Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in tools for masking programs. However, not all of them are obvious, and some require additional manipulation.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including official MIUI functions (like Second Space or hidden in the application menu), as well as workarounds using third-party launchers and special utilities. We will focus on the nuances for Redmi 9, given its hardware limitations (for example, the lack of NFC or a weak Helio G80 processor, which can slow down resource-intensive solutions). If you are looking for a way to hide an application so that it will not be found even through a search on the system, here you will find the answer.
1. Hiding through the standard MIUI menu (no root)
The easiest way to hide an app on Redmi 9 is to use the built-in Hiding feature in the menu, which does not remove the program, but only removes its icon from the home screen and from the list of all applications, while the application will remain on the system and will be available through the MIUI search (if you do not disable this option separately).
How it works:
- 📱 Open the menu of all applications (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
- 🔍 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Choose Hide Apps to Hide Apps.
- ✅ Tick the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ The app will still be displayed in Settings → Annexes.
- ❌ It can be found through system search (if you do not disable indexing).
- ❌ Does not work for system utilities (e.g. Security or Themes).
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To prevent the hidden app from appearing in MIUI search, go to Settings → Search → Search Settings and turn off the “Show Hidden Apps” option.
2.Second Space: Creating a separate workspace
Second Space is a proprietary MIUI feature that allows you to create a second independent user profile with your own apps, settings and data, which is ideal if you want to not just hide the application, but completely isolate it from the main space (for example, for work or personal purposes).
How to set up Second Space on Redmi 9:
- Go to Settings. → Second Space.
- Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to create a password or a pattern lock).
- After creation, switch to a new space through the notification panel (icon) 👤).
- Install or transfer the required applications only in Second Space.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Complete isolation of applications and data | ⚠️ Takes up extra space in memory |
| 🛡️ You can set a password to the entrance. | ⚠️ Some system applications are duplicated |
| 🔄 Quick switching between spaces | ⚠️ Requires settings from scratch (like a new phone) |
Second Space does not encrypt data – for complete security, use App Protection in your security settings.
3. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher)
If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, you can install an alternative launcher that supports application hiding, such as Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi devices) that allows you to hide program icons without root rights.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- 📥 Install a launcher from Google Play.
- 🔧 Go to the launcher settings (Long press on the desktop) → Settings).
- 👁️ Go to Hide Apps (App Drawer tab).
- ✅ Select the programs you want to hide and save the changes.
Advantages of the method:
- 🎨 Flexible configuration of appearance (themes, icons, gestures).
- 🔍 Hidden applications don’t even appear in system search (if the launcher supports this feature).
- 🔄 You can quickly return the badges back.
⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) do not support hiding applications on the Internet. MIUI Check compatibility in reviews before installing.
4. Application Archivation (for system utilities)
If you need to hide a system application (such as Mi Video, Music or Browser) that cannot be removed or disabled in standard ways, you can use the Archival function in MIUI. This will not remove the program completely, but will make it unavailable to run without additional manipulations.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
- Select the Archive option (if it is active).
- Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu and stop updating.
How to return the archived application:
Settings → Applications → Archived → Select the application → Install⚠️ Warning: Archiving system applications can lead to malfunctions MIUI, If the program is critical to the system (e.g. Google Play Services), check before archiving if the application is key.
What system applications can be archived without risk?
5 Advanced Methods: ADB and Rootless Hiding
For power users who are willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a way to hide applications at the system level without obtaining root permissions. This method is suitable for Redmi 9, since it does not require unlocking the bootloader, but requires a connection to a computer.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer's settings).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Commands to hide the application (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer):
adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoplayerTo return the application back:
adb shell pm unhide com.miui.videoplayerCritical: This method only works on MIUI 12 and later. On older firmware versions, the pm hide command may not be supported.
Install Platform Tools on PC
Enable USB debugging on Redmi 9
Connect your phone to your computer and confirm trust
Check the connection with the adb device command
Download the list of application packages by the adb shell pm list packages-->
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To determine the best way to hide applications on Redmi 9, compare all the methods considered by the key criteria:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Hiding from the search? | Is it suitable for system applications? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiding on the MIUI menu | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ❌ No (unless you turn it off in the settings) | ❌ No. |
| Second Space | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (but duplicates) |
| Third-party launchers | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yeah (depends on launcher) | ❌ No. |
| Archiving | ⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially (risk of failure) |
| ADB | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
Selection recommendations:
- 👨👩👧👦 Protecting against children/relatives: Second Space or Hiding on the menu.
- 🔍 Not to allow the application to be found through search: ADB or Nova Launcher.
- 📱 For system utilities: archiving (caution!) or ADB.
- 🛡️ Maximum privacy: Second Space + password.
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On Redmi 9 with MIUI 14 and later, the most reliable way to hide the application without consequences is to use Second Space with a password. This method requires no technical skills and guarantees complete data isolation.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to hide apps on Redmi 9, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
1. The hidden app is still visible in MIUI search
Reason: Search settings include displaying hidden programs.
Solution: Go to Settings → Search → Search Settings and turn off the option to Show Hidden Apps.
2. you cannot hide the system application (for example, Mi Video)
Reason: MIUI blocks the hiding of critical utilities.
Solution: Use ADB or archiving (see sections above).
3 Second Space takes up too much memory
Reason: The second space duplicates system applications and cache.
Solution: After setting up Second Space, clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Cleanup.
4.After the MIUI update, hidden apps reappeared
Reason: Resetting launcher settings or system bug.
Solution: Repeat the concealment procedure. If you use a third-party launcher, upgrade it to the latest version.
⚠️ Note: If, after hiding the application through ADB The phone is braking or overheating, and you can return it with the adb shell pm unhide command.