How to hide the application Xiaomi Redmi 7: the full guide

Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 7 store a huge amount of personal information, from banking apps to instant messaging. Often times you have to hand over your phone to another person for a call or a game, but you don’t want to show the contents of all folders. Owners of devices based on MIUI often wonder how to effectively hide the application from the desktop to protect your privacy from prying eyes.

Fortunately, the MIUI shell provides powerful tools for controlling the visibility of programs. You don’t have to delete important data or install complex blockers that can slow down the system. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the standard methods for hiding icons, and also look at alternative ways if the standard functionality in your version of firmware differs.

It should be understood that the Redmi 7 interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and security updates. However, the basic principles of working with the hidden application space remain unchanged over the years, the development of the Xiaomi ecosystem, we will help you understand the nuances of customization and avoid common mistakes.

Use of the built-in concealment function in MIUI

The most reliable way to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 7 is to use the built-in shell functionality. Xiaomi has built a special mechanism into its system that not only hides the icon, but also requires a password or fingerprint to access the content, which ensures a high level of data security without the need to install additional software.

To activate this feature, you need to go to the standard Security app, which is a system utility that is pre-installed on all devices of the brand and has a characteristic green zipper icon, and inside this application there is a whole arsenal of optimization and protection tools, including the section responsible for hiding programs.

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Before setting up the hide, make sure your device has a screen unlock password or a fingerprint scanner set up, otherwise the feature may not activate correctly.

It is important to note that once the concealment mode is activated, the standard search for apps by name will stop finding hidden programs, which is done specifically to prevent an outsider from accidentally or intentionally discovering what you choose to hide, and access to them is only possible through a special code or gesture, which we will discuss below.

Step-by-step instruction for activating the concealment mode

The setup process takes only a couple of minutes, but requires careful attention when creating the access code. First, open the Security app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. Scroll down to the Hide Apps section and click on the switch to activate the feature.

The system will tell you to create an access password, it can be a digital code, a pattern lock, or using biometrics, remember this code, because without it you can not see your hidden programs. Once you set the password, the system will tell you to choose the applications that you want to hide. Just tick the icons you want to hide.

Once you've selected apps, they'll disappear instantly from the desktop and from the menu of all the programs, and now to see them, you'll need to do an action, usually swiping two fingers from the edges of the screen to the center in the Gallery or Themes app, or entering a special code in the search bar that you'll set in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from hidden apps, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to them, often requiring a complete reset of your phone settings.

Alternative methods through third-party launchers

If for some reason the standard method does not suit you or your version of MIUI it works incorrectly, you can use third-party launchers. Launcher is a program that completely replaces the standard desktop interface, providing advanced options for customization and control of the visibility of elements.

One of the most popular solutions is Nova Launcher combined with concealment plugins, or special launchers like Smart Launcher, which allow you to hide icons from the app menu, making them visible only inside the launcher itself after you enter the pin code, which creates an additional level of privacy.

Installing a third-party launcher requires the system's permission to change the default interface. Once installed, you'll need to reconfigure the location of widgets and folders, which may take some time. However, the functionality you get often outperforms the standard Redmi 7 capabilities.

It is worth considering that third-party launchers can consume more battery and RAM resources, which is critical for devices with limited RAM. Before installing, carefully study the requirements of the application and user reviews with similar models of smartphones.

Creating secure folders and spaces

Some versions of MIUI have a "Second Space" feature, which is not just hiding an icon, but creating a full second copy of the operating system inside your phone, and you can switch between the main and second spaces, just like between two different phones, using different fingerprints or passwords.

In the second space, you can install separate copies of apps, set up your accounts, and store files that are completely isolated from the main system, ideal for separating work and personal life, or for handing over your phone to your children without fear for your data.

To create the second space, go to Settings, find the About or Advanced Settings section, and select Second Space. The system will create a virtual copy, and you can move the necessary applications there or install them again.

Table of comparison of protection methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of using the Xiaomi Redmi 07.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Using MIUI built-in tools to hide applications is the most energy efficient and safe way to do so without needing to install additional software.