How to hide apps on Xiaomi Mi 9T: from standard methods to secret MIUI features

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) runs on MIUI, which offers several ways to hide apps from prying eyes, and the reasons for this can be different: the desire to remove system utilities that can not be removed, protecting personal data from the curious, or simply striving for a minimalist desktop. However, not all methods are equally effective — some simply hide icons, and others completely block access to programs without a password.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to hide Mi 9T apps, including little-known MIUI features that don’t require root rights. You’ll learn how to use embedded shell tools, third-party launchers, and secret settings that aren’t even mentioned in the official documentation. Importantly, some methods may differ depending on the version of MIUI (e.g., MIUI 12 vs MIUI 14), so we’ll point out the features for each.

If you don't just need to hide an icon, but completely block access to an app (like a banking or messenger), look at the Second Space section, a unique feature of Xiaomi that creates an isolated profile with a separate set of programs. And for those who want to get it back, we have a manual to undo the hiding without losing data.

Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help avoid confusion with the location of menu items.

1. Hiding applications through the "Second Space" (the most reliable way)

The Second Space feature is Xiaomi’s proprietary solution that creates a separate isolated profile on the phone with its own apps, settings, and even a password, and the advantage of the method is that hidden programs disappear completely from the main space and do not appear in either the menu or the search.

To activate this function:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Click "Create a second space" and follow the instructions (you will need to create a password).
3. After creation, navigate to the second space through the notification panel (the icon in the form of two circles).
4. Remove unnecessary apps from the main space – they will only remain in the second.

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Note: If you forget the password from the second space, it will be impossible to restore access without resetting the phone to factory settings. Xiaomi does not provide official ways to bypass this protection.

This method is ideal for hiding instant messengers, banking apps or games that other phone users should not have access to, but note that Second Space takes up an extra space in memory — about 1-2 GB depending on the number of programs installed.

Make sure there is enough free memory on your phone.

Create a strong password (at least 6 characters)

Write your password to a secure location (for example, a password manager)

Check that important data is synced to the cloud-->

2.Using the Hidden Applications function in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, the Xiaomi Mi 9T introduced a built-in Hidden Apps feature that allows you to remove icons from the menu, but leaves programs on the system. This is easier than Second Space, but less reliable: hidden apps can still be found through search or settings.

Instructions for activation:

1. Hold your finger on the free space on the desktop.
2. Select Desktop Settings (or Launcher Settings in some versions).
3. Go to the "Hidden Applications" section.
4. Tick the programs you want to hide and click "Done".

To bring back hidden applications:

1. Go back to Desktop Settings → Hidden Applications.
2. Take the boxes off the right programs.

🔍 Where to look for hidden applications?

• 📱 Through a search by phone (swipe down on the desktop).
• 🔧 B Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 📁 In the menu "All applications" (if you swipe left on the main screen).

This method is suitable for temporary hiding of rarely used utilities, but does not provide protection from the curious. For example, if someone knows about the function of hidden applications, they will be able to easily find them.

Second Space | Hidden Applications in MIUI | Third-Party Launchers | Desktop Folders |I'm not hiding-->

3. Hiding through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher)

If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, you can install an alternative launcher from Google Play, popular options are Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or POCO Launcher (developed specifically for Xiaomi devices), which allows you to not only hide the icons, but also customize gestures, animations and the appearance of the interface.

Example of Hidden Configuration in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Hold your finger on the desktop → "Settings Nova".
3. Go to "Application Settings" → "Hide Apps".
4. Select the programs you want to hide and save the changes.

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Note: Some launchers (such as POCO Launcher) may conflict with MIUI features such as Second Space.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎨 More opportunities for customization of the interface.
• 🔒 Some launchers support blocking hidden apps with a password.
• 📱 Works on all versions MIUI Android.

Disadvantages:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (launchers operate in the background).
• 💰 Some features (like hiding icons in Nova Launcher Prime) are paid for.

💡

If after installing the launcher, the weather widgets or the MIUI watch are missing, try turning off battery optimization for the launcher in your phone settings.

4. Hiding in folders or through "App Lock" (access lock)

If you don’t need to hide the app completely, but rather restrict access to it, you can use two simple methods:

Method 1: Folders on the desktop

1. Press the app icon and drag it to another icon.
2. Create a folder with a neutral name (for example, “Utilities” or “Games”).
3. Put all the apps you want to hide in it.
4. Click on the folder name → “Folder settings” → “Hide the name” (if necessary).

Method 2: Password-Blocking Applications (App Lock)

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Set a password or pattern lock.
3. Select the apps you want to block.

🔐 How different are these methods?

💡 If you're using App Lock, remember that you can reset your password through your Mi Account if you've tied it up, which can be a vulnerability if your phone falls into the wrong hands.

5. Hiding system applications without root (via ADB)

Some Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser) cannot be removed or disabled through standard settings, but can be disabled using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands without getting root rights. This will not remove the programs completely, but will make them invisible and inactive.

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Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can cause your phone to crash. Before executing commands, make sure you have USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press on version → return to Additional Settings → For Developers → USB debugging).

Instructions for disabling system applications:

1. Connect the Mi 9T to your computer via USB and allow debugging.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. To disable the application (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer), type: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer
4. To return the application back: adb shell pm enable com.miui.videoplayer

📌 List of popular packages of system applications Xiaomi:

• 🎵 com.miui.player - Music
• 🌐 com.android.browser - Browser
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer - Video player
• 📦 com.miui.cleanmaster - Cleanup
• 📊 com.miui.analytics – Analytics (can be turned off without consequences)

⚠️ What applications should not be turned off?

• 🚫 com.miui.home - launcher MIUI.