How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all the ways from standard to hidden

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that many users are concerned about, and it is especially relevant for owners of Redmi 8, where standard MIUI features are limited to the firmware version, someone wants to hide personal messengers from prying eyes, someone is hindered by system utilities in the menu, and some simply strive for minimalism on the desktop. In this article, we will examine all the current ways, from built-in tools to third-party solutions that work on Redmi 8 in 2026.

It is important to understand that the concealment ≠ Deletion. The application continues to take up space in memory and can send notifications (unless manually disabled). Also, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights - these are risks to warranty and security.

Before you start, check the MIUI version on your Redmi 8. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This is what makes certain features available. For example, MIUI 12.5 and later has a separate Hidden Apps section, but the older versions don't.

1. Hiding through the built-in function "Second Space"

The most reliable way Xiaomi uses is to use the “Second Space” feature, a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and data, and the apps installed in the second space are not visible in the main profile, and vice versa.

To activate Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click "Create a second space" and follow the instructions (you will need to create a password).
3. Once created, restart the phone and select the right space when turned on.

Now you can install or move applications to a second space, and they'll be completely isolated from the main profile, which doesn't require root permissions, and works on all versions of MIUI for Redmi 8.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all the data and applications in it will be permanently erased. First, back up through Settings. → Second space → Backup.

• ✅ Complete isolation of applications and data
• ✅ Does not require root or third-party programs
• ❌ Takes up extra space in memory
• ❌ We need to switch between spaces.

2.Using the Hidden Applications menu (MIUI 12.5 and later)

Since MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has built-in app hiding without creating a second space, but Redmi 8 doesn’t have a firmware version for everyone, depending on the region and the device modification.

Check for the function:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
3. If there is no item, your version of MIUI does not support this method.

If the feature is available, select the apps from the list and confirm the hidden. They will disappear from the menu and search, but will remain in Settings → Apps. To return them back, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes.

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If you have an older version of MIUI, try updating through Settings → About Phone → System Update. But remember: after the upgrade, you may need to reset your settings.

3. Hiding through launchers from third-party developers

If built-in methods don't work, you can use alternative launchers with application hiding feature. Popular options for Redmi 8:

• 📱 Nova Launcher (Paid feature "Hide Apps")
• 🛡️ Apex Launcher (Free Hiding)
• 🔍 Microsoft Launcher (hiding in the Personal Account")

Let’s take a look at the example of Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the desktop → “Nova Settings”.
3. Go to "Application Settings → Hide Apps".
4. Select the desired applications and confirm.

After that, the icons will disappear, but the apps will remain in the system and will be available through the search or menu of the launcher (if you do not turn them off in the settings).

Download APK from the official website (not from unknown sources)

Check the reviews on compatibility with MIUI

Make a backup copy of the current desktop

Disable battery optimization for launcher (in application settings)

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⚠️ Note: Some scalings may be in conflict with MIUI Optimization is a Xiaomi system service. If after installation, you turn off optimization for the launcher in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Special access → Optimizing the battery.

4. disable system applications without root (for experienced)

If you want to hide embedded system utilities (such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps), you can disable them via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.package.name (replace com.xiaomi.package.name with the real package name, for example, com.miui.video for Mi Video).

To find the name of the package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

• ✅ It works without root.
• ✅ Frees up the working memory.
• ❌ Requires PC and basic knowledge ADB
• ❌ When you reset the settings, the applications will return

5. Hiding with root rights (for advanced)

If you're risk-averse, root rights will give you full control of the system, so you can not only hide, but also freeze or delete system applications.

• 🛠️ Titanium Backup (freezing)
• 🗑️ System App Remover (removal)
• 🔒 App Quarantine (Hide with Password)

The Titanium Backup example:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. Select the unnecessary app from the list.
3. Slip "Freeze" (this will turn it off without removing it).

On Redmi 8, unlocking the bootloader and getting root results in a reset of all data and may disrupt some features (such as NFC or Widevine for Netflix).

⚠️ Note: After receiving root, some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may block access due to the SafetyNet trigger.

6.Alternative methods: folders, passwords and cloud services

If the previous methods seem complicated, you can go roundabouts:

• 📁 Desktop folders: Create a folder with a neutral name (such as Utilities) and move unnecessary icons there.
• 🔐 AppLock: Block access to the application with a password through Settings → Annexes → Application lockdown.
• ☁️ Cloud Launchers: Use services like Samsung Secure Folder (requires installation via a service like Samsung Secure Folder) APK).

For AppLock:

1. Activate the function in the security settings.
2. Select the applications that you want to block.
3. Set a PIN or pattern lock.

It doesn't hide apps completely, but it limits access to them, and it's good for protecting instant messengers or banking apps from outsiders.

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Hiding through folders is the easiest method, but it doesn't protect you from search by system. For complete privacy, use Second Space or AppLock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Redmi 8