How to hide the application on Xiaomi Poco M3: all the ways from standard to advanced

Why do Poco M3 users want to hide apps?

Xiaomi Poco M3 is a popular model with a balance of price and performance, but even it has features that force owners to look for ways to hide individual applications. Some want to remove system utilities that can not be removed, others want to hide personal messengers or financial applications from outsiders.

Privacy: Hiding banking apps, correspondence, or photos from colleagues, friends, or children.

Minimalism: The desire to clean the desktop of rarely used icons.

Security: Protect against accidental launch of system tools (such as EngineerMode) that could disrupt the phone.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from standard MIUI functions to third-party solutions, including launchers and hidden shell capabilities. Importantly, not all methods are equally reliable, and some may require additional actions (for example, resetting).

If you're looking for a way to hide an app without root rights, we have solutions, and if you're ready for a deeper setup, you'll find a better one, and let's start with the simplest one.

Method 1: Built-in Hidden Applications in MIUI

The Xiaomi Poco M3 runs on the MIUI shell, which has a built-in tool to hide applications, which requires no additional software installation and is suitable for most users.

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
4. Turn on the switch and tick the programs you want to hide.
5. Confirm the choice – the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu.

⚠️ Note: the apps hidden in this way will remain in the installed list (you can find them through a search in the settings or the All Apps menu). → Memory and can be started in the background.

Make sure the app is not system-based (e.g. Google Play Services)

Remember the password from the Mi Account if you hide messengers with a number binding

Make a backup of the data (for banking applications)

Check if the application is used in background processes (for example, VPN)

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To bring back hidden apps, repeat the steps and uncheck.This method does not require superuser rights and is reversible, but has a limitation: hidden programs are still visible in Settings → Accounts (if they are tied to Google or Mi Account).

Method 2: Use of the second space (Dual Apps)

The MIUI’s Second Space (or Dual Apps) function is originally designed to clone messengers (e.g., to use two WhatsApp accounts at once), but it can be adapted to hide apps, and the method is to move the desired application to a second space, and then disable notifications and access from the main profile.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Second space.
• 🔧 Set up a second space (think of a password different from the main one).
• 📲 Go to the second space and install the desired application (or clone it from the main one).
• 🔒 Return to the main space and uninstall the original app (unless it is system-based).

Now the app will only be available after you enter the second space (you need to swipe down the notification bar and tap the profile avatar), which is more reliable than simple hiding, because:

• ✅ The app does not appear in the main menu.
• ✅ It cannot be found through search (unless you enter the second space).
• ✅ Default notifications disabled.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the second space, it will be difficult to restore access - you will need to reset your settings.

Built-in MIUI |Second Space |Third-party launchers |Developer settings |I don't hide-->

Method 3: Third-party launchers with concealment function

If built-in MIUI tools are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher, many of which offer advanced concealment options, including:

• 🔍 Hiding individual icons (they remain in the app menu).
• 🔐 Blocking access to hidden applications with a password.
• 📁 Grouping into “secret folders».

The best launchers for Poco M3 with concealment function:

Example of Hidden Configuration in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings → App settings.
3. Choose Hide applications and mark the ones you need.
4. To access hidden programs, use search in the launcher (they will not appear in the menu).

⚠️ Note: when changing the launcher to the standard MIUI And some launchers may be in conflict with gestures. MIUI (For example, swipe up to return to the main screen).

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Before installing the launcher, back up your current desktop settings through Settings → Additional → Backup. This will help quickly restore the location of the icons if the new launcher does not fit.

Method 4: Disable system applications via ADB (without root)

If you want to hide a system application (such as Mi Video, Mi Music or Browser) that cannot be removed by standard methods, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Completely disabling the application (it will not work in the background).
• 📉 Freeing RAM.
• 🔒 Hiding from all menus, including settings.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Poco M3: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

ADB-driver

platform-tools

Mi Browser

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

To return the application, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

⚠️ Caution: Disabling system applications can cause your phone to malfunction or errors in other services, such as disabling Mi Account will disrupt contact sync and disabling Google Play Services will block access to Google Play. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 5: Hiding through Developer Parameters (for experienced)

MIUI has a hidden option that allows you to limit the display of applications in the menu, which is in the Developer Settings and requires care, as incorrect settings can disrupt the interface.

How to hide applications through Developer Options:

1. Activate Developer Mode (see the instructions in the previous section).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find Do Not Show in the Apps menu (or Hide Apps from the review in newer versions of MIUI).
4. Select the apps you want to hide and confirm the choice.

This method doesn't remove applications, it just removes them from the list.

• 🔍 Seen in Settings → Annexes.
• 📱 Available through search by system.
• 🔄 Can be launched in the background.

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI This setting may be missing or unstable. If you lose access to your desktop after you change your settings, reset the developer settings through Settings. → All settings → Resetting settings → Resetting developer settings.

What to do if the application is not hidden?

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 📌 Update MIUI: In newer versions of the shell, the paths to settings may change. M3 The last installment is set (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔐 Administrator rights: Some applications (such as antiviruses or password managers) block concealment attempts. → Passwords and security → Device administrators.
• 🛠️ Launcher conflict: If you use a third-party launcher, try temporarily returning the standard launcher MIUI Launcher and try again.
• 📱 Manufacturer restrictions: some system applications (e.g., Security or Mi Account) cannot be hidden without root rights.

If the problem persists, try an alternative approach:

• 🔄 Rename folder: Create a folder on your desktop with a neutral name (such as Tools) and move unnecessary icons there.
• 📵 Disable notifications: even if the application is visible, you can turn off its alerts in Settings → Notifications.
• 🔒 Block the application: use the built-in App Lock (Settings) → Passwords and security → Blocking applications to restrict password access.

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If none of these methods worked, consider using safe applications (like App Hider or Hide App-Hide Application Icon) that create a wrapper for the hidden application and disguise it as a calculator or other tool, but such programs may ask for excessive permissions — be careful!

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Poco M3