How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: from standard features to hidden chips MIUI

Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro 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 iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI offers several built-in tools and also supports third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove the icon from the desktop, others completely block access to the application without a password.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hidden functions MIUI 12-14, You will learn how to hide applications without root rights, what restrictions exist for system utilities (for example, com.miui.securitycenter), and how to avoid typical errors that cause the application to appear again on the screen. We will pay special attention to the method using the "Second Space" - it is the only one that guarantees the use of the "Second Space" method. 100% concealment from outsiders, including access through search MIUI.

1. Standard hiding via "MIUI Settings" (no password)

The easiest way is to use the built-in Hidden Apps feature in the Redmi 8 Pro settings. This method is suitable for most custom applications, but has limitations:

• 🔹 Does not work for system utilities (e.g. Camera, Settings).
• 🔹 The app remains available through search MIUI (swipe down on the desktop).
• 🔹 No password required – anyone who knows the path can make the app visible again.

To hide the app:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as TikTok or Telegram).
3. Tap Hide the app (the option will appear after clicking on three dots in the upper right corner).
4. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the app disappeared from the menu after hiding, but its process is still visible in Task Manager (swipe up and hold), then it continues to work in the background. To completely stop it, use the Background Limitation in the battery settings.

Make sure the icon is gone from the desktop |

Try to find the app through MIUI search (swipe down) |

Check the list of installed applications in Settings → Applications |

Start Task Manager to check background processes-->

2.Use of the "Second Space" for complete concealment

Second Space is a unique MIUI feature that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings, and even wallpaper.

• 🔒 Completely isolates applications (not visible in the main space even through search).
• 🔑 Requires a password or fingerprint to access.
• 📱 Works for all applications, including system (except Settings and Phone).

Instructions for setting:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space.
2. Click Create a second space and follow the wizard (you will need to create a password).
3. After creation, switch to the second space (the icon in the notification curtain).
4. Install or transfer the desired apps (such as WhatsApp or Gallery).
5. Return to the main space – hidden applications will be unavailable without switching.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the second space, you can only restore access through resetting (loss of all data.

Standard Hiding Through Settings|

Second space |

Third-party launchers |

Desktop folders |

Don't hide the app.-->

3. Hiding through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher)

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, alternative launchers can be used, offering advanced concealment options, including:

• 📂 Hiding icons without removing the app.
• 🔍 Blocking search by application name.
• 🎨 Customization of appearance (for example, transparent folders).

The best launchers for the Redmi 8 Pro:

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Long click on the app icon → Change.
3. Choose Hide (Option will appear after purchasing Nova Prime).
4. Restart the launcher (swipe down → restart).

💡

If, after hiding in the launcher, the application still appears in Recent (swipe up), clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → [launcher name] → Storage.

Disable system applications via ADB (for experienced)

To completely remove or hide system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser) you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

• ⚙️ It works without root rights, but requires a PC connection.
• 🚫 It can disrupt the stability of the system if used incorrectly.
• 🔄 After resetting the settings, the hidden apps will return.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect Redmi 8 Pro to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell


pm hide com.miui.videoplayer # example for Mi Video




pm hide com.android.browser # example for the browser

To return the application, use:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

⚠️ Note: Do not disable critical system processes (e.g. com.miui.home) MIUI). This can lead to a bootloop (cyclical phone reboot).The full list of safe packets to disable can be found on the forum. XDA Developers (Redmi 8 Pro).

5. Hiding through folders and gestures (without additional programs)

If you just need to remove the icon from your eyes, but do not block access to the application, you can use:

• 📁 Desktop folders (drag the icon into a folder and call it neutral, for example, Utilities").
• 👆 Gestures (in) MIUI You can assign a swipe over the screen to run a hidden application).
• 🔤 Rename (change the icon name to a symbol, for example "●").

How to set up a gesture for a hidden start:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Gestures and buttons → Launch gestures.
2. Select a gesture (e.g. Swipe up with two fingers).
3. Set the action Launch the application and select the desired one.

⚠️ Note: If you use a hidden folder (such as one with a transparent icon), remember that its content will still be visible in Settings. → For complete privacy, combine this method with the Second Space.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each method of hiding has its pros and cons. Below is a comparison table for Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of Second Space (for sensitive applications) and Standard Hiding (for rarely used utilities).If you need to hide system applications that can’t be removed, use ADB, but only after you have created a backup.

💡

On the Redmi. 8 Pro MIUI 14 standard hiding through settings does not work for applications installed in /system/priv-app/ (For example, Mi Pay or Mi Roaming, which will help. ADB Or the Second Space.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi