Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons: someone wants to remove unnecessary system utilities, someone hides personal messengers from prying eyes, and some simply optimize the desktop. Unlike iOS, where the functionality of hiding applications is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in and third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some work only until the first reboot, others require superuser rights, and others may conflict with system updates.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to hide applications on Redmi 9 (relevant to MIUI 12-14 versions), including system tools, third-party launchers and little-known firmware chips. Special attention will be paid to hiding system applications without root rights - this is the only method that does not require unlocking the bootloader and retains a guarantee.
Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This is what makes certain features available. For example, MIUI 14 has removed the Hidden Apps option from the standard launcher, but has been replaced by alternative methods.
Why is standard removal not appropriate?
Many users try to simply remove unwanted apps through settings, but this is fraught with consequences. System utilities (such as Mi Video, Mi Music or Cleaner) can not be uninstalled without superuser rights - they can only be disabled or hidden. Even if you use ADB to remove, after another MIUI update, they can return.
⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB or root access can cause smartphone malfunctions, including camera, communication or update issues. On Redmi 9, this is especially true because of the firmware features for budget models.
In addition, some applications (such as Google Play Services or Mi Account) are critical to the stable operation of the device, and their concealment or removal can lead to:
- 🚨 Loss of communication with Xiaomi servers (cloud backups, themes, synchronization will not work).
- 📱 Errors in updating through OTA.
- 🔒 Blocking the Mi Account in case of suspected hacking.
Method 1: Built-in Hidden Applications (MIUI 12 and below)
This method worked on older firmware versions, but MIUI 13-14 removed it from the standard launcher, but on some Redmi 9 versions (for example, for the European or Indian market), the option can be saved.
1. Open the launcher settings: Click on the empty space on the desktop and select Settings (or Screen Settings).
2. Scroll down and find the Hidden Applications section (in English firmware - Hide apps).
3. Select the applications you want to hide and confirm the action.
If this is not the case, don’t worry – we’ll look at alternative methods below.
What if the Hidden Apps option disappeared after the update?
Method 2: Use of Second Space (Second Profile)
Second Space
MIUI
How to set up Second Space on Redmi 9:
1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Follow the instructions for creating a second profile (you will need to create a password).
3. After activation, swipe down from the top edge of the screen and tap the user icon in the top right corner.
4. Select Second Space and install the desired applications only in it.
Now, when you switch between profiles, the hidden apps will only be available in Second Space, which is robust, but has downsides:
- 🔄 Manual switching between profiles is required.
- 📱 Applications are duplicated, taking up additional memory.
- 🔒 Some system utilities (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be completely hidden.
💡
To quickly switch between profiles, add the Second Space widget to your desktop. To do this, pinch the empty space on the screen → Widgets → find Second Space and drag it to a convenient place.
Method 3: Hiding through folders and gestures (without root)
If you just need to get apps out of sight, but don’t necessarily block them, use the standard MIUI tools:
Option 1: Desktop folders
1. Press the app icon and drag it to another icon.
2. Open a folder – call it neutral (for example, “Utilities” or “Tools”).
3 To hide the folder from outsiders, move it to the second or third screen.
Option 2: Hiding through App Vault
App Vault
MIUI
1. Swipe left on your desktop to open the App Vault.
2. Slip on the Settings icon (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Select Edit and add the apps you want to hide from the main screen.
The disadvantage of this method is that the applications remain in the menu of all programs. To remove them from there, you will need to use third-party launchers (see the next section).
Method 4: Third-party launchers with concealment function
If the built-in methods don't suit, install an alternative launcher.
| Launcher | Hiding function | Root | Free version | Required
|------------------|--------------------------|---------------|------------------|
| Nova Launcher | Hiding icons and folders | No | Yes (with restrictions) |
| Apex Launcher | Hiding applications | No | Yes |
| POCO Launcher | Built-in cover | No | Yes |
| Microsoft Launcher | Hiding in the Cart | No | Yes |
Let’s look at the Nova Launcher:
1. Install the launcher from Google Play.
2. Clutch the empty space on the desktop → Settings → Hiding applications.
3. Select the programs you want to hide and confirm.
⚠️ Note: After installing a third-party launcher, some functions MIUI (For example, gestures or themes may not work properly. To return a standard launcher, go to Settings. → Annexes → By default. → Launcher and select MIUI Launcher.
Make a backup of the desktop (screenshot or export settings)
Check the compatibility of the launcher with the version of MIUI
Disable battery optimization for launcher (Settings → Battery → Optimization)
Make sure there is enough memory on the device (minimum 500MB free)-->
Method 5: Hiding System Applications Without Root (ADB)
This method is suitable for power users and allows you to disable (but not remove!) system applications without superuser rights. To work, you will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on your smartphone.
Step-by-step:
1. Enable debugging over USB:
- Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable debugging over USB.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
```bash
adb devices
```
Make sure your device is listed.
4. Get a list of all the applications:
```bash
adb shell pm list packages
```
5. disable the unnecessary application (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer):
```bash
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer
```
To return the application back, use the command:
```bash
adb shell pm enable com.miui.videoplayer
```
⚠️ Warning: Disabling critical system applications (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home) can cause communication loss, interface errors, or "perpetual loading" of your smartphone. → Additionally. → Backup.
- com.miui.videoplayer (Mi Video)
- com.miui.player (Mi Music)
- com.miui.weather2 (Weather)
- com.xiaomi.scanner (Scanner)
- com.miui.bugreport (Error Reports)
Disabling other applications may disrupt the system!-->
How do I get my hidden apps back?
If you have used built-in methods (Second Space or folders), just do the reverse:
For Second Space: Switch to the second profile and remove unnecessary apps from there.
For folders: Open the folder and drag the icon back to the desktop.
If applications have been disabled through ADB, use the command:
```bash
adb shell pm enable <name packet>
```
For third-party launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher):
1. Open the launcher settings.
2. Go to the Hidden Applications section.
3. uncheck the boxes from the programs you want to return.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
| Problem | Reason | Decision |
|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Apps are missing after update | Launcher Reset | Return Launcher settings to factory settings or reinstall it |
| ADB is not working | Drivers are not installed | Install Mi PC Suite or ADB drivers manually |
| Second Space is not activated | Not enough memory | Free up at least 1 GB of memory and restart the device |
| Launcher brakes after installation | Conflict with MIUI optimization | Disable battery optimization for launcher in settings |