How to hide applications on Android Xiaomi Redmi

The modern smartphone stores a huge amount of personal information that should not always be open to prying eyes. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the need to remove from the desktop or completely disguise certain programs from the curious glances of friends or colleagues. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offer powerful built-in privacy tools that do not require the installation of third-party software.

There are several effective ways to do this, each with its own specifics and level of protection: you can simply remove the icon from the screen, save access through a special code, or create a completely isolated environment with a separate password.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the options available, from standard system functions to advanced methods for creating second profiles. We will look at the nuances of Hidden Space, settings for Second Space and using guest mode, and understanding these mechanisms will allow you to competently build personal digital security on your device.

Use of the function of Hidden Space

The most popular and convenient way is to use the built-in Hidden Space feature, which allows you to remove icons of selected programs from the desktop and from the menu of all applications, making them visible only after you enter a special code or fingerprint in the search bar. To activate, you need to go to the settings menu and find the Application section, then select Hidden Space.

Once you turn on the function, the system will suggest setting a password or using biometrics to access it, which is a critical step, because without a reliable code, the protection makes no sense. You can assign an access code that will be entered directly in the search bar on the desktop, making the process as invisible as possible to others.

It's important to note that hidden apps don't disappear without a trace, they just stop showing up in the standard interface. To run such a program, you'll need to type the installed code into the search bar, and then the icon will appear in the results. This solution is ideal for those who want to quickly hide and open access to instant messengers or a gallery.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the hidden space password, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to these applications using standard methods, so use reliable but memorable combinations.

Creating a Second Space for Total Isolation

For users who want a higher level of privacy, Xiaomi offers Second Space, which is not just hiding icons, but creating a full-fledged additional profile on the system that works as a separate smartphone inside your device, where you can install individual copies of applications, have your contacts, photos and settings that are not related to the main profile.

Switching between spaces is instantaneous and can be tied to different fingerprints, such as unlocking the left thumb to the main profile, and the right thumb immediately triggers the hidden second space, which allows you to keep secret data completely isolated from the main system.

• 🔒 Complete data isolation: files and photos from the second profile are not visible in the first one.
• 📱 Independent settings: different wallpaper, ringtones and location of widgets.
• 🔐 Separate Password: The ability to set a unique password PIN-code.

To get into this mode, you should open Settings, scroll down to About Phone, or find a separate item Second Space in the main settings menu. Once you create a profile, you will get a clean desktop where you can install any programs you need, which is a great way to separate work and personal life or hide content from children.

Blocking applications through Application Protection

If your goal is not to hide the program, but to deny access to its content, use App Lock, a method that doesn't hide the icon, but requires you to enter a password, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint every time you run the software you select, and it's an effective barrier if your family members who trust the device use the phone, but don't want to show you Telegram correspondence or a history in the browser.

You can set up security through the Security app, which is preinstalled on all Redmi smartphones, and you can find the Application Protection section, activate the function, and set the password inside, and then the system will offer a list of all installed programs, where you can select those that need additional protection.

The security settings can also enable the concealment of notification content, in which case, even if a message comes from a secure application to the locked screen, the text of the message will not be displayed, which adds another layer of privacy, preventing information from leaking through the notification panel.

Guest mode and restrictions for children

In situations where you have to temporarily give your phone to another person, such as to call or view a photo, Guest mode is ideal. Unlike the second space, which permanently stores data, guest mode creates a temporary session with limited rights, after exiting this mode, all actions performed by the guest are deleted, and access to your personal data is blocked.

You can activate this mode through the Quick Settings Panel or in the user menu, and the guest only accesses basic functions and pre-installed apps without seeing your personal files, contacts, or installed programs, a solution often used by parents to control children's access to the device.

In addition, MIUI and HyperOS have an advanced Parental Control feature that allows you not only to limit the time of use, but also to prohibit the launch of certain categories of applications. You can set up a child’s profile where only educational programs and games will be available, and access to the browser or app store will be blocked by a password.

⚠️ Note: Guest mode is not intended for permanent use, as it does not store settings and data between sessions.

Hiding through third-party launchers

If you don’t have enough built-in capabilities or Xiaomi’s interface seems complicated, you can use third-party launchers. Programs like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher often have their own built-in application hide-out features that work independently of the MIUI system settings.

Installing such a launcher allows you to completely change the appearance of the desktop and access additional privacy features, for example, some launchers allow you to hide applications on a schedule or create special folders that are only accessible by fingerprint, which gives you flexibility that is not available in the standard shell.

However, it is worth considering that using a third-party launcher can affect the performance of the device, especially on budget models Redmi.In addition, some Xiaomi system functions may not work properly when replacing the standard interface, so it is recommended to weigh the pros and cons before installing.

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Use the Application Protection feature even for third-party launchers so that no one can just switch back to the standard interface and see your hidden data.

Frequent questions and problem-solving

Despite the ease of setting up, users often face questions about compatibility and access restoration. It is important to understand that hiding applications is software protection, and when you reset the settings to factory, all hidden data will be lost if you do not back up.

If you plan to sell your phone, be sure to complete a full data reset, as simply removing the second space or turning off the hidden mode may not wipe the information permanently.

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Combining security techniques, such as using Second Space with Application Protection, creates the highest level of security for your personal data on Xiaomi.