How to hide the application on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 14 and 15

Hiding apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a challenge that users face 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, the MIUI shell offers several built-in and third-party solutions. However, not all of them are equally effective: some methods simply remove the icon from the desktop, while others completely block access to the program.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to hide an application on Xiaomi, from standard MIUI 14/15 tools to advanced tricks using ADB and Second Space. We will focus on the nuances of why some applications are not hiding, how to return them back and what to do if after manipulation the system began to slow down. For convenience, we have compiled a table of methods compatibility with different versions of MIUI and smartphone models.

Method 1: Built-in Hide Apps in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the standard shell tool, which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, but has limitations: it hides only icons, and the programs themselves remain in the All Apps menu and can be run through search.

To take advantage of the function:

• 📱 Take a long time to slip on the free space of the desktop → Select Settings (cog icon).
• 🔍 Go to Hide Apps (in some versions) MIUI The item is called Hidden Appendices).
• 📌 Tick the programs you want to remove and click Ready.

⚠️ Note: This method is not suitable for system utilities (e.g. Security, Themes or Camera) and their icons will remain in place even if you try to hide them. → Applications and consumption of resources in the background.

Long tap on the desktop → Settings

Verification of MIUI (12+)

Lack of system utilities in the list of hidden

Rebooting the smartphone after changes-->

Method 2: Use of Second Space (Second Profile)

Second Space is a second work profile built into MIUI, with a separate set of apps, wallpapers and settings, and is ideal if you don't just hide the program, but completely isolate it from the main space, such as separating work and personal data.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the Settings. → Second Space.
2. Create a second profile by following the instructions on the screen (you will need to create a password).
3. After creation, go to Second Space Settings → Applications.
4. Select programs that should only be available in the second space and disable them mostly.

🔹 Pros of the method: complete isolation of applications, the ability to set a separate password for the second profile, no impact on performance.

🔸 Cons: You need to switch between spaces, some system utilities (such as Calls or Messages) are duplicated automatically.

Method 3: Disable applications through settings (without deleting)

If the goal is not just to hide the icon, but to completely block the program (for example, for system utilities that cannot be removed), use the disable function. It is available for most preinstalled applications, except for critical ones (for example, Settings or Phone).

Instructions:

• 🛠️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the right application in the list and tap it.
• 🚫 Click Disable (in some versions) MIUI The button is called Remove Updates → Shut down).
• 🔄 Confirm the action. The icon will disappear from the desktop, and the program will stop working.

⚠️ Note: Disabled applications can affect system stability, for example, if you turn off Mi Video or Music, some multimedia features (such as video playback in a gallery) may not work properly. This method is also not suitable for apps that are updated through Google Play – they can only be removed.

* Only the icon, the application itself remains in the system.

** Except for critically important (e.g., security).

**Stop using ADB is required.

Built-in function MIUI|Second Space|Disconnection through settings|ADB-team|I'm not hiding it.-->

Method 4: Hiding through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (like removing Google Play Music or Mi Browser), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to completely remove or disable even system applications that MIUI normally blocks.

Step-by-step:

1. 💻 Install. ADB-Drivers on PC and enable Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
2. 🔌 Connect the phone to your computer and type in the command line: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).
3. 📝 To hide the app (remove from the list of all programs), use: adb shell pm hide com.package.name Replace com.package.name with a real package (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
4. 🔄 To return the application back to the adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name

🔹 Where to find the name of the package? Install the App Inspector app from Google Play or use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, to search for a browser: adb shell pm list packages | grep "browser".

💡

Before working with ADB, back up your data through Settings → Memory → Backup. Errors in commands can cause system failures.

Method 5: Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If you only need to hide apps visually (like children or colleagues) but not block them, use alternative launchers that allow you to flexibly configure your desktop, including hiding icons, creating password folders, and even masking them as system utilities.

The best options for Xiaomi:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – Supports Hiding Applications through Long Press → Settings → Hide apps. The paid version allows you to create gestures for quick access.
• 🔒 Apex Launcher – there is a function of Hidden box, where you can move any programs.
• 📱 Lawnchair – a lightweight open source launcher and support for hiding icons.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers don't remove applications from the system - they just hide them from prying eyes.All programs will still be available through the Settings system menu → Applications can be run through search, and some launchers are in conflict with the Internet. MIUI, causing delays when opening menus or animations.

💡

Third-party launchers are the safest way to hide icons, but they don't block apps. Use Second Space or ADB for complete isolation.

What to do if the application is not hidden?

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the icon stays in place, or the program keeps running in the background.

1.The application is system-based and protected by MIUI.

🔹 Solution: Try to disable it through ADB (method 4) or use Second Space for isolation, such as com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop) or com.miui.weather2 (Weather) cannot be hidden by standard methods.

2.The MIUI update reset the settings.

🔹 Solution: After the update, check the Hiding Settings in Settings → Desktop → Hide the applications. You may have to repeat the procedure.

3.The launcher dropped to standard.

🔹 Solution: Reinstall the launcher and configure the hideout. Nova Launcher can back up the settings in Settings → Backup.

4.The app was hidden through ADB but returned after the reboot.

🔹 Solution: Repeat the command adb shell pm hide or use the flag --user 0 for the current user:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi