How to hide the application on Xiaomi: all the ways from standard to hidden

Hiding apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike pure Android, MIUI firmware offers its own tools for this, but they are not always obvious. Moreover, after upgrades to MIUI 14/15 or Android 13/14, the location of some features has changed, which causes confusion even among experienced users.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to hide applications on Xiaomi, from built-in shell capabilities to advanced methods using ADB or root rights. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of firmware and models (for example, Redmi Note 12 vs POCO F5), and also warn against common errors that can lead to system failures. If you need not just remove the icon from the main screen, but completely hide the application from search and the All Apps menu – read on.

1. Standard method: Archiving applications in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in application archiving feature in MIUI. It does not remove the program completely, but “freezes” it, hiding it from the interface and stopping background processes. This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 and the flagship Xiaomi series 13/14.

How it works:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the app you want in the list (like Google Play Music or Mi Video).
• 📦 Click Archive (on some models - Delete) → Archive).
• ✅ Confirm the action. The icon will disappear from the home screen and from the app menu.

⚠️ Note: Archived applications are not completely deleted, their data is stored and when restored, they will return to their original state. This method is not suitable for system utilities (for example, Mi Security or Mi Account), as archiving them can lead to errors in the work. MIUI.

Make a backup copy of important application data|Check if it is a system-based system.|Make sure you have enough space (archiving takes up) ~10-20% size)|Remember the name of the application for future recovery-->

2. Hiding through the "Second Space" (Dual Apps)

Xiaomi’s “Second Space” (or Dual Apps) feature is originally designed to clone messengers (like WhatsApp or Telegram), but it can also be used to hide apps. The point is that you move the program into an isolated space that is protected by a password or fingerprint, and this method works on all devices with MIUI 11+, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a second space if it is not already there (you will need to set a password).
3. Go back to the main space and find the app you want to hide.
4. Click on the app icon → Move to the second space.
5. Now the app will only be available after you enter the second space.

🔹 Pros of the method: the application is completely hidden from outsiders, even if they know how to search for archived programs. Cons: when moving some data can be reset (for example, cache or notification settings.

Archive |Second Space |Third-party launchers |ADB/root|I'm not hiding-->

3. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If you don’t like the built-in MIUI methods, you can install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) that not only hides application icons, but also groups them into folders with a password, changes control gestures, and even blocks access to certain programs.

How to hide the app through Nova Launcher:

• 🛠 Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
• 🔧 Hold your finger in the free seat of the main screen → Settings Nova → Hiding applications.
• 📋 Select the apps you want to hide and confirm.
• 🔒 For additional protection, install the Nova Launcher Prime plugin (paid version) and set up folder lock on the PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: Hiding through the launcher does not remove the application from the system – it can still be found through a search by device (Settings) → Applications) or run through ADB. For complete privacy, combine this method with archiving or Second Space.

Advanced method: Disconnect via ADB (no root)

If you need to hide a system application that cannot be archived (such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps), you can use the app. ADB-This method does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling the developer mode.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥 Install. ADB Tools on PC (you can download from the official website of Android Developers).
2. 📱 On your smartphone, turn on Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate the developer mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices (your device should appear).
5. To hide the application, do: adb shell pm hide com.mi.browser (replace com.mi.browser with the desired application package).
6. 🔄 Reboot your smartphone. The app will disappear from the interface.

🔹 How do you find the application package? Use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

(Replace the keyword with a part of the title, such as miui or browser).

⚠️ Note: Disabling system applications through ADB It can lead to unstable work. MIUI For example, disabling Mi Security (com.miui.securitycenter) will deprive you of protection from viruses, and hiding GetApps (com.xiaomi.mipicks) will disrupt the store.

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. If the system starts to slow down after you turn off the application, return it with the command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name (replace com.package.name with the desired package).

5. Complete removal of system applications (root required)

If you are willing to take drastic measures and have root rights (for example, through Magisk), you can completely remove unnecessary system applications, this method is suitable for experienced users, as improper actions can lead to a device “brick” (inability to download).

Instructions for Xiaomi with root:

• 🛠 Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Root Explorer). FX File Explorer).
• 📂 Go to the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app (This is where system applications are stored).
• 🗑 Find a folder with the name of the application (for example, Browser for Mi Browser) and delete it.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

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

⚠️ Note: Removing the following applications will result in system failure:

• com.miui.securitycenter (Mi Security) – responsible for security
• com.android.settings – system settings;
• com.miui.home - MIUI launcher;
• com.miui.gallery - gallery (access to photos will be removed).

💡

Removing system applications through root is an irreversible process, and if the phone stops booting after deleting, you will need to flash through Fastboot or restore via TWRP.

Hiding through Guest Mode (MIUI 14+)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 have introduced Guest Mode, a separate profile with limited access to apps and data, ideal if you want to temporarily hide apps from someone who might take your phone (such as colleagues or friends).

How to turn on:

1. Open the notification bar and click on the user icon (in the upper right corner).
2. Select Add Guest.
3. Set up which apps will be available in guest mode (by default, messengers, banking applications and a gallery are hidden).
4. Activate guest mode – all other applications will be unavailable without leaving the profile.

🔹 Restrictions: You can't install new apps or change system settings in guest mode, and some features (e.g, NFC Google Pay may be blocked.

Comparison of methods of hiding applications on Xiaomi

To choose the best method, compare all methods on key parameters:

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When hiding applications on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

1. The application is not archived. 🔹 Reason: This is a system app or it’s updated through Google Play. 🔧 Solution: Try rolling back updates (Settings) → Annexes → ⋮ → Reverse) or use ADB.
2. After hiding through ADB appendix is back. 🔹 Reason: Resetting settings or updating MIUI. 🔧 Solution: Repeat the adb shell pm hide command or add it to the auto-execution script when booting.
3. The launcher doesn't hide the icons. 🔹 Cause: shell conflict MIUI. 🔧 Solution: Set the launcher as standard (Settings) → Annexes → By default).
4. Removing the system application through root led to errors. 🔹 Reason: Critical component removed MIUI. 🔧 Solution: Restore the application through backup TWRP or re-flash the device.

⚠️ Note: If after manipulation with system applications Xiaomi stopped loading (hang on the logo) MI), Try to log into Fastboot Mode (click Power). + Vol Down and execute command:

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it completely through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions