How to hide applications Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the full guide

Hiding apps on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to protect personal data to having to get rid of the visual clutter on the home screen. This model, which runs on the basis of MIUI (usually version 12-14), offers several built-in and third-party solutions for masking programs. However, not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove icons from the screen, others completely block access to applications without a password.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways, including hiding through MIUI settings, using alternative launchers, archiving APKs, and even creating password-protected secret folders. We will focus on the nuances associated with the Redmi Note 8 Pro: for example, why the standard Hidden Apps feature may not work on custom firmware or after resetting, and you will learn how to return hidden programs back and what to do if they disappear from the menu after updating the system.

Before you start, consider that some methods require superuser rights (root), which voids the warranty and increases security risks. We will note these cases separately. For most tasks, standard MIUI tools will suffice, and we will consider them first.

1. Standard method: Hidden applications function in MIUI

The easiest way to hide programs on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is to use the built-in MIUI option. It doesn't remove apps, it just removes their icons from the menu and search, leaving the ability to run through settings. It works on all versions of MIUI starting with 11, but can be disabled in some regional firmware.

To activate the function:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
3. In the list, tick the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.

After that, the icons will disappear from the home screen and from the app menu, but they can still be found:

• 🔍 Searching the system (unless disabled in privacy settings).
• 📱 In the section All applications in the settings MIUI.
• 🔄 After restarting the device (sometimes the icons are temporarily returned).

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If Hidden Apps is not on the menu, check the MIUI version. On some firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced), this feature is moved to Settings → Privacy → Special Permissions.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work for system applications (e.g. Security or Themes).
• ❌ Hidden programs remain available through Settings → Annexes.
• ❌ After resetting the settings, the list of hidden applications is reset.

2. Archiving applications: how to hide without removal

If you don’t just want to remove an icon, but to freeze the program completely so that it doesn’t update or waste resources, use archiving, which is suitable for rarely used applications that you don’t want to delete (for example, bank customers with tied accounts).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and tap Archive (or Disable if archiving is not available).
3. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu and stop working, but its data will be saved.

To return the archived application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Archived.
2. Find the program in the list and click Restore.

Archived apps don't get updates through the Play Market, and if you care about the relevance of the program (for example, for instant messengers or banking customers), this method is not suitable.

3.Second Space: An Alternative Space for Privacy

The Redmi Note 8 Pro supports Second Space, a separate work profile with its own apps, settings and data, which is ideal if you want to not just hide programs, but create a completely isolated environment (for example, for work or personal affairs).

How to set up Second Space:

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Second Space
2. Follow the customization wizard: set a password (required!) and select duplicate applications.
3. After creating, switch between swipe spaces via the lock button or through the notification panel.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: applications from the main space are not visible in Second Space and vice versa.
• 📱 Different wallpaper, settings and accounts (for example, you can use two WhatsApp on the same phone).
• 🔐 Password protection when switching.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Takes up additional space in memory (duplicate system files).
• ⚠️ Some apps (like Google Pay) may not work in Second Space due to security restrictions.

4. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher and others

If the built-in MIUI methods don't suit you, try alternative launchers that allow you to flexibly adjust the visibility of icons, group applications into folders with a password, and even mask them as system utilities.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports hiding icons through application box settings.
• 🔐 Apex Launcher – allows you to block access to folders with a password.
• 📂 POCO Launcher – optimized for Xiaomi devices, has a built-in hiding function.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from the Play Market and make it the main one (at the first start the system will offer to do this).
2. Press the free space on the home screen → Settings → Application box.
3. Select Hide Apps and select the desired programs.
4. For additional protection, install the Nova Launcher Prime plugin (paid version) and activate folder lock.

Warning:

⚠️ Some launchers (especially from unverified sources) may conflict with the shell. MIUI, Before installing, check the reviews of Redmi Note 8 Pro users on forums (for example, before installing, 4PDA or Mi Community).

5. Secret folders with password protection

For maximum privacy, create a password-enabled folder that can be shortcutted to applications. This method does not hide programs at the system level, but makes them inaccessible without entering. PIN-fingerprint.

Implementation methods:

Option 1: Built-in MIUI (for files and applications):

1. Open the File Manager application.
2. Go to the Personal tab. → Secret folder.
3. Set a password and move the shortcuts of the desired applications to the folder (to do this, hold the icon on the home screen and select Move to the Secret folder).

Option 2: Third-party annexes:

• 🔒 App Hider – masks programs as a calculator or other harmless tool.
• 🗃️ Calculator Vault – creates a hidden storage, accessible only through code entry in the “calculator".
• 🔐 Hide It Pro (Audio Manager) – imitates an audio manager, but actually hides files and applications.

Important: applications from secret folders can continue to work in the background (e.g., receive notifications), and to block their activity completely, combine this method with archiving or disabling in the MIUI settings.

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Secret folders do not protect against power users who can find hidden programs through Settings → Applications or file manager with root rights. For complete privacy, use Second Space or archiving.

6. Root methods: for power users

If you are ready to get root rights (for example, through Magisk), there will be additional opportunities for hiding applications, which are suitable for removing system programs or deep camouflage, but require technical skills and void the warranty.

Popular tools:

• 🛠️ Titanium Backup – allows you to freeze any applications, including system applications.
• 🔧 Lucky Patcher – removes license checks and hides software from the system (risky for bank customers!).
• 📦 App Quarantine – isolates applications in the “quarantine zone” without removing them.

Examples of Titanium Backup:

1. Install Titanium Backup and provide root access.


2. In the main menu, select the tab "Frozen".




3. tick the apps you want to hide.




4.Click "Freeze" - the programs will disappear from the system and stop working.

Risks of root methods:

⚠️ Attention! Upon obtaining root rights: - BankID, Google Pay and other financial applications may stop working. - Updates MIUI "Air" will become inaccessible (you will have to install firmware manually). - Increases the likelihood of infection with viruses when installing modified APK.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after successfully hiding apps, Redmi Note 8 Pro users face typical challenges.

Problem 1: Hidden apps reappear after a reboot.

Solution: This is a bug of some versions of MIUI. Check system updates or use third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) that don't reset settings.

Problem 2: Can't find the "Hidden Apps" item in the settings.

Solution: You may have a global firmware with stripped-down features. EU-version MIUI via Fastboot or use alternative methods (Second Space, Archiving).

Problem 3: Archived applications take up space in memory.

Solution: Archiving saves the program data, so no space is vacated. To completely remove the application, use Settings → Applications → Delete.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions