How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all the ways from simple to advanced

Hiding apps on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 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 the newer models with MIUI 12+, where the concealment feature is built into the system, Note 8 owners (with MIUI 10/11 on board) have to use workarounds. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods – from standard tools to little-known tricks that do not require superuser rights (root) and do not disrupt the smartphone.

It's important to understand: concealment ≠ Delete. The application will remain in the system, but will disappear from the menu and search. Some methods (for example, disabling through Settings) also stop background processes, which can save battery power. Others simply mask the icon, leaving the program active. Choose a method based on your goals - below you will find a detailed description of each option with pros and cons.

1. Standard Hiding through the "Second Space" (MIUI Dual Apps)

The Second Space feature is originally designed to separate work and personal data, but it can be adapted to hide applications, which requires no additional software and works on all versions of MIUI, including the one installed on the Redmi Note 8.

How it works is you create an isolated copy of the system, where you leave only the right applications, and the rest remain hidden in the main space, minus you have to switch between spaces to access hidden programs.

• 📱 Step 1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Second space.
• 🔧 Step 2. Click on “Create a Second Space” and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password).
• 🔄 Step 3: Once created, go to the main space and remove unnecessary apps from the menu (they will remain in the second space).
• 🔒 Step 4. To return to hidden apps, swipe down the notification bar and tap on the user icon.

⚠️ Note: When using the second space, some applications (e.g. banking) may require re-authorization. Also note that the total amount of memory is shared between the two spaces - don't hide too many heavy applications.

2. Disable system applications through settings

If the goal is to hide Xiaomi's built-in apps (such as Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser or GetApps), they can not just be hidden, but turned off. This will remove icons from the menu, stop background processes and free up RAM. The method works without root, but is only suitable for system utilities - user programs will not be able to hide this way.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, the application cannot be disabled without root).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If the Disable button is inactive, try removing the app updates first (the Remove Updates button in the same menu).

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Before disabling system applications, check if other programs are using them, for example, disabling Mi Account can disrupt the synchronization of contacts.

3. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher)

Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher offer flexible interface settings, including the ability to hide applications.This method is suitable for user programs and does not require root rights. The main advantage is that hidden applications remain available through the search or All Apps folder in the launcher.

Consider the process using the example of Nova Launcher (free version available on Google Play):

Install Nova Launcher from Google Play|Set it as the default launcher in the settings|Open the Nova settings (hold your finger on your desktop)|Go to "Application Settings» → «Hide applications»|Select programs to hide and save changes-->

Once hidden, the icons will disappear from the desktop and the slide-out menu, but remain in the full list of applications (All apps in Nova).

• 🔍 Disable search for hidden apps in Nova settings.
• 📁 Create a folder with a password (for example, through Secure Folder) and transfer hidden program shortcuts there.

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (for example, POCO Launcher) can reset the concealment settings after the update. It is recommended to fix the launcher version if you are critical to save the configuration.

4. Hiding through the "Guest Mode" (MIUI Multi-User)

The Redmi Note 8 supports multiplayer mode, which can be used to isolate applications. Unlike Second Space, it creates a separate user profile with its own set of programs, a method that is convenient if you want to temporarily hide applications (for example, when children or colleagues take the phone).

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → System and device → Users and accounts → Add a user.
2. Choose a “Guest” or create a new user with limited rights.
3. Switch to the guest profile through the notification panel (user icon).
4. In guest mode, only basic apps will be available, and the main programs will remain hidden.

Cons of the method:

• 🔄 You need to constantly switch between profiles.
• 📵 Notifications from the main profile are not displayed in the guest.
• 📱 Some functions (such as calls) are duplicated in both profiles.

5 Advanced Methods: ADB and Rootless Hiding

For advanced users willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a way to hide any application, including system applications, without obtaining root permissions. This method requires a connection to a computer, but gives maximum control over the visibility of programs.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to unlock Developer Settings), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8 to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm hide com.android.browser

Replace com.android.browser with the batch name of the desired application (you can find out through the App Inspector or the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "key word").

To return the application back, use:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

⚠️ Warning: Don’t hide critical system applications (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.securitycenter) – this can cause the phone to malfunction and need to be reset to factory settings.

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The ADB method is the only way to hide user applications without root, but it requires caution. Always check the batch name before executing a command.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals and level of training. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine:

For most Redmi Note 8 users, the best solution would be a combination of Second Space + Third-Party Launcher, which would give you the flexibility to manage the visibility of applications without risking damage to the system, and if you need to hide only 1-2 system programs, a standard shutdown through settings is enough.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Redmi Note 8