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

Why Xiaomi users want to hide apps and when they really need to

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI They offer flexible interface settings, but it's not always obvious how to remove unnecessary icons from the screen. It's about trying to get rid of visual clutter, and trying to limit access to certain programs (like banking or messengers) for outsiders. ≠ Deletion: the application remains in the system, just its icon stops showing on the main screen or in the menu.

In MIUI 14 and 15, developers have reworked the logic of managing icons, so old instructions (for example, through Hidden folders in MIUI 12) may not work. This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark devices with the latest versions of firmware. We will look at both standard methods through settings and alternative solutions - including the use of launchers and system functions that many people do not know about.

Method 1: Hiding through App Settings (works on all Xiaomi)

The most reliable and universal method is to use the built-in function. MIUI. It doesn't require superuser rights and is suitable even for devices with a locked bootloader.The algorithm is the same for the Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Hide applications.
3. Check the programs you want to remove from your desktop. Confirm your choice.

⚠️ Note: After hiding the icon will disappear from the main menu, but the application will remain in the list of all programs (Settings) → To get it back, repeat the steps and uncheck the box.

There are no important notifications from the app|The application is not used as a widget.|You remember the name of the hidden program.|Data backup (if necessary)-->

This method does not affect the background processes: the hidden application will continue to work if it was launched earlier, for example, Telegram or WhatsApp will receive messages, but their icon will not interfere with the screen.

Method 2: Use the Hidden Applications folder (only for MIUI 14 and later)

Recent versions of MIUI have a special system folder for hiding icons, which differs from the first method in that the applications do not just disappear, but move to a secure storage, accessible by password or fingerprint, which is convenient if you want to hide something from prying eyes, but quickly access yourself.

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Widgets → scroll down to the Tools section.
3. Drag the Hidden Apps widget (locked icon) onto the screen.
4. Open the widget, set a password (or use biometrics) and add the desired programs.

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If the Hidden Apps widget doesn’t appear in the list, upgrade MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Method 3: Disable icons through the launcher (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Hyperion or Lawnchair, which allow you to flexibly customize the display of icons, including their hiding, which is suitable for users who want to customize the interface for themselves.

Example for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Click and hold the app icon → select Change.
3. In the menu that opens, click on the app icon and select Hide.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, some functions MIUI (For example, gestures or system widgets may not work properly. Before installing, check compatibility with your Xiaomi model on forums (for example, check for compatibility with your Xiaomi model, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

The advantage of this method is that you can hide not only icons, but entire pages of the desktop, change icon sizes and even assign gestures for hidden applications.

Method 4: Hiding through ADB (for system applications)

Some pre-installed programs (such as Mi Browser, GetApps, or Mi Video) can’t be hidden by standard methods, and ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that allows you to disable system components without root rights, will help.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer (replace com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer with the desired application package).

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A list of Xiaomi system application packages can be found at [MIUI Guide](https://miuiguide.com/). Don't turn off critical services (e.g. com.android.phone) to avoid losing communication or network access!

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset. If the phone starts to brake or overheat after the app is turned off, give it back with a command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

Method 5: Hiding through the "Second Space" (for privacy)

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create an isolated environment with separate desktops, apps and data, ideal if you want to hide not only icons, but all activity in certain programs (such as instant messengers or social networks).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a new space and set a password for it.
3. Move the desired applications to the second space through Settings → Apps → App cloning.
4. In the main space, remove or hide the original icons (through methods 1 or 2).

As a result, applications will only be available after logging into a second password-protected space, which is the most reliable way to hide programs from outsiders, but it requires additional action every time you use them.

Standard settings MIUI|Third-party launchers |ADB-commands |Second space |I don't hide the applications-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users have trouble hiding apps on Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔍 The icon stays on screen after being hidden: Check if it's added to a folder or to another desktop page. MIUI duplicate.
• 🔄 The app has disappeared from the menu, but continues to send notifications: Hiding does not turn off background processes. To stop notifications, go to Settings → Notifications and disable them manually.
• 🔐 Forgot the password from “Hidden Apps”: The only way to reset it is to delete the widget and create again (data inside will be saved).
• ⚙️ ADB Does not find the device: Make sure that Xiaomi drivers are installed on the PC, and re-allow debugging by USB phone-on.

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If, after the application is hidden through ADB It has stopped updating in Google Play, return it to the command adb shell pm uninstall. -k --user 0 Package, update, and then hide again.

Another common problem is that hidden apps suddenly appear after the MIUI update, which is because some settings are reset, and to avoid this, before you upgrade.

1. Take a screenshot of a list of hidden apps (or write down their names).
2. After the update, reapply the concealment settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions