Xiaomi’s Android 10-powered MIUI smartphones offer several ways to hide apps from prying eyes.This feature is useful if you want to protect sensitive data, remove rarely used programs, or simply keep order on the home screen. However, not everyone knows that MIUI 11/12 (current for Android 10) does not implement app hiding as clearly as in newer versions.
In this article, we’ll break down 5 working methods – from built-in tools to third-party solutions – that will help hide apps on your Redmi, Poco or Mi smartphone. It’s important to keep in mind that some methods may differ depending on the model (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro vs Mi 9T) and the version of MIUI. If you’re not sure about your firmware version, check it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI.
Before you start, remember: Hiding apps ≠ All data and cache remain on the device, and the programs themselves continue to work in the background. If the goal is to free up memory, you better use the cache cleanup function or complete deletion through Settings. → Annexes.
1. Built-in Hidden Applications function in MIUI
The easiest way is to use the standard MIUI tool, which is available without installing additional programs, which does not remove applications, but only removes them from the menu and search Launcher.
To activate it:
- 📱 Open Settings and go to the Application section → Application management.
- 🔍 In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Hidden Applications.
- ➕ Click Add Apps and tick the ones you want to hide.
- 🔒 Confirm the choice with a password or fingerprint (if the screen lock is configured).
After that, the apps will disappear from the main menu, but will remain in Settings → Applications and will appear in the list of running processes. To return them back, repeat the same steps and uncheck.
⚠️ Note: If you are using a third-party launcher (such as a Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) hidden through the MIUI Applications can remain visible. In this case, apply the methods in the following sections.
2. Hiding through the "Second Space" (Dual Apps)
The MIUI’s Second Space feature is originally designed to create a separate work profile with its own applications and data, but it can also be used to hide programs from the main user.
Algorithm of action:
- Go to Settings. → Second space.
- Activate the function by following the system prompts (you will need to create a separate password).
- After setting up, go to Settings of the second space → Clone applications.
- Select the apps you want to hide in the main space and clone them into the second.
- Return to the main space and remove the original versions of the apps (they will remain in the second space).
Now, apps will only be available after switching to a second space through a notification panel or locking the screen, a method that is robust but requires additional steps to switch between spaces.
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If you switch between spaces often, add a shortcut for quick access to the home screen: pinch the empty space on the screen → Widgets → Find Second Space
3. Use of the function "Private Mode" (Private Mode)
MIUI offers Private Mode, the equivalent of Samsung’s Secret Folder, which allows you to hide not only files but individual apps, but it doesn’t work on all Xiaomi models with Android 10.
Check for the function:
- 🔐 Open Files (Standard Application) MIUI).
- 📁 In the top menu, find the Private tab (if not, your model does not support this mode).
- 🔑 Set up a password or fingerprint to access.
- 📱 Drag the desired applications to the private zone (if the function supports hiding programs).
If you don’t have a Private tab, try the alternative path: Settings → Privacy → Private Mode. On some devices (like Redmi Note 9 Pro), this section may be called Security → Private folder.
What to do if there is no private regime?
4. Hiding through folders and launcher settings
If you do not need strong password protection, but just want to remove applications from sight, use the standard features of MIUI Launcher:
Method 1: Folders on the main screen
- 📂 Press the app icon and drag it to another icon to create a folder.
- 🏷️ Name the folder neutral (for example, tools or utilities).
- 🔒 To hide the folder from being opened accidentally, move it to the second or third screen.
Method 2: Disabling the display in the menu
- 📱 Press the app icon in the menu and select Application Information.
- 🚫 Click Disable (the application will stop showing but will remain in the system).
- ⚙️ To return it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Disconnected.
These methods don't provide data protection, but they help maintain order, such as hiding standard MIUI applications that can't be removed (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music).
| Method | Password required | Hiding from the menu | Hiding from the search | It works on all models. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Applications (MIUI) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Second space | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Private regime | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No (depending on the model) |
| Folders on screen | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Disabling the application | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
5. Third-party applications for hiding (without root)
If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use third-party utilities. It's important to choose proven programs from Google Play to avoid data leaks.
Top.-3 concealment:
- 🔐 App Hider – creates “false” icons (for example, under the guise of a calculator) and requires PIN access.
- 🛡️ Hide App-Hide Application Icon – hides icons without deletion, supports fingerprint locking.
- 📱 Nova Launcher – allows you to hide applications through the launcher settings (Nova Settings) → App & widget drawers → Hide apps).
Check the reviews and ratings of the app before installing. Some utilities (such as App Hider) may request permission to access notifications, which is necessary to disguise them as other programs. Never install APKs from unverified sources: this can lead to infection of the device with spyware.
⚠️ Note: Third-party applications for concealment may conflict with MIUI Optimizations (built-in system optimization). If after installing the utility, the smartphone began to slow down, disable optimization in Settings → Special facilities → MIUI Optimizations and restart the device.
Check the rating and reviews on Google Play
Download only the official version (not APK from third-party sites)
Create a backup copy of important data
Disable MIUI Optimizations (if necessary)
Set up screen lock (PIN/fingerprint)
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Frequent problems and their solutions
When you hide applications on Xiaomi with Android 10, users encounter typical errors.
Problem 1: Hidden apps reappear after update
This is due to the reset of the MIUI Launcher when you update.
- 🔄 Re-add apps to the list of hidden ones through Settings → Annexes → Hidden applications.
- 📥 If the function is missing, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.
Problem 2: The Second Space is not working.
On some models (e.g. Poco X3 NFC), this feature can be disabled in regional firmware.
- 🌍 Install a global version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global through Settings → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a Service Package.
- 🔧 Activate the function through ADB (PC required):
adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1Problem 3: Apps are hidden but take up memory
Hiding doesn't remove applications -- they keep taking up space.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Select the application → Clear the cache.
- 🚫 Turn off autostart: Settings → Permits → Auto-start.
- 🔄 If the application is not needed, delete it through Settings → Annexes → Remove (even if it is hidden).
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If you hide MIUI system applications (such as Mi Browser or GetApps), removing them completely can cause shell malfunctions, in which case it is better to use disabling, not uninstalling.