Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 10 store a huge amount of personal information that should be restricted from prying eyes. Often it is necessary to remove certain programs from view so that they do not horn your eyes on the desktop or be available to children. The MIUI operating system that is installed on the device does not have one universal button to hide all programs at once, but there are several effective methods.
Owners often confuse concepts, believing that hiding an application completely removes it from the system. It is not: the functionality remains active, its label disappears and access to data through standard interfaces. In this article, we will examine the native capabilities of the shell, working with the Hidden Album and proven third-party solutions.
It should be understood that the methods may vary depending on the version of Android and regional firmware (Global, EEA or China).We will look at the most relevant ways for current versions of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13, which are most often found on Redmi 10.
Use of the built-in function Hidden folders
One of the most reliable ways to hide programs is by using Hidden Folders, a method that doesn't hide a label on the desktop, but makes the contents of the folder inaccessible without a password or fingerprint, ideal for those who want to keep certain utilities in one place that is closed from prying eyes.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the Explorer (Files) application, which is standard for Xiaomi. At the top of the interface, where the path to the current directory is usually displayed, you need to pull the screen down. If the function is active, a field will appear to enter the password. If you are doing this for the first time, the system will suggest creating a Privacy Password that will be used to protect hidden files and folders.
After setting the password and the check question (be sure to remember the answer, recovery is difficult!), you can move any files there, including APK installation packages. However, to hide the working application, this method requires creating a special folder with a specific name, which does not work in all versions of the firmware of the tab.
It's important to note that moving files to a hidden folder doesn't delete them from the device, it just encrypts access to them, and the amount of memory is used up normally, and if you decide to delete a file from a hidden folder, it will disappear irrevocably, bypassing the shopping cart.
Hiding through application settings and application password
The second method is more focused on anti-launch protection than visual concealment, and in the MIUI security settings, there is an application lock feature that allows you to set a separate password or biometric protection to run selected programs, and although the label remains in place, you can't run software without authorization.
To set up security, go to the Settings menu and find the Apps section. Here you are interested in App Lock. The system will require you to enter a previously created privacy password or prompt you to create a new one. Once activated, you will see a list of all installed programs with switches opposite each.
You can also activate Hide Content in notification settings, so even if the phone is unlocked, text messages from secure messengers (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) will not appear on the lock screen, which adds another layer of privacy.
☑️ Setting up application protection
It is worth mentioning that some users try to find the direct Hide App feature in this menu, but it is often missing from the global versions of MIUI for Redmi 10, in which case the alternative methods described below come to the rescue.
Work with the Hidden Album in the Gallery
Although the question was about programs, often the goal is to hide the photos or videos that these programs create. Xiaomi Redmi 10 has a powerful Hidden Album tool built in. It works on a principle similar to hidden folders in the Explorer, but is optimized specifically for media files.
To access the album, open the Gallery app and go to the Album tab. Swipe down (pull the album list down) until you get a password request. This is where all your hidden media is stored. You can move photos and videos there, and they disappear from public access.
The thing about this method is that the files in the hidden album don't take up double space -- they just change their access status. However, if you delete the original photo, it will disappear from the hidden album, if it wasn't moved, it's copied.
⚠️ Warning: When you reset your phone to a factory setting without having to attach your Mi Account, access to the hidden album can be lost forever. Always back up important data.
Using third-party launchers to hide shortcuts
If the built-in MIUI tools don’t seem flexible enough, you can use third-party launchers (desktop shells), programs like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or HideU allow you to hide application shortcuts from the menu, leaving them installed on the system.
The way it works is simple: you install the launcher, you assign it to the main one, and you find Hidden Apps in its settings, and you add the program you want, you remove the program icon from the application menu, and you usually need to type in a special code or gesture to run the program.
The advantage of this method is that it's highly customized, so you can make it look like there's no program on the phone, but in a search engine (Google Search or MIUI), the application can still be displayed if you don't turn it off.
| Method | Level of protection | Difficulty setting up | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden folders (MIUI) | High (password) | Low. | No. |
| Application lockdown | Medium (launch protection) | Low. | Minimum |
| Third-party launchers | Medium (hiding icons) | Medium | Notable. |
| Second space mode | Maximum | Tall. | High. |
The impact of launchers on productivity
Second Space Mode as a Radical Solution
The most effective way to completely isolate applications is to use Second Space, which is not just hiding it, but creating a second, fully independent operating system inside your phone, and you'll have two desktops, two galleries and two sets of apps.
To activate, go to Settings → About Phone (or Advanced Settings) and find Second Space. By clicking On, you create a new profile. Switching between the main and second spaces is through a special shortcut in the notification curtain or through a fingerprint (if you assign different fingers to different profiles).
The second space is perfect for separating work and personal life, or for storing really sensitive data. The applications installed in the second space are completely invisible in the first space, and vice versa. Even notifications do not overlap between profiles.
⚠️ Attention: Creating a second space takes up extra space on the internal drive. On Redmi 10 with 64GB of storage, this can become critical if you plan to install heavy games in both profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you hide Xiaomi’s system apps?
What happens if I forget the password from the hidden folder?
Are hidden applications visible in Task Manager?
Does the app hiding work in guest mode?
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Use different fingerprints to enter the main and second spaces, such as the thumb of the right hand opening a personal profile, and the thumb of the left - working or hidden, this speeds up access and increases security.
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A combination of methods (e.g., Second Space + Application Locking within it) ensures the maximum level of data privacy on your device.
In conclusion, the choice of method depends on how deep you want to hide the data, if you want to block applications quickly from children, and if you want to protect yourself from children, Second Space is better for serious privacy. Experiment with settings to find a balance between convenience and security.
⚠️ Note: Regularly check the list of applications with device administrator rights. Third-party icon hiding programs often require such rights, which can become a security vulnerability in your Redmi 10.