Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand due to balanced characteristics and support for updates. However, the MIUI interface (even in current versions 12-14) has a feature: it automatically adds shortcuts to all installed applications on the desktop, which is not always convenient. If you want to hide unnecessary icons — whether messengers, games or system utilities — this guide will help you do it without root rights and loss of functionality.
Unlike iOS or pure Android, where drag and drop an application into a folder or archive is enough, MIUI requires more manipulation, and it’s important to understand the difference between hiding (the icon disappears but the program stays on the system) and shutting down (the application stops working).
Note: All methods are tested on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12.5–14 firmware (Android 10–12).If your smartphone is running on an older version (e.g. MIUI 11), some menu items may differ - pay attention to alternative methods at the end of the article.
1. Hiding icons through "Start-up Settings"
The easiest way to remove an application from your desktop is to use the built-in MIUI launcher features. This method does not require administrator rights and works for most user programs (but not for system ones).
Instructions:
- Press and hold your finger to the free space on the desktop.
- In the menu that appears, select Settings (cog icon).
- Go to Hide Apps (or Application Management → Hidden Apps in older versions of MIUI).
- Tick the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.
⚠️ Warning: Once hidden, the icon will disappear from the desktop, but the app will remain in the All Apps menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).To remove it completely from view, use the methods from the following sections.
☑️ Preparation for hiding icons
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If there is no Hide App, update the launcher via Play Market (search for "MIUI Launcher").
2.Use of the "Second Space" function
The “Second Space” (or “Parallel Apps”) feature in Redmi Note 7 allows you to create an isolated user profile with a separate set of applications. This is useful if you want to hide messengers, social networks or games from prying eyes, while saving access to them through the help of a separate set of applications. PIN-code.
How to set up:
- 🔒 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space.
- 📱 Create a second profile by following the system prompts (you will need to come up with a new one). PIN password).
- 🔄 In the main space, remove unnecessary icons from the desktop (long press). → Delete).
- 🔐 Switch between swipe spaces on the lock screen or through the notification panel.
The advantage of the method is that apps are not just hidden, but completely isolated. For example, you can have two WhatsApp accounts — one in the main space, the other in the second.
What if the second space is inactive?
3. Disable system applications through settings
System programs like Mi Browser, Mi Video or Cleaner can’t be removed or hidden in standard ways, but they can be disabled, which will remove icons from the desktop and stop background activity, but some features (such as video playback) may become unavailable.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- Find the system application you want (e.g. com.miui.video for Mi Video).
- Click Disable and confirm the action.
| Annex | Package (name in settings) | Effects of disconnection |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | You can’t open links by default, but you can use Chrome. |
| Mi Video | com.miui.video | Video player will stop working, but files will open in VLC |
| Cleaner | com.miui.cleanmaster | Cache cleaning utility will disappear, but you can use CCleaner |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | Music files will not be played in a standard player. |
⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications may cause malfunctions MIUI. For example, if you disable com.miui.home, the desktop will stop functioning. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.
4. Hiding through folders and gestures
If you just need to remove the icons from view, but keep quick access, use folders or gestures. This method doesn't hide the apps completely, but makes them less visible.
Ways:
- 📁 Folders: Drag the icon to another to create a folder, call it neutral (like Utilities) and move it to the second screen.
- 👆 Gestures: in Launcher Settings → Gestures assign swipe up/down to call a hidden app.
- 🔍 Search: swipe down on the desktop will open the search by application – so you can run programs without icons.
For additional privacy, set a password to the folder through third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher (available on the Play Market), which also allow you to hide applications without creating a second space.
5. Hiding through ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to disable even applications that are locked in the MIUI. This method requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect the Redmi Note 7 to your PC, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices
adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoReplace com.miui.video with the desired application package (see table in section 3). To return the icon, use the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.video⚠️ Attention: misuse ADB Before experimenting, check the list of packages with the command adb shell pm list packages. | grep miui.
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ADB-commands only work until the device restarts. To make the concealment permanent, add a command to an auto-execution script at startup (requires root or Magisk).
6. Alternative methods: third-party utilities and root
If none of these methods work, consider using third-party tools that offer more options, but require caution.
Popular solutions:
- 🔧 App Hider (Hide App, Hide It Pro): Apps from the Play Market that create password-protected "safes" for programs. MIUI.
- 🛠️ Magisk + Module (root): Modules like Xiaomi Debloater allow you to uninstall system applications without consequences.
- 📱 Change of launcher: Nova Launcher or Lawnchair support icon hiding without restrictions MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 7 resets all data and can void the warranty.If you are unsure of your skills, use methods without root (sections 1-4).