How to hide applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from icons to system processes

Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that comes with users for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal data from prying eyes. Unlike devices on pure Android, smartphones with a MIUI shell offer several unique ways to mask programs - both built-in and through third-party tools.

It is important to understand that the concept of “hide” can mean different actions: removing the icon from the home screen, blocking notifications, restricting access through Second Space (second desktop), or even completely removing system applications without root rights. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including the little-known functions of MIUI 12/13/14 that work specifically on Redmi 9 (models M2003J15SC, M2004J19C and the like).

We will pay special attention to the nuances: why some applications can not be hidden by standard means, how to circumvent the manufacturer’s restrictions and what to do if important functions (for example, Google Play Services or Mi Account) are lost after manipulation. Also consider the risks of using third-party launchers and tools like ADB — and when their use is justified.

1. Hiding application icons through the standard MIUI launcher

The easiest way to remove an app from view is to hide its icon in the All Apps menu, which doesn't delete the program or block it from working, but makes it less visible, and is suitable for users who want to get rid of visual noise without going into the system settings.

How it works on Redmi 9:

• 📱 Open the menu of all applications (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the right application and pinch its icon on 1-2 seconds.
• 🚫 At the top of the screen will appear the button Hide (or Remove from the screen in new versions). MIUI). Press it.
• 🔒 To return the icon, go to Settings → Annexes → Hidden applications.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work for system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music).
• ❌ The icon will remain visible in the search by device (Search for applications in the MIUI).
• ❌ Notifications from the hidden app will still be displayed.

💡

If the Hide button doesn’t appear, update the MIUI launcher via Settings → About Phone → System Update. In versions below MIUI 12.5, this feature may not be available.

2.Use of the Second Space feature to completely isolate applications

Second Space is a feature built into MIUI that creates a second desktop with separate settings, applications and data, and is ideal for hiding apps from other users of the phone (such as children or colleagues), as it allows you to completely isolate selected programs.

How to set up Second Space on Redmi 9:

1. 🔧 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second Space.
2. 🔑 Create a second profile by following the system prompts (you will need to set a separate password or pattern lock).
3. 📲 In Main Space, select the apps you want to hide and transfer them to Second Space via the Control Menu.
4. 🔄 To switch between spaces, use a gesture: swipe with two fingers on the lock screen (configured in the Second Space settings).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: Hidden applications are not visible in the main space, including their data and notifications.
• 🛡️ You can set a separate password to access Second Space.
• 📱 It works even for system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Mi Community).

3. Block notifications and background activity

If the goal is not just to hide the icon, but to make the application as invisible as possible, it is worth turning off its notifications and limit the background work, this is especially true for programs that constantly send alerts (for example, messengers or games).

Instructions for Redmi 9:

1. 🛠️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
2. 🔍 Select the desired application from the list.
3. 🔔 Click on Notifications and turn off the Show Notifications switch.
4. 🔄 In the Battery section, select Background Limitation (this will stop background activity).

Additional settings for complete "invisibility":

• 📵 Disable Autostart in the Application Settings (AutoStart section).
• 🔕 B Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb add the app to the exclusion list so it can not bypass the "Do Not Disturb" mode".
• 📊 B Settings → Confidentiality → Special permissions revoke access to contacts, location and other data.

4. Removal of system applications without root rights (via ADB)

Some Xiaomi system applications (such as Mi Pay, Mi Game Center or Cleaner) cannot be removed by standard means, but they can be uninstalled via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without obtaining root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. 💻 Install. ADB-Drivers on PC (download Platform Tools from Google).
2. 🔌 Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB and turn on the debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
3. 🖥️ Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) file ADB enter:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear).

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.nameservice

Replace com.xiaomi.nameservice with the batch name of the desired application (see table below).

List of popular Xiaomi system applications and their batch names:

Install Platform Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the adb device command|Download the list of batch names for your version MIUI-->

Important: Removing system applications can cause MIUI to crash, especially if it is com.xiaomi.finddevice (device search) or com.xiaomi.mipicks (theme store). Before deleting, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

5. Third-party launchers and utilities for hiding applications

If the built-in MIUI features aren’t enough, you can use third-party solutions that offer more flexibility but require caution: some launchers may conflict with Xiaomi’s shell, and concealment utilities may request redundant permissions.

Popular tools:

• 📱 Nova Launcher – allows you to hide icons through the application menu settings (Long press) → Settings Nova → Hidden applications).
• 🔒 App Hider (or Calculator%) – creates a “secret” space, masquerading as a calculator or other utility.
• 🛡️ Island (requires root) – isolates applications in a separate user profile (similar to Second Space, but with more features).

Risks of using third-party launchers:

• ⚠️ Animation may slow down due to conflict with optimizations MIUI.
• ⚠️ Some functions (such as navigation gestures) may not work properly.
• ⚠️ Launchers like Nova or Apex don’t hide apps from Xiaomi’s search engine.

💡

Third-party launchers don’t remove apps — they only hide their icons. For complete privacy, combine them with disabling notifications and limiting background activity.

6.Reset to factory settings as a last resort

If Redmi 9 starts to work unstable after experimenting with hiding applications (for example, notifications disappear, settings fail to open, or errors like “com.android.systemui stopped”), a factory reset may be necessary, which will delete all user data, but return the system to its original state.

How to perform the reset:

1. 🔄 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings.
2. 📱 Select to erase all data (if necessary, enter a password).
3. ⏳ Wait until the process is completed (it will take). 5-10 minute).

What to do after the discharge:

• 🔙 Restore data from a backup (if it was created via Mi Cloud or locally).
• 🚫 Do not remove system applications through ADB In the first few days after resetting, let the system stabilize.
• 🔧 If the problem recurs, check firmware integrity through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Verification of updates.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to hide or remove applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: if after removing the system application through ADB phone stopped loading (hang on the Redmi logo), try to go to Fastboot (click Power). + Volume down) and execute command: fastboot flash system system.img (You need an original firmware for your model).

Other common mistakes:

• 🔄 "The application is not removed through ADB" — Check if the packet name is correct (use the adb shell pm list packages command to output the list).
• 🔒 "Second Space does not open after the update – reset Second Space settings in Settings → Special facilities → Second Space → Reset.
• 📱 "Hidden app icon reappears after reboot is a launcher bug MIUI; Try to change the launcher to a third-party one (for example, Nova).

If neither method worked, it may be regional firmware, such as global versions of Redmi 9 (M2004J19G) that may have limited features (like Second Space), which can be done by flashing it to EEA or Russian MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions