Hiding apps on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 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 mechanisms, and also supports third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove the icon from the screen, others completely block access to the application without a password.
In this article, weβll look at 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI 12/13/14 features, launchers, and even super-user-free system tricks. Weβll focus on the nuances of the Redmi Note 10 (mojito/sunny models), where some standard methods may not work due to firmware specifics, and how to bring hidden apps back and what to do if they disappear from the menu after the system update.
1. Built-in "Hidden Applications" function in MIUI
The most obvious and safe way to use the regular MIUI tool is to use it, which does not require additional software installation and works on all versions of the firmware for the Redmi Note 10. However, the method has a limitation: hidden applications do not disappear from the list of installed programs in the settings, but only removed from the home screen and from the application menu.
To activate the function:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
- Enter the password from your Mi Account (if not tied, you will need to create).
- Tick the required applications and click Ready.
β οΈ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password, it will be impossible to restore access to hidden apps without completely resetting your phone).
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Before hiding the application, check if another program uses it (for example, messengers for authorization), otherwise there may be errors in the work of dependent services.
2.Using Second Space (Second Profile)
Second Space is a unique feature of MIUI, which allows you to create an isolated user profile with a separate set of applications, wallpapers and even a password, which is ideal if you need to hide not one but several applications, while keeping them available for yourself, for example, you can transfer messengers, banking programs or a gallery to Second Space.
Algorithm of settings:
- π± Go to Settings. β Special facilities β Second Space.
- π Create a new profile with a separate password (you can use a fingerprint).
- π¦ In the main space, remove the app icons you want to hide (they will stay in Second Space).
- π Switch between swipe profiles down the notification bar (user icon).
The advantage of the method is that the applications are completely isolated, they can not be seen in the main profile even through search, disadvantage: when switching between spaces, the phone reboots (it takes 10-15 seconds), and some banking applications can block work in Second Space due to suspicions of using a sandbox.
3. Hiding through third-party launchers
If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use Google Play's alternative launchers, which offer flexible app visibility settings, including passwordless hiding or creating "secret folders." The best options for Redmi Note 10 are:
| Launcher | Hiding function | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Hiding through App & Widget drawers settings | No registration required, light weight | Applications remain in the system menu |
| Apex Launcher | Secret folder with password | Encrypting folder, gesture support | Advertising in the free version |
| Microsoft Launcher | Hiding in the Personal Office | Integration with Windows, cloud backup | Requires a Microsoft account |
Example of settings in Nova Launcher:
- Install the launcher and make it the main (sentence will pop up at the first start).
- Press your finger on the home screen β Settings β App & widget drawers.
- Select Hide apps and select the ones you need.
- To return hidden applications, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes.
β οΈ Note: When you reset the launcher to factory settings or remove it, all hidden applications will become visible again. MIUI, induced animation.
How to return the MIUI system launcher?
4. Disable system applications via ADB
For advanced users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to completely disable system applications (including those that can not be removed by standard methods).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then go back to Additional β For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (should appear a device with a serial number).
- Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages -f Find the name you want (e.g. com.miui.video for Mi Video).
- Disable the application: adb shell pm hide com.miui.video (replace with the current package).
Important: This method doesn't delete the application, it just makes it inactive. Once the phone is reset or the MIUI update, it may reappear. And some system utilities (e.g. com.android.settings) can't be turned off, which will cause the phone to fail.
βοΈ Preparation for work with ADB
5. Hiding through Guest Mode (for temporary access)
If you need to temporarily hide apps (like when a child or colleague picks up a phone), use Guest Mode, which creates a clean profile without your data, but with the ability to call and use basic features, which requires no software installation and works on all versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 10.
How to activate:
- π± Go to Settings. β System and device β Additionally. β Guest mode.
- π Enable the mode and set the password (by default - fingerprint).
- π You can return to the main profile through the notification panel (user icon).
Limitations:
- The guest will not be able to install new applications.
- Some features are not available in this mode (such as NFC or Google Pay).
- Apps arenβt physically hidden β theyβre simply not available in the guest profile.
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Guest mode is the only way to hide apps without the risk of data loss or system conflicts, ideal for short-term use.
What if hidden apps are lost after the update?
After the MIUI update (especially the larger ones, like the 12-to-13 version), some Redmi Note 10 users are faced with previously hidden apps reappearing on the screen, which is because the system resets some of the settings when it updates.
- For built-in MIUI: Repeat the steps from the first section β applications will remain on the hidden list, just their visibility will reset.
- For Second Space: Check profile integrity at Settings β Special Options β Second Space β Space Management.
- For launchers: Update the launcher itself to the latest version and check the hideout settings again.
- For ADB: Re-run pm hide β application statuses are reset after the update.
If the apps are missing not only from the screen, but also from the installed list, try:
- π Use search in Settings β Title annexes.
- π¦ Check the Disabled folder in the application settings (if disabled through ADB).
- π Reboot your phone β sometimes MIUI Incorrectly displays the list after updating.