Hiding apps on Xiaomi Poco X3 is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal data from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI offers several built-in and third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove the icon from the desktop, others completely block access to the program without a password.
In this article, weβll look at 5 proven ways, including hiding through MIUI Settings, using second space, third-party launchers, and even system tricks to remove pre-installed apps. Weβll focus on the nuances of working on Poco X3 with MIUI 12-14 firmware, where the interface and location of options may differ. If youβre looking for a way to hide instant messengers, banking apps, or just optimize your desktop, read on.
1. Hiding through built-in MIUI (no root)
The easiest and safest method is to use the standard MIUI functionality, which does not require superuser rights and works on all versions of the Poco X3 firmware. However, this method has a limitation: hidden applications will remain available through the search and menu of all programs.
To hide the icon from the desktop:
- Click on the free space on the main screen for a long time.
- Select Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings in some versions).
- Go to Hidden Apps.
- Check the boxes of the programs you want to remove.
β οΈ Note: This method does not block the launch of applications. They can still be opened through search (Conductor) β Search) or menu of all applications (All programs in launcher). For complete privacy, use the second space.
Long press on the desktop|Verification of the version MIUI (Settings β The phone)|Disabling automatic launcher update|Backup of important data-->
2.Second Space: Complete Application Isolation
The second space in MIUI allows you to create a separate user profile with unique settings, applications and data, ideal for hiding messengers, banking applications or personal photos, and unlike the previous method, programs will be completely isolated and inaccessible without a password.
How to set up:
- Open Settings β Special Opportunities β Second Space
- Create a new space by following the instructions (you will need to set a password).
- After creating, go to it through the notification bar (swipe down β profile icon).
- Install the required applications only in the second space.
πΉ Advantages:
- π Complete isolation: applications are not visible in the main space.
- π± Separate settings: you can customize wallpaper, sounds and even accounts.
- π Quickly switching through the notification panel.
β οΈ Note: Some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) will be duplicated in both spaces. Also note that when you reset your phone, the second space is removed without recovery.
From children/relatives|Privacy (messaging agents, banks)|Optimizing the desktop|Removing unnecessary system applications|Another option-->
3. Uninstall system applications without root (ADB)
If youβre annoyed by pre-installed programs from Xiaomi (like Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps), they can be permanently disabled via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (click 7 times).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Connect Poco X3 to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- To disable an app (e.g. Mi Video), use: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer Replace com.miui.videoplayer with the desired app package.
π List of popular removal packages:
| Annex | Packet name | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | Yes. |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | Yes. |
| GetApps | com.xiaomi.mipicks | Yes. |
| Browser | com.android.browser | No (systemic) |
| Cleaner | com.miui.cleanmaster | Yes. |
β οΈ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI. For example, deleting com.miui.analytics will disable statistics collection, but may break updates.Before mass deleting, back up via Settings β Additionally. β Backup.
π‘
To find the name of any application package, install App Inspector from Google Play, which will show a complete list of packages, including system packages.
4. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher and others
If the built-in methods donβt work, you can install a third-party launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which offer advanced hide-out settings for applications, including:
- π± Hiding icons without removing programs.
- π Blocking access by password or fingerprint.
- π¨ Customization of appearance (themes, gestures, animations).
How to hide apps in Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Long press on the desktop β Settings Nova.
- Go to Hidden Applications (under the Application Box).
- Choose the programs you want to hide.
πΉ Pros of the method:
- π§ Flexible settings (can be hidden by category, alphabet, etc.).
- π Itβs easy to bring back hidden apps.
- π² It works on any version. MIUI.
β οΈ Note: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) do not support hiding system applications.
How to return hidden apps to Nova Launcher?
5. Hiding through App Hider (invisible applications)
For those who are looking for maximum privacy, there are specialized utilities, such as App Hider, Hide App-Hide Application Icon or Calculator Vault. These programs mask other applications as harmless icons (calculator, calendar) and require a password to access.
Example of working with App Hider:
- Download App Hider from Google Play.
- Run the program and install it. PIN-code.
- Click Add App and select the ones you want to hide.
- Create a βcoverβ (for example, a calculator icon).
πΉ Advantages:
- π Full protection: without a password, access is impossible.
- π Masking for system utilities.
- π² It works even after the reboot.
β οΈ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast or Kaspersky) may block App Hider as potentially dangerous software.
π‘
Third-party stealth is the most reliable way to hide applications from outsiders, but they require regular updates and can conflict with MIUI system services.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To determine the best way, we will evaluate each of them according to the key criteria:
| Method | Level of concealment | Difficulty | Need root? | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI's built-in cover-up | Low (icon hidden) | β | No. | Optimizing the desktop |
| Second space | High (complete isolation) | ββ | No. | Confidentiality, several profiles |
| ADB (removal) | Medium (annex disabled) | βββ | No. | Removal of system software |
| Third-party launcher | Medium (icon hidden) | β | No. | Customization of the interface |
| App Hider | Maximum (password protection) | ββ | No. | Hiding messengers, banking applications |
π‘ Recommendations for selection:
- π± For desktop optimization, built-in hiding or Nova Launcher is enough.
- π For privacy, use the second space or App Hider.
- ποΈ It is suitable for removing system applications ADB.