How to hide applications on Xiaomi Poco F1: all ways from system to hidden

Xiaomi Poco F1 is still one of the most popular smartphones among Android enthusiasts – despite the release in 2018. Its hardware (Snapdragon 845 processor, 6/8 GB of RAM) and support for custom firmware make the device relevant even in 2026. But with the concealment of applications on MIUI, users often have problems: standard shell functions are unstable, and third-party launchers can conflict with the system.

In this article — 5 Proven ways to hide applications on Poco F1 (including methods without root rights, comparison of their reliability and step-by-step instructions taking into account the features of the MIUI 12/13/14. We also discuss why some applications can not be hidden through the standard “Safe Mode» MIUI How to get around this limitation.

1. Hiding through the “Second Space” (Dual Appendices)

MIUI’s Second Space feature is designed to separate work and personal data, but it can also be used to hide applications, a method that does not require root rights and works on all versions of Poco F1 firmware.

How it works: You create a second space (essentially a separate user profile), move unnecessary apps there, and then disable notifications and icons for that space, minus the apps are not physically deleted, but only “hidden” for additional authentication.

• ✅ Does not require root or third-party programs
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI (including 14)
• ⚠️ Applications take up space in memory
• ⚠️ You need to enter a password when switching spaces

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Second space.
2. Click Create a second space and follow the setup wizard (set a password).
3. After creation, go to Settings → Apps → Duplicate applications.
4. Select the apps you want to hide and duplicate them into the second space.
5. Return to the main space and turn off notifications for the second through Settings → Notifications.

⚠️ Note: If you delete the second space, all data in it (including hidden apps) will be permanently erased. → Second space → Backup.

2. system function "Hide applications" (App Hide)

MIUI 12 and later features a built-in App Hide feature that allows you to remove icons from menus but leaves apps on the system. On Poco F1, this feature is unstable, with some users complaining that hidden apps reappear after the reboot.

To check if the option is available on your device:

1. Keep your finger in the free space of the desktop.
2. Select Desktop Settings (or Launcher Settings).
3. Scroll down and find Hide Apps (if not, the method is not supported).

If the feature is available but the apps pop up back, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone after hiding.
• 📱 Update launcher POCO Launcher via Play Market.
• 🔧 Disable battery optimization for launcher in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

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If the hidden app reappears, try temporarily switching to the standard MIUI Launcher (in desktop settings) and repeat the procedure.

3. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Microsoft Launcher)

If system methods don’t work, a side launcher is a reliable alternative, such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which allows you to hide applications without root rights and does not affect the performance of Poco F1.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Hiding is stable (not reset after rebooting).
• 🎨 Additional customization functions (gestures, icons, themes).
• 📱 Compatibility with any version MIUI custom-made.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Play Market.
2. Press and hold your finger on your desktop → Nova Settings.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the boxes for the apps you want to hide.
5. Save the settings and go back to the desktop.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be hidden through third-party launchers – this is a limitation of Android, not launcher.

Install launcher from official store | Make backup data | Disable battery optimization for launcher | Check compatibility with MIUI-->

4. Hiding through ADB (for power users)

If you need to completely uninstall system applications (rather than just hide their icons), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer, but does not need root rights.

On the Poco F1 with MIUI 12+, this method allows you to remove even pre-installed Xiaomi applications (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video), which are not usually removed by standard means.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect Poco F1 to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.browser.global

Replace com.mi.browser.global with the batch name of the desired application (you can find out through the App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI (Before removing, check whether the application is dependent on other functionality (for example, com.miui.analytics is responsible for collecting statistics - its removal may break some Xiaomi services).

5. Hiding through Safe Mode (limited functionality)

MIUI has a Safe Mode feature that temporarily hides all third-party applications, leaving only system ones, which is suitable if you need to quickly remove unnecessary programs, but it is not permanent - after you leave the mode, everything will return.

How to turn on:

1. Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger on the item "Switch off power" (the suggestion will appear to go to safe mode).
3. Confirm the transition.

In this mode:

• 🔒 Only system applications will be visible.
• 📵 All third-party services (including messengers and social networks) will be disabled).
• 🔄 After the reboot, everything will return to its original state.

This method is suitable for temporary concealment (for example, if you want to show your smartphone to someone without revealing the installed programs).

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The MIUI Safe Mode is not a cover-up, but a diagnostic tool, which helps to check if third-party applications are in conflict with the system, but does not replace full-fledged cover-up.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals:

• 🔹 Temporary concealment (for example, to show off a phone) → Safe regime.
• 🔹 Hiding without root and third-party programs → Second Space or App Hide.
• 🔹 Stable concealment with customization → Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex).
• 🔹 Removal of system applications → ADB (Only for experienced users).

On Poco F1 with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), MIUI (Second Space, App Hide) system methods won’t work – use third-party launchers or ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Poco F1