How to hide the application on the Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways from Second Space to system settings

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that arises for users for various reasons: from the desire to protect personal data from prying eyes to the need to hide working messengers from children. MIUI It offers several built-in tools for masking software, but not all of them are equally effective: some methods work only on certain versions of the firmware, while others require additional manipulation.

The main problem is that many users confuse hiding an application (when it disappears from the menu but stays in the system) with deleting or blocking, for example, disabling an icon through the launcher settings does not protect data: The application is still visible in the list of installed programs and can be found through search. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for the application. MIUI 12-15, including little-known chips like Second Space and hidden folders, and warn of pitfalls of each method.

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1. Built-in "Hidden Applications" function in MIUI

The easiest way to hide a program is to use a regular tool. MIUI, available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. This feature does not delete the application, but only removes its icon from the main screen and menu, while the program remains in the system and can be found through search or in settings.

To activate the cover-up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide Apps.
3. Tick the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all versions. MIUI. For example, in MIUI 14 for global firmware, the feature may not be available but may remain in the Chinese version. Also, hidden applications still appear in the All Apps list (available via swipe up on the home screen), unless you disable this option separately.

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If Hide Apps is not on the menu, try updating your firmware or installing an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports hiding icons.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 It does not require the rights of a superuser (root).
• 🔹 Quick on/off.
• 🔹 Does not affect the operation of the application (notifications come as usual).

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 The application is visible in the settings and through search.
• 🔸 Does not protect data from experienced users.
• 🔸 In some models (for example, POCO F5) function may not be present.

2.Second Space: a full-fledged parallel system

Second Space is a unique feature of Xiaomi that creates a second independent user profile with its own applications, settings and data. Unlike standard concealment, here you can not only hide programs, but also completely isolate them from the main space.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Follow the instructions for creating the second space (you need to set a password).
3. After setting up, swipe down from the top edge of the screen and tap the user icon to switch between spaces.

In Second Space, you can:

• 📱 Install applications that will not be visible in the main profile.
• 🔒 Set up a separate password or fingerprint to log in.
• 📁 Create unique settings (wallpaper, sounds, widgets).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), Second Space may conflict with App Lock. If notifications have stopped working after setting up the second space, check the permission settings for both profiles.

More on the limitations:

3. Rename the application folder (for experienced users)

This is a method that works for people who are willing to work with the file system of a smartphone, and the idea is to rename the folder of the application so that the system stops "seeing" it. ADB, It can also lead to unstable program performance.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times on the build number, then return to the Additional settings → For developers).
2. Open the command line on the PC and type: adb shell su cd /data/app Find a folder with the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.whatsapp).
3. Rename the folder: mv com.whatsapp com.whatsapp_bak
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Once renamed, the app will no longer update via Google Play, and its data may be lost when resetting, and this method does not work for system applications (for example, Mi Browser or Security).

Pros of the method:

• 🛡️ Completely hides the application from the system (not visible in the settings).
• 🔧 It works even on older versions. MIUI.

Cons:

• 🔴 Requires root or ADB.
• 🔴 Risk of damaging application data.
• 🔴 Not suitable for beginners.

4.Use of third-party launchers

If the built-in Xiaomi tools do not suit you, you can install an alternative launcher with the function of hiding icons.

• 📱 Nova Launcher (Payable Hide Apps).
• 📱 Apex Launcher (Free version with limitations).
• 📱 POCO Launcher (built-in concealment function).

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Hold your finger on the main screen. → Settings → Hiding applications.
3. Select programs for concealment and confirm.

Install a launcher from an official source|

Make a backup of your current settings|

Check compatibility with the Android | version

Disable battery optimization for launcher-->

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) may conflict with MIUI Optimization is the system service that manages the smoothness of the interface. If you have lags after installation, turn off optimization in the developer settings (Settings). → Additional settings → For developers → Shut down. MIUI Optimization).

Comparison of launchers by concealment functionality:

5. Hiding via App Lock (password lock)

App Lock in Xiaomi is designed to lock applications with a password, but it can also be used for masking. After activating the lock, the program icon disappears from the main screen (in some versions). MIUI) and requires a password to access.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → App Lock.
2. Set a password or use a fingerprint.
3. Select the applications to block.
4. Activate Hide Notifications (if necessary).

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 15 App Lock has been redesigned: now the icon hiding only works for applications installed in Second Space, MIUI 12) the icons disappear completely.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Double defense: cover-up + password.
• 📲 It works without root and third-party programs.
• 🔔 You can hide notifications from blocked applications.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 On the new versions MIUI Hiding icons may not work.
• 🔸 The application remains visible in the list of installed programs.

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App Lock is the only method that combines hiding an icon with password protection, but its effectiveness depends on the version. MIUI.

6. Hiding through archiving (APK-manager)

Exotic, but working way - to archive APK-So you need a file manager that supports the application, so that the system doesn't recognize it. APK (For example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer and Archiver (e.g. ZArchiver).

Instructions:

1. Download. APK-application file (for example, through APK Extractor).
2. Archive it in ZIP password-wise.
3. Remove the original app.
4. If necessary, unpack the archive and install it. APK freshly.

⚠️ Note: This method is only suitable for non-system applications. System programs (such as Mi Account or Security) cannot be removed without root. APK-Files are protected from modification.

When this method may be useful:

• 📦 To hide rarely used applications (e.g., work tools).
• 🔐 If you need to hide it. APK antivirus scan.
• 📱 Transfer applications to another device without detection.

7.Alternative methods: from hidden folders to virtual spaces

If the standard methods are not suitable, you can use less obvious techniques:

Hidden folders in MIUI:

• 📂 Create a folder on the home screen and call it.nomedia (with a dot at the beginning).
• 📱 Move the application icons to it.
• 🔍 The folder will disappear from view, but will remain accessible through search.

Virtual spaces (such as Island or Shelter)

• 🛡️ These applications create an isolated environment (like Second Space), but with more control.
• 🔧 Require root or settings through ADB.
• 📱 Supports app cloning (e.g., two WhatsApp accounts).

Resetting icons through ADB:

For advanced users, there is a team that resets the icons of all apps, making them invisible:

adb shell pm hide com.package.name

To return the icon, use:

adb shell pm unhide com.package.name

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To find out the name of the application package, use the command adb shell pm list packages. | grep "keyword". For example, for Telegram, type adb shell pm list packages | grep telegram

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When hiding applications on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems:

1.The app has disappeared, but notifications keep coming.

This is because the function of concealment is MIUI It doesn't turn off background processes. Solution: Go to Settings. → Notifications and manually disable alerts for hidden app.

2.The Hidden App App App App App App Appeared Again After Update MIUI.

Firmware updates sometimes reset the concealment settings, check if the icon appears after the update, and if necessary, repeat the procedure.

3.Second Space doesn't work on Xiaomi's new model.

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 14), the feature can be disabled by default.Solution: activate it via Settings → Special facilities → Second Space and Reboot Your Smartphone.

4.The launcher stopped working after hiding the icons.

Some third-party launchers are in conflict with MIUI Optimization: Turn off optimization in the developer settings or change the launcher to a compatible one (e.g, POCO Launcher).

5.The application does not start after renaming the folder.

Return the original folder name or reinstall the program. If the problem persists, check the integrity. APK-file.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions