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

Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that comes with users for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal data from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in ways to hide programs, and also supports third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove the icon from the main screen, others completely block access to the application without a password.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to hide through MIUI Settings, use of Second Space mode, third-party launchers and even ADB system commands for advanced users. We will focus on the nuances of why some applications can not be hidden by standard methods, how to return access to hidden programs and what to do if after updating MIUI functions stopped working. If you are looking for a way to hide banking applications, social networks or gaming clients, here you will find working solutions for Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other devices based on MIUI 14/15.

1. Hiding applications through built-in MIUI settings

The easiest way to hide the app on Xiaomi Redmi is to use the Hidden Apps feature in MIUI settings. This method does not require super-user rights (root) and works on all devices with the MIUI shell 12 and later. However, it has a limitation: hidden programs will remain available through the search and notification bar.

To hide the app:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the right application in the list and tap it.
• 👁️‍🗨️ Select "Hide the application" (on some firmware - "Remove from the main screen").
• 🔒 Confirm the action with a password or fingerprint (if the protection is enabled).

After that, the icon will disappear from the home screen and the app menu, but the app will remain in the system. To return it back, repeat the same steps and uncheck the box from the item "Hidden".

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A Redmi 8 may not be able to hide because of a cut-down version MIUI. In this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.

2.Use Second Space Mode for Full Coverage

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps, settings, and data, ideal if you don’t just hide the application, but completely isolate it from your main profile, such as separating work and personal data.

How to set up Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click "Create Second Space" and follow the instructions (you need to create a password).
3. After creation, switch to a new profile through the notification panel (icon) 👤).
4. Install or transfer the desired applications to Second Space – they will not appear in the main profile.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Complete isolation: applications and data do not overlap between profiles.
• 📱 Support for different wallpapers, themes and settings for each space.
• 🔄 Quickly switching through the notification curtain.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the Second Space password, it will be impossible to restore access to hidden data — MIUI It doesn't provide that function. Write down your password in a secure location.

3. Hiding through third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex and others

If you don't like the built-in MIUI features, you can use alternative launchers with advanced app hiding capabilities, popular options like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher, which not only remove icons from the screen, but also block access to applications with a password.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one (in your phone settings, select Nova Launcher as the default launcher).
2. Press the free space on the home screen and select “Nova Settings”.
3. Go to App & Widget drawers → Hide apps.
4. Tick the apps you want to hide and save the changes.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

Note: After installing the launcher, some MIUI system functions (such as Game Turbo or Quick Ball) may not work properly. In this case, return to the standard launcher via Settings → Applications → Default Launcher.

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If, after hiding the application through the launcher, it still appears in the MIUI search, clear the search engine cache: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Search → Clear the cache.

4. Advanced method: concealment through ADB-teams (without root)

For users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to hide system applications without obtaining superuser rights, a method that is suitable for removing unnecessary pre-installed programs (such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps) that cannot be disabled by standard means.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times to unlock Developer Mode) Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB (enable)
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Download ADB Tools and open the command line in the folder with utilities.
4. Enter a command to view a list of all applications: adb shell pm list packages Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
5. Hide the app (it will remain in the system, but will disappear from the menu): adb shell pm hidecom.miui.browser To return it back: adb shell pm unhidecom.miui.browser

Important: this method only works on MIUI 12.5+ and can reset after a system update, and some system applications (for example, com.xiaomi.finddevice for Find a Device) are not recommended to hide, this can disrupt the stability of the phone.

5. Hiding apps with MIUI folders and gestures

If you do not need to completely block access to the application, but simply remove it from view, you can use the standard functions of organizing the desktop in MIUI. This method does not require additional settings and is suitable for temporary hiding.

Ways:

• 📁 Folders: Drag the app icon to another icon to create a folder, call it neutral (like Utilities) and hide it on the second screen.
• 👆 Swipe up: In MIUI You can hide apps at the bottom of the screen – swipe up the icon and select Hide (not available on all versions).
• 🔒 folder protection: You can turn on a password in the folder settings (for this, go to Settings). → Password and security → File protection).

This is a method that is good for hiding game clients, messengers or note-taking apps that you need to access quickly but don't want to show up on the home screen, but remember, folders don't protect you from accessing through search or notification panels.

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Hiding through folders and gestures is the fastest, but least reliable way, and it's not suitable for sensitive data, because the application remains accessible through system search and task manager.

6.Restore access to hidden applications

If you hid the app with one of the methods described and can’t find it now, use these tips:

For standard concealment through MIUI:

• 🔍 Enter the name of the application in the search bar (swipe down on the main screen).
• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Hidden apps and uncheck the tick.

For Second Space:

• 🔑 Switch to the second profile via the notification panel (icon) 👤).
• 📲 If you forget your password, reset Second Space via Settings. → Special facilities → Second Space → Delete Second Space (Data will be lost!).

For ADB-team:

• 💻 Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm unhide name packet

If the application was removed as a system (not hidden, but uninstalled), it can be restored only through resetting settings or flashing the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi