How to hide the application on the Xiaomi desktop: hidden folders and modes

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, all powered by MIUI or HyperOS, have powerful privacy management tools, and one of the most sought-after features is the ability to remove the program icon from public access, leaving it only available with a special password or fingerprint, which is not just an aesthetic stunt, but an important element in protecting personal information from prying eyes.

Unlike many other vendors, the Chinese company has implemented this feature deep into the system settings without requiring third-party software installation. Hidden folders operate at the launcher level, making them almost invisible to the average user, you can store banking applications, personal photo albums or messengers that you want to restrict access to.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for hiding applications on Xiaomi devices, we will look at the classic Hidden Apps feature, second space settings and guest mode usage, and you will learn how to find hidden programs and what limitations this feature has in different versions of the firmware.

Using the built-in function of hidden applications

The easiest and most efficient way to do this is to use MIUI, which is to start with the standard Security app, which is pre-installed on every device, and this is where the basic tools for access and privacy management are.

When you start, look for the Hidden Apps section, and if you see it for the first time, the system will ask you to set an unlock password or confirm your use of biometrics. Importantly, this password will be different from the unlock password, which adds an additional layer of protection.

In the menu that opens, you'll see a list of all the programs installed on the device. To hide the application you want, just switch the switchboard opposite its name to the active state, and then the icon will instantly disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all the applications.

There are several ways to access the contents of a hidden folder: you can simply open the Security app and go to the appropriate section, or use a special gesture. Often swipe up in the Tools folder or long-click on an empty desktop space if such an option is enabled in the launcher settings.

It's worth noting that hidden apps don't stop working in the background, they keep getting notifications if allowed in the settings, and they can consume battery power, but their icon will be completely absent from the interface until you type in the correct access code.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the password from hidden apps, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to them without resetting data.

Customize access through gestures and passwords

For maximum convenience, Xiaomi allows you to configure quick access to hidden content. In the hidden app menu, click on the gear icon or select “Settings for hidden apps.” Here you can activate the “Show hidden apps” option when you enter a special password directly into the search box or dialer code.

An alternative method is to use a gesture: some versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14 can swipe through a two-fingered app in the Gallery or Files app, if you hide media files along with apps, which creates a single privacy ecosystem.

Let’s look at the main parameters that can be adjusted:

• 🔒 Access password: the ability to use a digital code, pattern lock or fingerprint unlock.
• 👁️ Visual masking: hiding the very fact of the folder in the security menu.
• 🔔 Notifications: Configure the display of notification content from hidden programs on a locked screen.
• 🚀 AutoRun: Monitoring whether hidden applications can run automatically.

Using biometrics makes it much faster, so you don't have to enter a digital code every time, just put your finger on the scanner, or look at the front camera (if you can unlock your face), and it instantly recognizes the owner and opens up hidden content.

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Use different fingerprints to unlock your phone and to log into hidden folders, allowing you to open hidden content invisibly to others, using your guest finger for normal unlocking.

Second Space: Complete Data Segregation

If you want a more serious level of privacy than just hiding an icon, look for the Second Space feature, which is a fully isolated environment inside your smartphone that works as a separate user profile.

The applications installed in the Second Space are completely independent of the main system, they have their own settings, their own gallery, their own Google and Mi accounts. Moreover, you can switch between spaces instantly using a special shortcut on the desktop, fingerprint or code.

Advantages of using the Second Space:

• 📱 Complete stealth: Apps in the second profile are not visible in the first, even in deep search.
• 🔐 Different passwords: the main and second spaces are logged in with different fingerprints or codes.
• 📂 File isolation: files and photos from one space are not visible in another without special actions.
• ⚙️ Independent settings: you can configure different wallpaper, sounds and system settings for each profile.

To activate, go to Settings → Second Space → Enable Second Space. The system will suggest setting the switching method. It is recommended to select “Add a shortcut to the desktop” for quick access or set up fingerprint input.

However, it is worth considering that having two copies of applications (for example, two WhatsApp or two bank clients) takes up more space in the device’s memory, and this can lead to increased battery consumption, since background processes can work in both profiles at the same time.

Guest mode as a temporary solution

Another option for hiding data is to use Guest Mode, which is constantly active, Guest Mode is designed to temporarily transfer your phone to other people, and hide all your personal data, calls, messages and installed apps.

You can activate it through the control panel (notification curtain), find the user profile icon (usually a person's silhouette) and select "Guest", the phone will clear your personal information and appear as a clean device.

In Guest mode:

• 🚫 No access to your contacts or call history.
• 📵 All applications you install are hidden (only system applications remain).
• 📷 Empty Gallery and File Manager.
• 🔄 Resetting all changes after leaving the regime.

This method is ideal if you need to give a phone to a child to play with or a colleague to view a map, but you don't want them to see your notifications or be able to open personal correspondence. Once you return to Owner mode, all apps and data will instantly return to their places.

Comparison of methods of hiding applications

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparative table of the main methods, each of which has its own characteristics, level of security and impact on the operation of the device.

The choice depends on your goals: whether you just need to remove the icon from your eyes, or need to create a full-fledged safe for data. It is also important to consider the model of your smartphone, as some low-end versions of Redmi or POCO functionality can be reduced.

As you can see from the table, for everyday use, Hidden Apps is the best option, balancing convenience with security. Hidden Apps in MIUI hides the icon but leaves the application installed on the system, allowing it to run in the background.

Search and Recovery of Hidden Applications

Sometimes you have to quickly find an app that you've previously hidden, or check if something else is hidden, and you don't have to look for special codes if you remember where the control menu is.

Go to the Security app and select Hidden Apps, and you'll see a complete list of what's not available on your desktop right now. To return the program, just turn off the switch next to it, and the icon will instantly appear in its place.

If you use Second Space, switch to it via settings or a shortcut. All applications will be there as usual. To delete Second Space, go to Settings → Second Space completely and select "Delete Second Space." Attention: all data within the second profile will be permanently deleted.

In case you forget the password from hidden applications, Xiaomi offers a recovery procedure through the Mi Account, if it was tied in advance. If the binding was not, the only way is to completely reset the device to factory settings, which will lead to the loss of all data.

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Check the hidden apps list regularly to make sure there is nothing extra in it, and remember the Mi Account recovery password.