How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from standard to hidden

Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones 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 iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in tools for masking programs. However, not all of them are obvious, and some require additional manipulation of settings or even root rights.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven methods, including standard MIUI features, third-party launchers, application archiving, and ADB hiding. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), as well as the risks that can arise from deep interference with the system. If you are looking for a way to hide the application so that it is not visible either in the menu or in the list of installed programs, here you will find a solution.

Method 1: Built-in Hidden Applications in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use the Hidden Apps tool available in MIUI since version 12, which does not remove the program, but only hides its icon from the main menu and search. The application continues to work in the background, but you can only find it through a special menu or settings.

To activate this mode:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Hidden applications.
• 🔒 Enter a password or pattern lock (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create a password or a pattern lock).
• ➕ Click Add Apps and select the ones you want to hide.
• 🔄 After confirmation, the icons will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the Settings. → All applications.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 Ways to Function Changed – Now It’s in Settings → Confidentiality → Also note that hidden programs are still displayed in the list of "All Apps" and can be found through a system search by name.

Method 2: Archiving applications (disabling without deleting)

If you need to not just hide the application, but completely remove it from view (including the list of installed programs), you can use the archival function. This method is suitable for system utilities that cannot be removed by standard means (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and tap it.
3. Click "Disable" (in some versions - "Archive").
4. Confirm the action. The application will disappear from the menu and the list of installed programs, but its data will remain in the memory of the device.

⚠️ Note: Archived apps are not updated through the Play Market and may conflict with new versions MIUI For example, if you disabled the Mi Browser, and in the new firmware version it became critical to the system, you may experience failures.

Method 3: Using third-party launchers

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can install an alternative launcher with advanced application hiding capabilities.

• 🛡️ Nova Launcher (paid version supports app hiding).
• 🔍 Apex Launcher (there is a function “Hidden applications” in the settings).
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher (allows you to hide display programs in search).

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from the Play Market and make it the main one.
2. Go to Settings Nova → Application Box → Hidden Applications.
3. Choose the programs you want to hide.
4. Apply the changes – the icons will disappear from the launcher menu.

💡 Useful tip: Some launchers (like Niagara Launcher) allow you to not only hide applications, but also block their access to the Internet or notifications.

Download the launcher from the official source (Play Market)|Make a backup of current settings MIUI|Check the compatibility of the launcher with the Android version|Disable battery optimization for launcher-->

Method 4: Hiding through ADB (for power users)

For those willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to completely remove or hide system applications without root permissions.This method requires connecting a smartphone to a PC and executing commands through the terminal.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on build number, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


pm hide com.miui.videoplayer # example for Mi Video (replace with the package of the desired application)




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer # complete deletion for current user

🔍 How do you know the name of the package? Use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB For example, deleting the com.miui.home package will make the phone unusable without flashing it. The list of safe system applications for removal depends on the Redmi model and version. MIUI — There is no universal solution.

Method 5: Hiding through Second Space or Dual Apps

The second desktop feature in MIUI allows you to create an isolated environment with a separate set of applications, which is useful if you want to hide not only icons, but also application data (for example, correspondence in messengers or browser history).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Second Space.
2. Create a second profile (an additional password is required).
3. In the main profile, remove or hide unnecessary apps.
4. In Second Space, install and use programs you want to hide.

The alternative is Dual Apps, which allows you to create a copy of a messenger or social network with a separate account, which can then be hidden through standard MIUI tools.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 Second Space has been moved to Settings → Special facilities → Also note that some applications (such as banking) may block work in a cloned environment due to security policies.

What to do if the application is not hidden?

If none of the methods worked, the following reasons are possible:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: In newer versions of firmware, the paths to settings may change. MIUI 14 The function “Hidden applications” moved to the section “Privacy».
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: Some system applications (e.g., Security or Settings) cannot be hidden or removed without root rights.
• 📱 Features of the model: On devices with Global ROM There may be fewer customization options than in China. ROM.
• 🛠️ Conflict with other settings: If you previously changed the launcher or security settings, it could have blocked access to the hide features.

🔧 Decisions:

• Check out the MIUI version and find the right instructions for it.
• Reset your launcher settings to standard (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear Data).
• Try using ADB for forced concealment (pm hide command).
• If nothing helps, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS), but this will require unlocking the bootloader.

💡

Before experimenting with ADB or custom firmware, back up your data via Mi Cloud or TWRP. System recovery after a crash without a backup may not be possible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi