full guide 2026

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones with Android 10 and MIUI 12/13 is a challenge that users face for all kinds of reasons, from wanting to remove system utilities to having to hide personal information. Unlike newer versions of MIUI, where the hidden functionality is integrated into security settings, Android 10 requires workarounds. This article covers all current methods, from standard Xiaomi tools to advanced solutions using ADB.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. For example, hiding through Second Space creates a separate user profile, but does not remove the application from the main space, and disabling through settings can lead to system services failures. We will analyze each method with its pros, cons and potential risks, from simply hiding icons to completely removing system APKs without superuser rights.

1. Hiding applications through Second Space (duplicate profile)

The MIUI’s Second Space feature is originally designed to separate work and personal data, but it can also be used to hide applications.This method does not require root rights and works on all Xiaomi devices with Android 10, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T and POCO X2 models.

To hide the app:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Create a new profile by following the instructions on the screen (you will need to set a separate password).
3. After activating Second Space, install the application only in it – it will not appear in the main space.
4. To switch between profiles, use a swipe gesture down two fingers from the top edge of the screen.

✅ Pros: No technical skills required, the app is completely isolated.

❌ Cons: the application remains available in Second Space, takes up additional disk space.

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If Second Space is inactive in settings, check your device’s region. On some firmware for the global version of MIUI, this feature may be disabled – try switching to Chinese or Indian firmware via Fastboot.

2. disable system applications without root

On Android 10, Xiaomi lets you disable (but not remove) system applications through the settings menu, which hides them from the installed list and stops background processes, but does not free up disk space.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, type the name of the application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
• ⚙️ Click on the app. → Shut down. → confirm.
• 🔄 After disconnecting, restart the device.

⚠️ Caution: Disabling critical services (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in loss of functionality (no fingerprint, security notifications, etc.

Backup data through Settings → Additional → Backup and reset

Write down the names of the disabled packets (in case of recovery)

Check dependent services (for example, disabling Mi Account will disrupt synchronization)

Make sure the battery is more than 50% charged (in case of failure)-->

3. Hiding icons through launcher settings

If the goal is simply to remove the app icon from the main screen and menu, but leave it working, you can use the built-in settings of the MIUI launcher. This method does not remove the application, but only hides it visually.

How to hide the icon:

1. Click and hold the empty space on the home screen → select Settings.
2. Go to Hidden Apps (or App Vault on some firmware).
3. Tick the apps you want to hide and click Ready.

🔹 Limitations:

• 🔒 Hidden apps still visible in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔍 They can be found through a search by system (swipe down on the main screen).
• 📥 They continue to receive notifications and updates.

Second Space (Duplicate Profile)

Disconnection through settings

Hiding icons in the launcher

ADB-team

Don't hide the app.-->

4.Use ADB to Hide System APKs

For advanced users, there is a method of hiding (actually removing for the current user) system applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but you need to enable debugging over USB and install ADB on your computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type in: Adb devices (your device should appear).
4. To hide the app, do: adb shell pm hide com.example.package (replace com.example.package with a real package, for example com.miui.cleanmaster for Cleaner).

⚠️ Note: Some packages (e.g. com.android.systemui) are critical, and hiding them will cause a cyclical reboot of the device. A full list of safe packets for your Xiaomi model can be found on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

5.Hiding through third-party launchers

If the built-in MIUI is not satisfied, you can use third-party launchers with the function of hiding applications.

• 🏠 Nova Launcher (Nova Hide Apps plugin).
• 🔒 Apex Launcher (Integrated Hiding Function).
• 📱 PO Launcher (specialized for Xiaomi).

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press and hold the blank space on the screen → Settings Nova.
3. Go to Hidden Applications and select the ones you need.
4. Apply the changes and restart the launcher.

✅ Pros: does not require changes in the system, flexible settings.

❌ Cons: Applications remain in the system and can be displayed in the menu.

6. Creating a hidden folder with applications

To hide icons without using additional tools, you can create a hidden folder on the home screen, which doesn't remove apps, but makes them less visible.

How to create a hidden folder:

1. Create a new folder on the home screen and move the desired applications to it.
2. Click on the folder name and rename it to an invisible character (e.g., copy from the table below).
3. Install a transparent icon for the folder (via Nova or Apex launcher).

⚠️ Note: Hidden folders are still searchable through the system. For complete privacy, combine this method with Second Space or ADB.

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Hiding through a folder is the easiest, but least reliable way, and it's only good for visually hiding icons, but it doesn't protect data.

Comparison of methods of hiding applications on Xiaomi (Android 10)

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi