Hiding apps on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is a challenge that comes with users for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary icons from the desktop to needing to protect sensitive data from prying eyes. Unlike many Android devices, Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI offer several built-in mechanisms for this purpose, from simply removing icons to creating a completely isolated workspace.
In this article, weβll look at all the current ways to hide applications on the Redmi Note 8T, including little-known shell features, third-party solutions, and even system tricks for power users. Itβs important to understand that not all methods are equally reliable: some simply remove icons from the screen, while others completely block access to the program without a password, and weβll also explain what the limitations of each approach are and how to get around them.
If you're looking for a way to hide messengers, banking apps, or just want to clean up your desktop, here's a detailed guide to explaining each situation, starting with the simplest methods, and moving on to more complex but effective solutions.
1. Hiding application icons through MIUI settings
The most obvious and safe way is to use the built-in MIUI features. There are two options available on the Redmi Note 8T: hide icons through the app menu and remove icons from the desktop. The first method simply removes the program from the general list, but leaves it on the system, and the second makes the application inaccessible for quick launch.
To hide the icon from the app menu:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Select the All Apps tab and find what you need in the list.
- Slip it and select Hide (not available for all applications).
To remove the icon from the desktop:
- π± Hold your finger on the app icon.
- ποΈ Drag it to the top of the screen where the message Delete will appear.
- β οΈ The application will remain in the system and will be available through the search or menu of all programs.
β οΈ Attention: Hidden through settings MIUI Applications may still appear in search results on the system. For complete privacy, use the methods in the following sections.
2.Use of the Second Space function for complete isolation
Second Space is a unique feature of MIUI that creates a completely separate workspace with its own applications, settings and data, and is essentially a second account on a single device that can be protected with a separate password, ideal if you need to not just hide one application, but isolate a whole group of programs (for example, work messengers from personal ones).
How to set up Second Space on Redmi Note 8T:
- Go to Settings β Special Opportunities β Second Space.
- Click Create Second Space and follow the setup instructions.
- After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the lock screen (you need to enable in the Second Space settings).
- Install only those applications in Second Space that you want to hide from your main profile.
Advantages of the method:
- π Complete isolation: Second Space applications are not visible in the main space and vice versa.
- π‘οΈ Additional protection: You can set a separate password or pattern lock.
- π± Flexibility: Each space can have its own wallpaper, settings and even versions MIUI.
| Characteristics | Second Space | Hiding icons | Third-party launchers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of confidentiality | βββββ | β | βββ |
| Root is required. | β No. | β No. | β No. |
| Impact on productivity | Average (additional space) | Absent. | Minimum |
| Difficulty setting up | Medium | Simple. | Simple/Mediocre |
β οΈ Note: When using Second Space, some system notifications (e.g., calls or calls) SMS) You can duplicate in both spaces. To avoid this, set exceptions in Second Space Settings. β Notifications.
3. Hiding apps with folders and gestures
If you don't want to hide it completely, but just remove it from view, you can use standard MIUI folders or gestures, which doesn't protect data, but helps you clean up your desktop, for example, you can create a folder called "Rarely Used" and hide all the unnecessary icons there.
How to hide applications in the folder:
- π Press the app icon and drag it to another icon to create a folder.
- π Rename the folder to a neutral name (e.g., Tools").
- πΌοΈ You can change the color of the folder icon so that it merges with the wallpaper (long press). β Edit β Background color).
For quick access to hidden apps, use MIUI gestures:
- π Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen will open the menu of all applications (even hidden through the settings).
- π Swipe down the desktop will cause a search where you can find any installed application.
βοΈ Preparing for hiding applications
This is a good way to do it if you want to just organize your desktop, but you don't want to spend time setting up Second Space or third-party launchers, but remember, folders don't protect data, because anyone who picks up your phone can open it and see the contents.
4. Third-party launchers with application hiding function
If MIUI is not built in, you can install an alternative launcher with enhanced privacy features, popular options such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher and POCO Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi), which allow you to not only hide icons, but also block access to applications with a password.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
- Press the free space on the desktop β Settings β Hiding applications.
- Select the apps you want to hide and confirm the choice.
- For additional protection, install the Nova Launcher Prime plugin (paid version) and set up a password lock.
Advantages of third-party launchers:
- π¨ More customization options (themes, gestures, icon sizes).
- π Additional security features (e.g., folder hiding).
- π± Compatible with most versions of Android, including MIUI 12/13/14 on the Redmi Note 8T.
β οΈ Note: Some launchers may conflict with system gestures MIUI. If after installation, swipes to call the menu or camera stopped working, check the gesture settings in Settings β Additional settings β Gestures.
How to return the standard MIUI launcher?
5. Advanced methods: disabling and freezing applications
For advanced users who are willing to work with system settings, there are more radical ways to hide applications β disabling or freezing them. These methods remove applications from active use, but do not remove them completely from the device. Importantly, some system programs can not be turned off, this can lead to unstable operation of the Redmi Note 8T.
Disconnection through settings:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Select the desired application and click Disable.
- Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu and stop working.
Freezing with ADB (for advanced users):
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.appWhere com.example.app is the batch name of the application (you can find out through the App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).
What you need to know before disconnecting:
- βοΈ System applications (for example, com.miui.home) can not be turned off β this will lead to the collapse of the shell.
- π Disabled programs do not receive updates through Google Play.
- π± To return the application, use the command adb shell pm enable com.example.app.
π‘
Before disabling system applications, back up via Settings β Additional β Backup and Reset. This will help restore the smartphone to health if something goes wrong.
6. Hiding through password and safe applications
If your goal is not just to remove the icon, but to protect your data from outsiders, the best option is to use specialized safe applications, which create a secure storage where you can put any program or file, Popular solutions include AppLock, Vault and Hide App-Hide Application.
How AppLock works:
- Install the application from Google Play and set a master password.
- Select the programs you want to block.
- Configure additional parameters: fingerprint lock, fake password entry screen.
- Now, when you try to open a blocked application, a password will be requested.
The advantages of safe-apps:
- π High level of protection (even if someone knows the password from the phone, they will not be able to open blocked programs).
- πΈ The ability to hide not only applications, but also photos, videos, documents.
- π¨ The function of "crack resistance" - for example, a photo of the intruder when incorrectly entering a password.
Cons:
- π± Additional battery consumption (safety applications work in the background).
- π° Some features are only available in paid versions.
π‘
Safe apps are the only method that protects data even when a phone is stolen, and unlike Second Space or icon hiding, they require a password to be entered every time a blocked program is launched.