How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 9 with NFC: all the ways from standard to hidden

Hiding applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9 with NFC module is a task that arises for users for various reasons, from the desire to remove unnecessary system utilities to the need to hide personal data from prying eyes. The peculiarity of this model is that it works on the basis of MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary shell, which offers several built-in mechanisms for hiding software. However, not all of them are equally effective, and some may conflict with the functionality of NFC (for example, when using contactless payments or tags).

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to hide apps on Redmi 9, including standard features. MIUI, creating a second space (Second Space), using folders and third-party launchers, as well as little-known tricks with the help of the Internet ADB. We pay special attention to the impact of each method on the work NFC-Some solutions can block access to contactless functions. If you're looking for a way to hide banking apps, instant messengers or games without losing smartphone functionality, this guide is for you.

Why the standard MIUI cover-up doesn’t always work

The MIUI shell on Xiaomi Redmi 9 offers a built-in feature to hide applications through the settings menu, but there are serious limitations to this method:

• 🔍 Hidden apps don’t disappear from search – they can be found through the search bar in the menu.
• 📱 They remain visible in the settings. → Apps that negate the very idea of concealment.
• 💳 NFC-Payments may stop working if you hide a banking application (for example, Google Pay or SberBank Online).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Hidden apps sometimes pop up back on the main screen.

In addition, some versions of MIUI (especially the Redmi 9 with firmware for the global market) do not have the option of hiding from the menu, which is due to Xiaomi’s policy to simplify the interface for European users, in which cases you have to use workarounds, which we will discuss later.

Method 1: Hiding through standard MIUI settings

If your version of MIUI supports built-in concealment, follow this instruction. Importantly, before you start, check the shell version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Redmi 9 is considered to be up to date version 12.5 and later.

1. Open Settings and go to the Applications → Application Management section.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide Apps.
3. Tick the programs you want to remove from your sight and click Ready.

After that, the app icons will disappear from the home screen and menu, but as mentioned earlier, they will be found through search or in the settings. To return the app back, repeat the steps and uncheck.

Check out the MIUI version (should be 12.5+)

Make a backup copy of important data

Make sure that NFC is not used by a hidden application

Remember the name of the hidden software (to search for the)-->

⚠️ Note: If you have hidden a contactless payment app (like Google Pay) NFC-The payments will stop working until you bring it back. MIUI Blocks access to secure modules for hidden programs.

Method 2: Use of Second Space (Second Space)

Second Space is a feature built into MIUI that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate settings, applications and data, and is ideal for hiding personal applications (messaging, banking services) as they will be completely isolated from the main space.

To activate Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create a second space and follow the instructions (you need to set a separate password or pattern lock).
3. Once created, reboot your phone and select Second Space when you log in.
4. Install or transfer the desired applications to this space.

Now, when you switch between spaces, hidden applications will only be available in Second Space, a method that protects data reliably, but has drawbacks:

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If you use NFC to pay in both spaces, add the same bank card to both instances of the app (like Google Pay) and avoid having to switch before you buy.

Method 3: Hiding in folders or using a launcher

If you don't want to hide it completely, but you just need to get apps out of sight, you can use standard folders or third-party launchers, which don't affect how NFC works, and it doesn't require deep changes to the system.

Option 1: Folders in MIUI Launcher

• 📁 Press the app icon and drag it to another icon to create a folder.
• 🔒 Name the folder neutrally (for example, "Utilities" or "Tools").
• 👁️ To hide the folder from strangers, move it to the second or third screen.

Option 2: Third-party launchers

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher allow you to:

• 🔍 Hide apps from the menu (Hide Apps function").
• 📱 Create gestures for quick access to hidden programs.
• 🎨 Customize the appearance without restrictions MIUI.

When using third-party launchers, please note that some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) may block work on non-standard shells for security reasons. NFC-Payments may also be blocked.

Method 4: Disable applications via ADB (for experienced)

If you need to completely deactivate a system application (e.g. Mi Pay, Browser or Music), you can use the ADB command. This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Warning: Disabling system applications can cause your phone to run in an unstable way, and do not apply this method to critical services (e.g., com.android.phone).

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and confirm your debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with a real app package, which can be found through the App Inspector (available on the Play Market) or by using the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, to disable Mi Pay, use the com.miui.mipay package. Once you execute the command, the application will disappear from the system, but its data will remain.

adb shell pm enable com.example.app

⚠️ Attention: Disabling applications related to NFC (For example, com.android.nfc will cause contactless functions, including payments and tag readers, to be completely disabled.

Method 5: Hiding Apps (with Care!)

There are many tools on Google Play to hide applications, such as App Hider, Hide App-Hide Application Icon or Calculator%, which mask app icons as harmless utilities (calculator, calendar) or hide them in a secure storage.

However, this method has critical shortcomings:

• 🛡️ Many of these applications require administrator rights, which poses a security risk.
• 💳 NFC-Payments may not work if the hidden application uses secure modules (e.g. Google Pay).
• 🔍 Some utilities collect user data themselves (check permissions before installation!).

If you still decide to use third-party software, follow the rules:

1. Install only apps with a rating above 4.5 and a lot of reviews.
2. Before hiding banking applications, check their work with NFC.
3. Do not store passwords from hidden applications inside the masking utility.

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Third-party software hiding apps are the riskiest method, they can conflict with MIUI, block NFC, or collect your data, and only use them if other methods are not suitable.

What to do if a hidden application is needed for NFC

One of the main problems with hiding applications on Redmi 9 is the conflict with the NFC module, for example, if you hide Google Pay or SberBank Online, contactless payments will stop working.

• 🔄 Temporarily return the application before use NFC. In Second Space, it's the fastest.
• 💳 Use alternative payment methods, such as linking the card directly to Mi Pay (unless it is hidden).
• 📱 In Nova Launcher, you can create a gesture for a hidden app to open it only when you need it.

If NFC stopped working after hiding system applications (e.g. com.android.nfc), restore them via ADB or reset your phone settings. In extreme cases, flashing will help, but this is a last resort.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Redmi 9