How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: all the ways from standard to hidden

Hiding applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9T 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 firmware offers several built-in tools for masking programs. However, not all of them are obvious, and some require knowledge of the hidden capabilities of the system.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Working Ways to Hide Apps on Redmi 9T β€” From basic (through launcher settings) to advanced (using archiving or third-party utilities). MIUI 12/13/14, Because the interface and the options available may be different, you'll also learn which methods don't require root rights, and where you can't do without them.

1. Hiding through the built-in Hidden Applications feature in MIUI

The easiest and safest way is to use the standard MIUI tool available on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9T. This feature does not remove the application, but only removes its icon from the home screen and from the application menu, leaving the ability to run through search or settings.

To activate it:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
  3. Turn on the slider opposite the desired application (for example, Google PlayFilms or Mi Video).
  4. Confirm the action by pressing Hide.

⚠️ Note: Hidden applications will still be displayed in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications. To completely remove system software, you'll need to root or ADB.

Check out the MIUI version (Settings β†’ About the phone)

Make sure that the application is not critical to the system.

Backup your data (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup)

Close the application before hiding (via the latest task menu)

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Archiving of applications: hiding without removal

If your version of MIUI does not have the Hidden Apps option (relevant to some regions or custom firmware), you can use the archiving function, which temporarily freezes the program, removing it from view, but storing data, which works without root and is suitable for most user applications.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or TikTok).
  3. Tap Archive (or Disable if no archiving is available).
  4. Confirm the action. The icon will disappear from the screen, but the.apk file will remain in the system.

To return the app:

  • πŸ” Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Archived.
  • πŸ“₯ Click Restore next to the right software.
  • βš™οΈ The app will appear again in the menu and will start updating.

Once a week.

Only for system utilities

Never hid it.

When you need to hide something from others

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3. Use of the second space (Dual Apps)

The MIUI’s Second Space (or Dual Apps) feature is originally designed to clone messengers (like WhatsApp or Telegram), but it can be adapted to hide apps, the essence of the method is to move unnecessary software to a β€œsecond space” that is blocked by a password by default.

How to do this:

  1. Activate the second space: Settings β†’ Special Opportunities β†’ Second space.
  2. Create a password or graphical key to access.
  3. In the main space, find the app you want to hide and tap Clone into another space (if the option is available).
  4. Remove the original application from the main space.

⚠️ Note: This method is only suitable for custom applications. System utilities (such as Mi Security or Cleaner) cannot be cloned. 9T (up to 1-2 GB of memory).

MethodRoot is required.Hiding from searchRecovery capability
Hidden Applications (MIUI)❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes.
Archiving❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.
Second space❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.
Third-party launchers❌ No.⚠️ Partially.βœ… Yes.
ADB-team⚠️ No, but you need developer rights.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.

4. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex and others

If you don’t like the built-in MIUI tools, you can install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which allows you to hide application icons without removing or archiving, and offers advanced interface settings.

The following is a step-by-step instruction for Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Make it a default launcher (the first time you start will be offered a sentence).
  3. Press your finger in the free seat of the main screen β†’ Settings Nova β†’ Hiding applications.
  4. Check the boxes you want to hide (such as Mi Browser or Games).

Important: Hidden applications will remain available in the standard MIUI menu and through search. For full camouflage, combine this method with archiving.

πŸ’‘

If the app icons are gone after installing Nova Launcher, check the permission settings: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Nova Launcher β†’ Permissions β†’ Enable β€œMastering on top of other windows.”

5. Advanced methods: ADB and root access

For users willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or obtain root rights, deeper ways to hide applications are available, which allow you to completely remove system programs or block their launch at the OS level. However, they require caution: wrong actions can lead to a firmware failure.

Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (without root):

adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.example

Where com.xiaomi.example is the batch name of the application (you can find it through the App Inspector in Google Play).

Method 2: Remove system applications from root:

  • πŸ› οΈ Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup.
  • πŸ” Find the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove or rename the folder with the unnecessary app (e.g. MiMusic).

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI. Before experimenting, create a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool. On Redmi. 9T particularly dangerous:

  • 🚫 com.android.systemui (system interface)
  • 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter (security)
  • 🚫 com.xiaomi.finddevice (search for device)
What if after removing the system application, the phone does not turn on?
If Redmi 9T is stuck on the logo or left in the bootloop, try: 1. Log in Fastboot (Power + Vol Down buttons). 2. Connect to your PC and restore the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All option). 3. If there is a TWRP, swipe the backup or install a clean firmware.

6. Alternative methods: folders, passwords and cloud services

If you don’t need to hide the app so much as restrict access to it, consider the following options:

Password folders:

  • πŸ”’ Use launchers like Secure Folder (from Samsung, but runs on Xiaomi) or AppLock.
  • πŸ“ Move the app icon to a protected folder.

2. Cloud backups:

  • πŸŒ₯️ Remove the app from your phone, but save it to Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
  • πŸ”„ If necessary, restore it through Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Restore.

Guest mode:

  • πŸ‘€ Enable guest mode in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Multiplayer mode.
  • πŸ”„ Only basic apps will be available in the guest profile.

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The most reliable way to hide an application without consequences is a combination of archiving + third-party launcher. It does not require root, does not affect performance and is easily canceled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app hiding on Redmi 9T

Can I hide system applications without root?
Yes, but with limitations. ADB can disable most system utilities (such as Mi Video or Mi Music), but critical MIUI programs (such as Security or Settings) cannot be blocked, and archives only work for some system applications.
Why is the app still visible in search after hiding?
This is a feature of MIUI: Hidden Apps only removes the icon from the home screen and menu, but does not exclude the program from the search index. To completely hide it, combine methods: archive the application and use a third-party launcher (for example, Nova).
How to return a hidden application if you forget the method?
Check the following places: πŸ” Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Archived (if you have used archival information). πŸ“± Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Hidden applications (if you used the built-in function). πŸ”§ In the launcher settings (if hidden through Nova or analogues). πŸ”„ In the second space (if moved there). If nothing helps, search the name of the application in Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ All applications.
Will the hidden app be updated?
Depends on the method: βœ… Archived applications are not updated. βœ… Hidden through the launcher are updated (but the icon remains hidden). ❌ Remote through ADB/root They are not updated (they are not on the system). To stop the updates, disable the auto-update for a specific application in Google Play.
Can you hide the app so that it is not found even by a search engine?
Yes, but it would require: Archive the application (removes it from view); disable it via ADB (pm disable-user command); use a launcher that does not index archived programs (e.g., Nova Launcher with application search disabled); the application will remain in the system and will occupy space, but it can only be launched via ADB or by returning it from the archive.