How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 6: from standard features to hidden chips MIUI

Why users want to hide apps on Redmi 6 and what to know before you start

Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still popular with users due to its balanced characteristics and support for MIUI. However, owners often face the need to hide individual applications – whether it is messengers with personal correspondence, games from prying eyes or system utilities that interfere with daily use.

It is important to understand that hiding applications does not equal removing them. The application continues to take up space in memory, can receive notifications and update in the background. Moreover, on Redmi 6 with MIUI 9-12 (depending on the firmware version), some methods work differently than on new models. For example, the built-in Hidden Applications function in Settings → Applications may be missing or not work properly due to the limitations of the iron. So before you start, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Another nuance: System applications (like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.browser) are more difficult to hide than custom applications, and blocking them can cause shell failures. If your goal is to get rid of pre-installed software, it is better to consider options with disabling (without deleting) through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Shut down.

Method 1: Built-in Hidden Applications in MIUI (not working on all versions)

The easiest and safest method is to use the regular MIUI tool, but it is not available on all firmware for Redmi 6. If your version of MIUI is newer than 10.2, the chances of finding this option are higher.

1. Open the settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Hidden Applications (if there is no item, the method is not suitable).
4. Click Add and tick the required programs.

After that, the apps will disappear from the menu and search, but will remain in the installed list (Settings → Apps), they can only be launched via a direct link (for example, from a notification) or re-showed in the same menu.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 6s MIUI 9 or custom firmware is often missing, not to be confused with the "Block Apps" feature (it just requires a password when you open it, but doesn't hide the icon).

Method 2: Hiding through Nova Launcher (no root)

If MIUI's built-in tools don't work, third-party launchers come to the rescue. Nova Launcher is one of the most flexible and stable options for Redmi 6. It allows you to hide applications without superuser rights, and the process takes less than a minute:

• 📱 Install Nova Launcher from Google Play (free version is fine).
• 🔧 Launch the launcher and go to its settings (long press on the desktop). → Settings).
• 👁️ Select Hiding Applications in the Application Box section.
• ✅ Check the programs you want to hide and confirm.

The apps will disappear from the Nova Launcher box, but they will remain available through the standard MIUI launcher or search system, and to return them, just repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes, the advantage of the method is reversibility and no risk to the system.

Download Nova Launcher from the official store|Make a backup copy of the desktop (optional)|Start the launcher and install it by default|Check the list of hidden applications for errors-->

If the icons continue to appear after hiding, try:

1. Reboot the smartphone.
2. Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → Nova Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Make sure Nova Launcher is set as the default launcher (Settings → Home Screen).

Method 3: Use of the "Second Space" (Duplicate Desktop)

MIUI offers a unique feature called Second Space, which creates a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and data. It's not really a cover-up, but rather isolation: you can install applications in only the second space, and they won't be visible in the main, and it's suitable for those who want to separate personal and work data.

How to set up:

1. Open the Settings. → Second space.
2. Create a new space by following the prompts (you will need to create a password).
3. After creation, switch to the second space via the notification bar (the icon with two circles).
4. Install or move the apps you want to see. They won't be displayed in the main space.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the password from the second space, you can't restore access without resetting your phone to the factory settings!

Method 4: Hiding system applications through ADB (for power users)

For those who are willing to dive into technical details, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to disable system applications that cannot be hidden by standard means. On Redmi 6, this method only works for applications that are not critical to MIUI (for example, duplicate Google services or pre-installed games).

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on version, then go back to Additional settings → For developers).
2. Connect Redmi 6 to your PC and install it ADB-driver.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages
5. Disable the unnecessary application (e.g. com.miui.weather2): adb shell pm hide com.miui.weather2

To return the application, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

Method 5: Hide Apps (App Hider, Hide App)

If previous methods do not work, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, for example, App Hider or Hide App-Hide Application Icon create a "safe" for applications that are accessed by secure applications. PIN-These programs mask icons under harmless labels (e.g., "calculator" or "weather").

How to use:

• 🔒 Install App Hider.
• 🔑 Set a password at the first start.
• ➕ Click Add App and select the ones you want to hide.
• 🎭 If you wish, change the name and icon of the safe in the settings.

Cons of this approach:

• Safe apps consume resources themselves (especially relevant for Redmi 6 with 3 GB of RAM).
• Some utilities show ads.
• The risk of data leakage if the program is from an unreliable developer.

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Before installing a hideout app, check reviews and rankings in Google Play. Avoid programs that request SMS access, contacts, or geolocation – this is redundant for the icon hiding feature.

What to do if the application is not hidden: common errors and solutions

Sometimes even after you've done all the steps, the app is still visible, and the reasons and ways to fix them are:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI — Some features are only available on firmware newer MIUI 11.
• 🔄 System Updates – Install the latest version MIUI You may add missing options.
• 🛠️ Conflicts with other programs – Antiviruses or SEOs sometimes block changes to the system.

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On Xiaomi Redmi 6, the most reliable methods of hiding are Nova Launcher and Second Space. Methods with ADB or third-party safes require caution and are not suitable for everyone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Redmi 6