How to hide applications on Xiaomi: a complete guide with pictures and videos

Hiding apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in and third-party solutions. However, not all of them are equally effective: some methods simply remove icons from the home screen, others completely block access to the program without a password.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to hide applications on Xiaomi devices (relevant to the MIUI 14/15 and the latest models 2023–2026 Years of experience, including hidden shell features, Second Space use, third-party launchers, and even system restrictions through Security Settings. For example, why a hidden app might reappear after an update or how to get around the limitations on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra or POCO F5).

Before you get to the instructions, keep in mind that hiding system applications (such as com.miui.securitycenter) can lead to unstable phone performance or update errors. MIUI. We recommend backing up data before experimenting – especially if you plan to use it. ADB-commands or edit files manually.

1. Built-in Hidden Applications function in MIUI

The easiest way is to use the standard MIUI tool available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices. This feature does not remove the application, but only removes its icon from the home screen and application menu, leaving access through search or settings.

To hide the app:

• 📱 Long click on the app icon on the home screen or in the app menu.
• 🔒 In the menu that appears, select “Hide the application” (on some firmware – “Remove from the screen»).
• 🔄 Confirm the action in the dialog window.

To return the hidden app:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Show hidden apps”.
3. Find the desired application in the list and click “Show”.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) This feature may not be available due to regional firmware limitations, in which case use alternative methods in the following sections.

2.Use Second Space for complete isolation

Second Space is a feature built into MIUI that allows you to create a separate user profile with unique applications, settings and data, essentially a sandbox in which you can hide any program, including system programs, without risking to the main space.

How to set up Second Space:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second Space.
• 🔑 Create a new profile by following the instructions on the screen (you will need to set a password or a pattern lock).
• 📲 Once created, go to Second Space and install the apps you want (they won’t be visible in your main profile).

Advantages of the method:

• 🛡️ Complete isolation: Second Space apps and data are not available without a password.
• 🔄 You can quickly switch between swipe spaces on the lock screen (configured in Second Space settings).
• 📱 Supported on all devices with MIUI 12 and newer.

⚠️ Note: If you use Second Space to hide banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff), make sure that the security settings turn off notification synchronization between spaces.

3. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher, Apex and others

If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, you can use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which not only hide apps, but also customize gestures, change icons, and even block access to fingerprint programs.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click on the free space on the home screen for a long time and select “Nova Settings”.
3. Go to the “App & widget drawers → Hide apps” section.
4. Tick the apps you want to hide and save the changes.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎨 Flexible interface setting (themes, icons, animations).
• 🔒 Ability to hide system applications (e.g. com.miui.miservice) MIUI).
• 📱 It works on all versions of Android, including MIUI 15.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Some of the squatters may be in conflict with MIUI, languishing.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (due to additional process).

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If notifications from hidden applications disappear after installing the launcher, check the access settings in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Notifications and turn them on manually.

4.Block applications through Security Settings

If your goal is not to simply hide but to block access to an app (for example, so that a child cannot use it), MIUI has a built-in restriction feature that requires you to enter a password or fingerprint every time you run a blocked program.

How to block the application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Set your password (unless previously set).
3. Select applications from the list and activate the lock.

Distinctions from concealment:

• 🔐 The app remains visible on the menu, but requires a password when you open it.
• 📵 You can block access to Google Play, settings, or even calls.
• 🔄 It works independently of the launcher or Second Space.

⚠️ Warning: If you block Settings or Security, you can't undo the lock without resetting your phone to factory settings!

5. Removal of system applications via ADB (for experienced)

This method is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and can lead to unstable phone operation, it allows you to completely remove system applications (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps) that can not be hidden in standard ways.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet (for example, adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer to delete Mi Video).

How to find out the name of the package:

• 📋 Install App Inspector from Google Play.
• 🔍 Find the right app in the list and copy it Package Name.

List of safe apps to remove (on most devices):

• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video
• 🛒 com.xiaomi.mipicks — GetApps
• 📰 com.miui.weather2 — Weather.

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Before you uninstall your system applications via ADB, be sure to back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will allow you to restore your phone if something goes wrong.

6. Hiding apps without root: hider apps

If you need to hide apps from prying eyes, but you don’t want to use Second Space or ADB, you can use specialized programs from Google Play. They work on the principle of “safe”: the applications remain installed, but are only available after you enter a password.

Top.-3 concealment:

How to use App Hider:

1. Install the application and set a password.
2. Select hide apps from the list.
3. A false icon will appear on the home screen (such as a clock or calculator).
4. To access hidden programs, open a “false” icon and enter a password.

⚠️ Note: Some hideout applications may request permission to access notifications or SMS. Before installing, check the reviews and reputation of the developer to avoid data leakage.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When hiding applications on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 Hidden app reappears after update MIUI: This is due to a launcher reset.Solution: Use Second Space or third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) that are independent of system updates.
• 🔐 Forgot Second Space Password: If you don't remember the password, the only way to get access back is to reset Second Space via Settings → Special facilities → Second Space → Remove the space. The data will be deleted!
• ⚙️ I can't hide the system application: System utilities (e.g. com.android.settings) can't be hidden by standard methods. ADB Or turn them off through Settings. → Annexes → Disable (not remove, but remove from active processes).

Another common problem is that notifications from hidden apps disappear, because MIUI, by default, blocks notifications from apps that don't appear on the menu.

1. Open Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification management.
2. Find the hidden app in the list and turn on the notifications display.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions