Hiding applications on Xiaomi Redmi 6A is a task that arises for users for various reasons: someone wants to remove unnecessary system programs, someone wants to hide personal messengers from prying eyes, and someone just wants to minimalist desktop. Despite the fact that MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) offers limited tools to hide applications out of the box, there are workarounds โ both using built-in functions and through third-party solutions.
It's important to understand: Redmi 6A base-work MIUI 9/10/11 (Depending on the firmware version) and Android 8.1 Oreo, which has some limitations, like the Hidden Apps feature that's not available in the newer Xiaomi models, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. 5 working methods โ from the simplest to requiring additional manipulations, including the use of second space, launchers and even ADB-Teams for Advanced Users.
Before you start, consider that some ways may affect the performance of the device or require rollback changes when updating the firmware. If your goal is simply to remove the application from the screen, start with the first two methods. If you want to completely hide it from the system (for example, so that it does not appear in the All Apps menu), look at the sections on disabling through settings or ADB.
1. Hiding applications through the "Second Space" (Dual Apps)
One of the most reliable ways to hide an app on Redmi 6A is to use the Dual Apps feature, which doesn't delete the program, but creates a copy of it in an isolated profile that can be password protected, suitable for messengers, social networks or games that you want to hide from the main interface.
How it works:
- ๐ The application remains in the system, but is available only after entering the password in the second space.
- ๐ฑ Not displayed in the main app menu and on the desktop.
- ๐ You can quickly switch between swipe spaces on the lock screen (if configured).
Instructions:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Second Space
- Click Create a second space and follow the prompts (set a password or pattern lock).
- Once created, go to the second space and install the app you want through the Play Market or move it from your main profile.
- Return to the main space โ the hidden app wonโt be visible without switching.
โ ๏ธ Note: Second space takes up extra memory (about 1-2 GB) and can slightly reduce the performance of the device. 6A Less than 10% of the free space is left.
Make sure that โฅ2 GB of memory is free
Remember the password for the second space
Turn off Google account sync in the second profile (if not necessary)
Check that the app supports cloning (not all games/messengers work in Dual Apps)-->
2. disable system applications without root rights
If the goal is to hide Xiaomiโs built-in apps (such as Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser or Cleaner), you can turn them off through settings. This will not delete the program files, but will make it invisible on the menu and stop background processes. The method works without superuser rights, but requires caution - disabling critical services can disrupt the system.
How to disable unnecessary application:
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Select the All Apps tab and find the right one (such as Mi Drop).
- Click on it, then select Disable (the button can be gray if the application is critical to the system).
- Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu and stop updating.
List of apps that can be safely disabled on Redmi 6A:
- ๐ต Mi Music is a standard music player.
- ๐ฌ Mi Video - Xiaomi video player.
- ๐ Browser โ the default browser (if you use Chrome).
- ๐งน Cleaner - cleaning utility (can be replaced with CCleaner).
- ๐ฑ Mi Drop - file transfer service (similar to ShareIt).
| Annex | Can I turn it off? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Music | Yes. | It will not play audio through a standard player. |
| Mi Video | Yes. | Video files will be opened through the app you choose. |
| Browser | Yes. | Links will be opened in the installed browser (Chrome, Firefox) |
| Security (Security) | No. | Disrupt the work of antivirus and optimizer |
| Google Play Services | No. | Cause errors in the work of Google account and applications |
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not disable apps called com.android., com.miui. or com.google. at the beginning of the package (e.g. com.android.phone).This can lead to lost communication, interface errors, or even looping down the download.
๐ก
Before disabling the system application, check its name online (for example, on the 4PDA forum). Some services, such as com.miui.analytics, can be turned off without consequences, while others can not.
3.Using third-party launchers to hide icons
If you just need to remove the app icons from your desktop but leave them on the system, the best option is to install an alternative launcher. Redmi 6A works well:
- ๐ Nova Launcher โ Supports Hiding Applications Through Settings.
- ๐ Apex Launcher โ allows you to remove icons in the โhidden box".
- ๐ฑ POCO Launcher โ optimized for Xiaomi devices, lightweight and fast.
- ๐ผ๏ธ Microsoft Launcher โ Hiding apps in the Hidden folder".
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install the launcher from Play Market and install it as the default launcher.
- Hold your finger on the desktop โ Settings.
- Go to the Apps menu โ Hide the Apps.
- Tick the programs you want to hide and click Ready.
Advantages of the method:
- โ No need for root rights or complex manipulation.
- โ Applications remain available through the search or launcher folder.
- โ You can return the icons in two clicks.
Disadvantages:
- โ Applications are still visible in Settings โ Annexes.
- โ Some launchers consume additional RAM.
Nova Launcher
POCO Launcher
Standard MIUI Launcher
Another (write in the comments)-->
4. Hiding through ADB-Teams (for advanced users)
If you're ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can hide applications at the system level without rooting. This method removes the icon from the All Apps menu completely, but it doesn't uninstall the app itself. It's suitable for hiding both user and some system programs.
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- ๐ USB-cable 6A.
- ๐ Application package name (can be found through App Inspector from Play Market).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI version (click 7 times to unlock Developer Settings), then Settings โ Additional โ Developers โ Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Hide the app (replace com.example.app in the package name): adb shell pm hide com.example.app
- To return the application back: adb shell pm unhide com.example.app
Examples of popular application package names:
- ๐ท Instagram: com.instagram.android
- ๐ฌ WhatsApp: com.whatsapp
- ๐ฎ PUBG Mobile: com.tencent.ig
- ๐บ YouTube: com.google.android.youtube
โ ๏ธ Note: Some system applications (e.g. com.miui.home) cannot be hidden through the ADB No consequences, also after the update. MIUI Hidden applications may reappear โ you will need to repeat the command.
How to find out the name of the application package?
5. Hiding through Archiving (for root users)
If your Redmi 6A has root rights installed, you can completely remove or archive unnecessary applications, including system ones.This method is irreversible without re-routing, so it is only suitable for advanced users.
For archiving (without complete deletion) use:
- ๐ฆ Titanium Backup โ allows you to freeze applications.
- โ๏ธ Root App Deleter โ Remove or archive packets.
- ๐ง Lucky Patcher โ can hide updates and disable services.
Instructions for Titanium Backup:
- Install the application and provide root access.
- Find the desired application in the list and click on it.
- Choose Freeze! (Freeze!)
- The application will disappear from the system, but its files will remain on the device.
Warnings:
- ๐จ Archiving system applications (e.g. com.android.phone) will result in loss of communication.
- ๐ After updating MIUI "Frozen applications can be activated again.
- ๐ Some features (such as themes or synchronization) may stop working.
๐ก
Root Archiving is the most radical method, and only use it if you are confident in your actions and have backed up the data.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your goal and level of training, and below is a comparative table with the pros and cons of each method.
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Hiding from the "All Apps" menu? | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second space | Low. | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Disabling system applications | Low. | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Third-party launchers | Low. | No. | No (sees in settings) | Yes. |
| ADB-team | Medium | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Archiving (root) | Tall. | Yes. | Yes. | Partially (needs backup) |
Selection recommendations:
- ๐ถ Beginners: Start with second space or launcher.
- ๐ ๏ธ For advanced users: Try it. ADB or disabling system applications.
- ๐ง Root experts: Archiving through Titanium Backup will give maximum control.