How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all the ways from standard to hidden

Why users want to hide apps on smartphones

Xiaomi Redmi 7 smartphones based on MIUI store a lot of personal information, from banking applications to correspondence in instant messengers. It is not surprising that owners are looking for ways to hide individual programs from prying eyes. The reasons can be different: protecting confidential data, wanting to avoid accidental clicks or simply striving for minimalism on the desktop.

Unlike iOS, where app hiding functionality is limited, MIUI offers several built-in tools for this task. However, not all users are aware of the existence of Second Space, Guest Mode, or the possibility of hiding through Security Settings, and meanwhile, these features work even without root rights and do not require the installation of additional software.

It is important to understand the difference between hiding an icon (the app stays on the system but does not appear on the screen) and blocking access (you need a password to open). Redmi 7 has both options, depending on your goals. For example, to hide games from children, you just need to remove the icon, and to protect the banking application you need a password.

Method 1: Built-in Hidden Applications in MIUI

The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI tool available on all Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi 7. This feature does not remove the application, but only removes its icon from the desktop and from the application menu, while the program continues to work in the background and is displayed in Settings → Apps.

To activate this mode:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Hidden applications.
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if requested).
4. Select the apps you want to hide and click Ready.

After that, the icons will disappear, but they can be returned in the same way. Method limitation: hidden apps are still visible in the recent (if they were opened) and in the search results by system. → Annexes → Application management.

Only the necessary programs (not system) are selected.

Password from Mi Account is remembered

Disabled notifications for hidden application (if necessary)

Backup of important data is made-->

Method 2: Second Dual Apps for Total Insulation

The second space in MIUI creates a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and data, which is ideal if you want to not just hide the application, but completely isolate it from the main profile, for example, you can install the messenger or banking application only in the second space, and it will not be visible in the main.

How to set up:

1. Open the Settings. → Second space.
2. Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the notification panel (Avatar icon).
4. In the second space, install the desired applications – they will not appear in the main profile.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: applications and data of the second space are not visible.
• 📱 Separate settings: You can customize wallpaper, sounds and even Google accounts independently.
• 🛡️ Password protection: you can protect the entrance to the second space PIN-code-key.

An important nuance: the second space takes up additional memory space (about 1-2 GB), as it duplicates some system files, and some applications (such as WhatsApp) may require separate activation in the second space.

For the protection of personal data

Remove unnecessary icons from the screen

Isolate work applications from personal

Another option-->

Method 3: Using the Guest Mode for Temporary Hiding

If you need to temporarily hide apps — for example, when friends or colleagues take the phone — Guest mode will suit, in this mode only the basic applications (Phone, Messages, Camera) are displayed, and all the others (including those you installed) become unavailable without entering a password.

Activation of the regime:

1. Deploy the notification panel and tap the user icon (human silhouette).
2. Choose a Guest.
3. To return to the main profile, click on the user icon again and select your account (unblocking will be required).

Restrictions of the Guest mode:

• ⏳ Temporary solution: after the smartphone reset, the mode is reset.
• 📵 No access to hidden apps: the guest won’t see them, but you won’t be able to use them without leaving the mode.
• 🔄 Does not save data: all changes (for example, photos taken) in guest mode are deleted after exit.

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If you often transfer your phone to other people, set up Quick Settings so that the User icon is always at hand. To do this, press the notification bar with two fingers and drag the desired icon into the active area.

Method 4: Hiding through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO)

If standard MIUI features aren't enough, you can install an alternative launcher with advanced application hiding capabilities. Popular options for Redmi 7:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports hiding icons and folders, flexible gesture settings.
• 📱 POCO Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi devices, there is a feature Hidden applications.
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – allows you to hide applications and block them with a password.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Select the free space on the desktop → Settings.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the programs you want to hide and save the changes.

Important: applications hidden through the launcher remain accessible through system search and Settings → Applications. For full protection, combine this method with access blocking (see Method 5).

Method 5: Password-Blocking Applications (App Lock)

If the goal is not just to hide, but to block access to the application, use the built-in App Lock feature in MIUI, which allows you to set a password, fingerprint or facial recognition to open selected programs, while the icon remains on the screen, but without authorization, the application will not start.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Set your password (if not previously set up).
3. Select applications to lock and activate the switch.
4. Enable Hide notifications so that the contents of blocked applications do not appear in the curtain.

Additional settings:

• 🔐 Hide the App Lock icon – removes the lock icon from the desktop.
• 🕒 Automatic unlocking – disables password request on secure networks (e.g. home).
• 📲 Blocking incoming calls – hides numbers from blocked applications in the log.

⚠️ Note: If you use App Lock for banking applications, turn off autocomplete passwords in your browser.Some viruses can intercept data from the clipboard when you copy the login password.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose for your purposes

Each way you hide apps on Redmi 7 has its pros and cons, depending on what you need:

• 🔹 Hide the icon → Built-in Hidden Applications or Third-Party Launcher.
• 🔹 Isolate data → Second space.
• 🔹 Restrict access temporarily → Guest mode.
• 🔹 Password lock → App Lock.

For maximum protection, combine methods.

1. Hide the icon through Nova Launcher.
2. Block the application with a password in App Lock.
3. Turn off notifications in the Application Settings.

A warning for Redmi 7 users: Avoid installing third-party apps to hide from unknown sources, some of which (such as App Hider or Hide It Pro) require root rights or contain advertising software that may disrupt the stability of MIUI.

💡

The most reliable way is to combine Second Space with App Lock, which ensures both concealment and lockdown without risk to the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Redmi 7