Hiding apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a challenge that users have for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal data from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, the MIUI shell offers several built-in mechanisms, and also supports third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some applications continue to appear in the recently opened menu, others can be found through search.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to hide applications on Xiaomi, from standard MIUI 14 features to little-known tricks using ADB and third-party launchers. Particular attention will be paid to hiding system applications that can not be removed or disabled through the settings menu. All instructions are relevant for Android 12-14 devices and tested on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 models.
1. Standard Hiding through the "Dual Apps"
The most reliable way to hide apps from outsiders is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature, which not only hides icons, but also creates an isolated environment with separate accounts, notifications and data, suitable for instant messengers, social networks and banking applications.
How it works:
- 📱 Applications installed in the second space do not appear in the main menu and search.
- 🔒 Access to them is protected by a password, fingerprint or pattern lock.
- 🔄 You can quickly switch between swipe spaces on the lock screen (configures).
- ⚠️ Some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be duplicated.
Instructions for setting:
- Open the Settings. → Second space.
- Click Create a second space and follow the setup wizard (set a password).
- After creation, go to Settings of the second space → Clone applications.
- Select the apps you want to hide and confirm cloning.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all hidden application data (messages, files, settings) will be permanently deleted. → Memory. → Backup.
2. Hiding icons through launcher settings
If the goal is simply to remove the icon from your desktop but leave the app accessible through search, use the built-in MIUI launcher options.This method doesn't protect data, but visually cleans the screen.
Step-by-step:
- 🖱️ Press your finger on the icon of the app you want to hide.
- 📌 In the menu that appears, select Remove (do not Delete!).
- 🔍 The app will disappear from the desktop, but will remain in All applications and search.
To completely hide the app from the All Apps menu:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the right app and tap it.
- Choose Hide (not available for all applications).
| Method | Hiding the icon | Hiding from the search | Requires a password | Works for system applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second space | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (cloned) |
| Launcher settings | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ (not-for-all) |
| Third-party launcher | ✅ | ✅ (tune in) | ❌ | ✅ |
| ADB-team | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
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If you use POCO Launcher, you can hide applications through the Settings → Hidden Applications menu. This launcher supports hiding even system utilities, such as Mi Video or Mi Music.
3. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)
The standard MIUI launcher is limited in hideout functionality, but third-party solutions like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher allow you to flexibly adjust the visibility of applications, the advantage of the method is that there is no need for root rights and maintain system performance.
How to hide apps through Nova Launcher:
- 📥 Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- 🛠️ Hold an empty space on the desktop → Settings → Hiding applications.
- 🔍 Select the apps you want to hide and confirm.
- 🔄 Restart the launcher (swipe down on the desktop) → Reset).
Features of the method:
- ✅ It works for all applications, including system.
- ✅ You can hide apps from search (in Nova settings).
- ⚠️ When you reset the launcher or update the hidden applications may appear again.
- 🔧 For complete concealment from the system will require a combination of ADB (see next section).
☑️ Preparing for Hiding with Nova Launcher
4. Hiding system applications through ADB (no root)
For power users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to disable any system applications, including those that cannot be removed through the MIUI menu.This method does not require root rights, but if used incorrectly can lead to system failures.
Step-by-step:
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
- 📱 On your smartphone, turn on debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version → return to additional settings → For developers).
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.package.name Replace com.xiaomi.package.name with the name of the application package (you can find out through adb shell pm lists packages). | grep "keyword").
- 🔄 Reset the device.
Examples of commands for popular system applications:
adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoplayer # Mi Video
adb shell pm hide com.miui.player # Mi Music
adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.scanner # Document scanning
adb shell pm hide com.miui.cleanmaster #Cleanup⚠️ Warning: Disabling critical system applications (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home) can cause communication loss, interface errors, or device freeze. Before experimenting, check the list of safe packets to disable on forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.
How to return hidden through ADB application?
5. Hiding through Archiving (for unnecessary applications)
If the application is not in use but cannot be removed (e.g. Mi Browser or GetApps), you can archive it through the MIUI menu.This will not delete the data, but will free up space and hide the icon.
How to archive the application:
- 📦 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find the right app and tap it.
- 🗑️ Choose Archiving (if the option is active).
- ✅ The app will disappear from the menu, but its data will be saved.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It does not work for critical system applications.
- ❌ Archived applications can be automatically restored after updating MIUI.
- ✅ Suitable for temporary concealment (e.g., before selling a phone).
💡
Archiving is the safest way to hide unnecessary apps, but it is not suitable for protecting personal data. For privacy, use Second Space or third-party launchers with password protection.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after hiding, apps can continue to show up in some menus or recover from updates. Consider typical situations and how to address them.
Problem 1: The app is hidden but visible in the newly opened.
- 🔄 Clear the list of recent apps with swipe up.
- 🔧 In Nova Launcher, turn off the recent display in gesture settings.
Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the hidden apps returned.
- 🔄 Repeat the concealment procedure (through the ADB launcher).
- 📥 Install App Hider from Google Play for backup hiding.
Problem 3: You can’t hide your system application through ADB.
- 🛡️ Check if it is protected by the flag. PROTECTED (Use adb shell dumpsys package com.xiaomi.package.name).
- 🔧 Try to disable it via adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.package.name.