How to hide applications on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all the ways from simple to complex

Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphones running MIUI offer several built-in ways to hide applications from prying eyes, which may be necessary to protect personal data, organize the desktop or restrict access to certain programs. However, not everyone knows that in addition to the standard hidden through Security, there are other methods, from using second space to changing system files.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hiding through MIUI settings, creating a second space, using launchers, and even manually removing icons through ADB. It is important to understand that some methods require superuser rights (root) or can affect the stability of the system.

Also note that MIUI interfaces may vary depending on the firmware version. In this guide, we focus on Redmi 8 with MIUI 12/13, but most of the ways are relevant for other versions. If your smartphone runs MIUI 14+, some menu items can be renamed or moved.

Finally, remember that hiding applications is not the same as removing them, that programs will still take up space in memory and can be displayed in the All Apps menu or settings, and that you will need root rights or special utilities to completely remove system applications.

Method 1: Hiding through Security (standard MIUI method)

The easiest and safest way to hide applications on Redmi 8 is to use the built-in Hidden Apps feature in the Security section, a method that does not require superuser rights and is suitable for most users.

To hide the app:

1. Open Settings → Security → Hidden Applications.
2. Enter a password or pattern lock (if requested).
3. Select the apps you want to hide and click Hide.

After that, the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu. To see them again, repeat the steps and uncheck the desired programs. Note that hidden applications will still appear in the list of installed programs in the settings, but they will not be able to run without entering a password.

This method is suitable for:

• 🔒 Hiding messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) from outsiders
• 📱 Removing icons of rarely used utilities
• 👤 Restrictions on access for children or colleagues

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the Security section, you can only restore access to hidden applications by resetting your smartphone settings, which will result in the deletion of all data!

Method 2: Use of the second space (Dual Apps)

The second space feature in MIUI allows you to create a separate user profile with unique settings, applications and data, not just hiding, but rather isolating applications in another virtual phone.

How to set up the second space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click "Create a Second Space" and follow the instructions.
3. After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the lock screen (you need to enable in the settings).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Complete data isolation (the applications in the second space are not visible in the main)
• 📱 The ability to duplicate instant messengers (for example, two WhatsApp accounts)
• 🔄 Quick switch without entering a password

Disadvantages:

• 📴 It takes up additional space in memory (up to) 2-3 GB)
• 🔄 Applications in the second space are not automatically updated.

Method 3: Hiding through third-party launchers

If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, you can use third-party launchers with advanced app hiding capabilities, popular options include Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or POCO Launcher.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one.
2. Hold your finger on the desktop → "Settings Nova".
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Select the programs you want to hide and confirm.

Advantages of launchers:

• 🎨 Flexible interface configuration
• 🔍 Ability to hide system applications (e.g, MIUI Daemon)
• 📱 Keeping Hidden After Updates MIUI

⚠️ Note: Some scalings may be in conflict with MIUI, You can also check the reviews for your Redmi 8 before installing.

Method 4: Disable icons via ADB (for advanced)

For users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to hide app icons without removing them, a method that requires connecting a smartphone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to unlock Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developer → Debugging over USB.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: adb shell pm hide com.example.app Replace com.example.app with the application packet name (you can find it through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

To return the icon, use the command:

adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

This method is suitable for:

• 🔧 Hiding system applications (e.g. com.miui.cleanmaster)
• 📱 Removing icons of preinstalled Xiaomi services
• 🔒 Hiding applications without root rights

💡

To find out the batch name of any application, install App Inspector from Google Play. It shows the full information about all installed programs, including system ones.

Method 5: Removing icons through root (extreme method)

If you have root rights, you can completely remove the application icons from the system launcher.This is a risky method, as improper actions can lead to a bootloop.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/app (for custom applications) or /system/priv-app (for system applications).
3. Find a folder with the batch name of the application (for example, com.facebook.katana) and rename it by adding.bak to the beginning (for example,.bak_com.facebook.katana).
4. Reboot your smartphone.

Warnings:

• 🚨 Removing system applications can disrupt the work MIUI.
• 🔄 After updating the firmware hidden applications can return.
• 📴 Backup copy is mandatory!

⚠️ Note: If after renaming the folder, the smartphone stopped loading, restore the original name through TWRP Recovery or re-flash the device.

💡

Hiding through root is the most radical method, and should only be used if other methods fail, and is suitable for removing pre-installed software that cannot be disabled by standard means.

Comparison of all ways to hide applications

To choose the best method, compare all the methods considered by key parameters:

For most Redmi 8 users, the best solution is a combination of the first and second methods: hiding non-critical applications through “Security”, and for instant messengers and social networks – using the second space.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Redmi 8