Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9T have become a repository of our personal information, financial data and correspondence. Often it is necessary to restrict access to certain programs to protect them from prying eyes or simply remove rarely used utilities from the desktop. The MIUI shell that is installed on your device has powerful privacy management tools, but they are not always obvious on the first acquaintance.
There are several ways to do this, from built-in security features to third-party launchers, each with its own features, advantages and disadvantages depending on how deep the concealment you need, and we'll take all the options available so you can choose the best one for your situation.
Before you start setting up, it is important to understand that hiding an application does not always mean blocking it completely. In some cases, the program remains available through search or system settings, so it is recommended to combine methods for maximum protection.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The most reliable and standard way to hide content on Redmi 9T is to use the system utility “Security”, which is designed by Xiaomi engineers specifically to protect user data and is integrated into the core of the system. the “Hide Apps” feature allows you to remove icons from the desktop and lock screen, making them visible only after you enter special code.
To activate this feature, you need to run the standard Security application (lightning icon or shield). In the program interface, you should swipe down to the Hide Apps or Hidden Apps section. The system may require confirmation of access rights or login to the Mi Account if it is activated on the device.
⚠️ Note: When you first turn on the concealment function, the system will suggest creating a secret access code, remember it or write it down in a safe place, since it will be impossible to restore access to hidden programs without this code even if you have administrator rights.
Once the mode is activated, the list will show all the programs installed on the smartphone, you just need to switch the switches against the utilities you want to hide, and then their icons will disappear from desktops and from the application menu.
- 🔒 High level of data protection thanks to system integration.
- 📱 The ability to hide not only applications, but also photos, videos, and audio files.
- 🔐 Access to hidden content is through a set of secret code in the application “Security».
Importantly, once the application is hidden, it will no longer appear in the standard list of all programs, and you will now need to log into the hidden application interface via the Security menu or using a special gesture/code you have installed.
Set up access through hidden apps in the Gallery
Another effective way to hide access to certain content is to use the hidden album function in the Gallery, which indirectly affects access to related applications if they use the library. MIUI There is a mechanism to hide entire categories of data.
To set up access, go to Settings of your Redmi 9T. Next, select Apps, and then look for App Settings or Application Manager. You can manage permissions here, but for direct concealment, you better use the path through Security -> Hide Apps.
And the interesting thing is that you can create a Second Space, which is a full-fledged copy of the system inside your phone, which works as a separate profile, and you can install copies of applications that are completely isolated from the main interface.
- 🔄 The ability to create a complete copy of the system to separate work and personal life.
- 📂 Data isolation: files in Second Space are not visible in the main profile.
- 🚀 Quickly switch between profiles via notification panel or fingerprint.
⚠️ Attention: Creating Second Space takes up an extra amount of internal memory.On low-storage models such as the base versions of Redmi 9T, This can lead to a lack of space to install heavy games or applications.
Using Second Space is a radical but very effective method, and in fact, you have two phones in your hands, and you can hide the existence of the second profile by setting a password to log in, and no one will know that there is another layer of access on the device.
Hiding through third-party launchers
If standard MIUI tools aren’t enough for you or you want to manage the appearance of your desktop more flexibly, it’s worth considering installing a third-party launcher.
Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher often have built-in icon hiding features. Once you install the launcher and assign it to the main one, you need to go to its settings, usually called Desktop, Hidden Applications or Privacy.
Unlike system methods, launchers only hide the visual display of the icon.The program itself remains installed and can be found through Google's global search or in Android system settings, if the user has sufficient technical literacy.
| The name of the launcher | Presence of concealment function | Paid version | Compatible with Redmi 9T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Aye (in Prime version) | Required. | Complete. |
| Microsoft Launcher | Got it (free) | No. | Complete. |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Aye (partially) | Optionally. | Complete. |
| Apex Launcher | There is. | Required. | Limited. |
When using third-party launchers on the shell of MIUI, there may be conflicts of animations or gestures, for example, swipes to open menus may not work correctly if you do not turn off some system optimizations.
Restricting access through application blocking
Often users are required not so much to hide the application completely as to prevent it from running without a password, in which case the “App Lock” feature, which is also built into the “Security” utility on Xiaomi Redmi 9T, comes to the rescue.
This method allows you to leave the icon in plain sight, but when you try to open the program, the system will ask for a pattern lock, PIN-It's the perfect option for social media, instant messengers and banking apps that you don't want to hide, but you want to protect from access.
To set up, go to Settings -> Applications -> Application Lock. Here you will see a list of all installed programs. Activate the switch opposite the desired applications. The system will suggest setting the unlock method if it has not already been installed.
- 🛡️ Protection against accidental discovery by children or friends.
- ⏱️ The ability to set a lock timer (immediately, after 1 minute, after 10 minutes).
- 👁️ Hiding the content of notifications on a locked screen.
It's important to distinguish between "hide" and "lock": a hidden application disappears from the interface, a blocked application remains visible but closed by a lock, and the choice of method depends on your goals: complete confidentiality of the program's existence or data protection inside it.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking applications, you can reset it only through the Mi Account to which the device is attached, or by completely resetting your phone data, which will lead to the loss of all information.
☑️ Redmi Security Checkup 9T
Use of the Guest mode and profiles
Some Android-based versions of MIUI include guest mode or additional user profiles, which allows you to create a clean, application-free environment that you can temporarily activate when you give your phone to someone else.
While this feature may be limited on Redmi 9T compared to tablets or pure Android, it’s worth checking if it’s available. Go to Settings –> About phone and click on the build number several times to activate the extended menu if it’s hidden, then look for the Users section.
If standard guest mode is not available, an alternative is to use Do Not Disturb modes or specialized profiles in Google settings that limit the visibility of content for certain accounts.
This method is less popular for permanently hiding apps, as it requires switching the context of your phone’s use, but it’s ideal for a temporary transfer of the device, as the guest only sees the basic set of programs.