Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codename Vince) is a challenge that owners of this smartphone face for various reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal information from outsiders. Despite the fact that the model was released in 2017 and works on the basis of MIUI 9-12 (depending on updates), the functionality of the hidden applications in it is not as obvious as in newer Xiaomi devices. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways – from built-in tools to third-party solutions, including methods for users with root rights.
It's important to consider that the Redmi 5 Plus has limited resources (4/6GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 625), so some modern launchers or utilities may not work smoothly. We've tested each method on the firmware of MIUI Global Stable and MIUI China to ensure it works. If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some instructions may differ - we'll mention that too.
Before you start, check your firmware version in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help avoid errors, as the interface and available options can change depending on the updates. Also remember: Hiding apps does not equal removing them – they still take up space in memory and can work in the background.
1. Built-in Hiding Function in MIUI (without root rights)
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI tools. Depending on the firmware version, the path to settings may vary slightly, but the general principle remains the same, and this method is suitable for hiding both user and some system applications (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music or Cleaner).
To hide the application through standard settings:
- 📱 Open Settings and go to the Application section.
- 🔍 Select the Application Management tab (or All apps in older versions) MIUI).
- 🖱️ Find the app you want to hide in the list and tap it.
- 🔒 In the menu that opens, select Hide the app (or Disable if there is no hiding).
- ✅ Confirm the action by pressing OK in the window that appears.
After that, the app will disappear from the main menu, but will remain in the list of all installed programs. To return it back, repeat the same steps and select Show App. Note: this method does not work for mission-critical system services (for example, Settings or Phone).
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Redmi 5 Plus may not have a concealment option, in which case try updating the firmware or using alternative methods from this article.
Check the MIUI version in the settings
Make a backup copy of important data
Close all background applications
Make sure the battery is charged more than 30 times%-->
2.Use of the “Second Space” mode
The Dual Apps feature in MIUI allows you to create an isolated copy of the system with a separate set of applications. It's not exactly a cover-up, but rather a sharing of access, but it's a good way to remove applications from the main interface by leaving them available in an alternate profile, such as hiding messengers or social networks from other users on the phone.
To set up the second space:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → Second space (or settings) → Special facilities → Second Space in Older Versions).
- 🔧 Click Create a Second Space and Follow the Instructions on the Screen.
- 📱 After creation, switch between spaces by swiping down the lock screen and selecting the desired profile.
- 🗑️ In the main space, remove or disable unnecessary apps (they will remain in the second space).
The advantage of this method is complete data isolation. Applications in the second space will not appear in the main menu and vice versa. However, note that the Redmi 5 Plus has limited memory, and creating a second space can take up to 1-2 GB of additional space.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| Complete isolation of applications and data | Takes up extra space in memory |
| Doesn't require root rights. | Not all applications support second space |
| You can switch between profiles quickly. | It's hard to set up for beginners |
Built-in settings MIUI|Second space|Side Launchers|Ruth Methods|I'm not hiding-->
3. Hiding through third-party launchers
If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can use alternative launchers, which not only hide applications, but also customize the interface completely. Redmi 5 Plus will be suitable for light launchers, because the model is not very high performance.
- 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports hiding applications through box settings (Hidden Applications option).
- 🎨 Apex Launcher – has a built-in function of hiding and grouping applications.
- 🔍 Microsoft Launcher – lets you hide apps through the Settings menu → Personal settings.
- 📱 POCO Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi devices, has the option of hiding in the Category section.
Example of Hidden Configuration in Nova Launcher:
- Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one (select Always in the window that appears).
- Click the free space on the main screen and select Settings.
- Go to Application Settings → Application Box → Hidden Applications.
- Tick the apps you want to hide and save the changes.
The hidden applications will remain on the system and will be available through the search or menu of all applications (if you go through the launcher settings).This method does not delete data or affect the operation of applications in the background. However, some launchers may slow down the Redmi 5 Plus due to the limited resources of the device - test the performance after installation.
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Before installing the launcher, clear the system cache in the Settings menu → Memory → Clear the cache to avoid lags.
4. Disable system applications without root rights
If you need to hide embedded system applications (such as Mi Browser, Mi Pay or GetApps), but you don’t have root rights, you can use the shutdown function. This will not remove the application completely, but will make it invisible on the menu and stop background processes. Important: disabling critical services (such as Google Play Services) can lead to unstable phone operation.
Instructions for unsetting:
- ⚙️ Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find the system application you want (like Cleaner) and tap it.
- 🚫 Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application cannot be disabled without root rights).
- ✅ Confirm the action in the window that appears.
Once you turn it off, it disappears from the menu and it stops using resources. To return it back, repeat the steps and click Enable. This method does not require special knowledge, but has limitations: some system utilities (such as Mi Account or Security) will not be able to turn off.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling apps like Google Play Services or Mi Cloud can disrupt sync, notifications, and other functions. Before disabling, check if the application is critical.