Xiaomi’s current MIUI 12 smartphones store a huge amount of personal information that you don’t always have to share with others. Often, it’s necessary to remove certain icons from view, whether it’s a bank client, messenger or gallery with private photos. The standard interface may seem open to everyone, but the system offers powerful tools to restrict access.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how to hide an app on your device using built-in security features that often go unnoticed by users, and you will learn how to create hidden spaces where your data will be securely protected by a password or biometrics.
We’ll also look at alternative methods if standard settings don’t fit your requirements for some reason, and Android’s privacy-protection readiness allows you to implement scenarios you might not have even imagined before.
Use of built-in functionality of Hidden Applications
The MIUI 12 shell has a native feature that allows you to hide program shortcuts directly from the menu. It does not require you to download additional software to activate this mode, since all the necessary tools are already built into the system, this is the most secure and stable way to ensure compatibility.
To get into the management menu, you need to open the standard Security app, which is preinstalled on each Xiaomi device. In the tool list, find Hidden Apps and click on it. If you see a switch, move it to the active position.
Once the feature is enabled, the screen will show instructions for creating a password if it is not already installed. The system will suggest using a pattern lock or a digital code that will be requested each time you log into a hidden partition, which creates an additional layer of protection for your data.
There is a handy gesture for quick access to hidden content: on the main desktop, you need to spread two fingers in different directions (plug out), if the function is activated, a special window will open where you can add programs.
- 🔒 Open the Security app and find the hidden program section.
- 📱 Set a strong password or use a fingerprint.
- 👆 Use the finger spreading gesture on your desktop for quick entry.
- ✅ Add the desired programs from the proposed list to the hidden mode.
It is important to note that hidden programs are no longer displayed in the general list of all applications and widgets, but notifications from them may still come if the appropriate permissions are not configured in the system.
Set up the Second Space for Total Insulation
If simply hiding icons isn’t enough, Xiaomi is offering a more radical solution, Second Space, which is essentially creating a second user profile inside a single smartphone, with its own settings, accounts and software suite.
Switching between the main and second spaces is instantaneous and can be protected by a separate password or fingerprint.To an outsider, your phone will look like a normal device with a minimal data set until a special unlock code is entered.
To activate, go to Settings, find the Additional Settings section, and select Second Space. The system will suggest creating a new profile, the process will take just a couple of minutes, you can migrate data or configure everything from scratch.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all the data stored inside it (photos, contacts, files) will be permanently lost.
Using this method, you can completely isolate your work or personal apps from your primary use, and you can install the same program in both spaces with different acca!unts, like two different profiles on Telegram or WhatsApp.
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Use different wallpapers for the Main and Second Spaces, which will help you visually understand what mode you are in, and not confuse profiles when you enter your password.
Restricting access through Application Blocking
It's not always necessary to hide the fact that a program is there, sometimes it's enough to simply disable it from running without authorization, and the application lock feature in MIUI 12 allows you to set a password to open any programs you choose.
You can also find this option in the Security app, and once enabled, you will be asked to choose the type of lock: password, pattern lock or biometrics, and you can configure the contents of notifications to be hidden on the locked screen for maximum privacy.
This is convenient because the icon stays in place, but when you try to log in, the system will ask for proof of identity, which is a great trade-off between usability and data security.
There is a possibility to configure different passwords for different applications, although most often a single master password is used for the entire list of protected programs, which makes it easier to remember and faster access.
☑️ Setup of application locking
Comparison of data protection methods in MIUI
The right method depends on how much protection you want to provide, and each of the methods examined has its advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered before setting up.
Below is a table to help you decide on the best solution for your situation: Pay attention to the level of isolation and ease of daily use.
| Protection method | Level of secrecy | Level of protection | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden applications | Tall (no icon) | Medium (requires a password to enter) | Medium (must gesture) |
| Second space | Maximum (single profile) | High (complete isolation) | Low (switching profiles) |
| Application lockdown | Low (icon visible) | Medium (request password at launch) | High (fast access) |
As the comparison shows, the Second Space provides the best isolation, whereas Application Locking is the most convenient for frequent use.Shidden applications occupy an intermediate position, combining visual concealment with relatively fast access.
It is recommended to combine these methods, for example, you can create a second space for banking applications, and hide the gallery with personal photos inside the main profile.
Use of third-party launchers
If standard MIUI capabilities aren't enough, you can turn to third-party launchers, programs like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher often have their own hidden application features that work independently of the system.
Installing this launcher allows you to completely change the interface and add additional layers of protection. Some launchers allow you to hide applications in special folders, which are accessed only by a certain action or password.
However, it is worth considering that using third-party software can consume more battery and RAM resources, and the integration with Xiaomi system functions may not be as deep as that of native tools.
Risks of using third-party launchers
Before installing, carefully review the reviews of the launcher you choose and its compatibility with your version of Android.This will help avoid potential device performance issues.
Frequent questions and troubleshooting
Even when following the instructions, nuances can arise related to specific models or firmware versions, and the answers to the most common user questions are summarized below.
Often users ask if it is possible to restore remote hidden applications, if the program was removed from hidden space without a backup, recovery by standard means is impossible, the data is considered destroyed for security purposes.
Also important is the question of the impact of concealment on notifications operation: Hidden apps may not show notifications on a locked screen unless allowed in privacy settings.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your phone to factory settings will remove all hidden apps and Second Space data.Before selling or transferring the device, make sure you clear all profiles.
If the hide function stopped working after the system update, try clearing the Security app cache or checking for updates to the MIUI shell itself.
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The integrated use of the built-in MIUI 12 tools provides a level of protection comparable to specialized security software, without requiring the installation of unnecessary programs.