How to hide applications on Xiaomi Mi A3: All methods from standard to advanced

Xiaomi Mi A3 — One of the few smartphones of the brand, running on “pure” Android One instead of the proprietary shell MIUI. This gives users both advantages (fast updates, no ads) and limitations – for example, the standard app hiding features here are implemented differently than on other Xiaomi devices. Whether you want to eliminate unnecessary programs, system utilities, or just protect privacy, this guide will help you understand all the available methods.

Unlike in the past. MIUI, where the application hiding is built into the launcher settings, on Mi A3 Some methods require minimal technical skills (e.g., working with a computer system). ADB), And some of them are good for beginners, and we'll look at all the current options, from standard Android tools to third-party solutions, and we'll also talk about the pitfalls of each method. Not all apps can be hidden completely (especially system ones), but they can be removed from the main screen and menu.

Why on Mi? A3 There is no standard app hiding function?

The main reason is the lack of a shell MIUI. Most Xiaomi smartphones use a proprietary launcher with built-in program hiding option (for example, in Settings). → Annexes → Hidden applications. However, Mi A3 It runs on Android One, Google’s Android version without customizing the manufacturer. On pure Android, there is no such feature by default, as Google believes that users should have access to all installed programs.

It's not that you can't hide the apps, but you're just going to have to use alternative methods.

• 📱 Change of launcher – installation of a third-party launcher with a concealment function.
• 🔧 ADB-commands - disabling applications through debugging USB.
• 🔒 Passwords and folders – Protecting access to programs without hiding them completely.
• 📦 System settings – disabling or “freezing” unnecessary utilities.

Another nuance: on the Mi A3 You can't completely remove system applications without root rights, but you can disable or hide them from the user, for example, for pre-installed Google services that are not in use but occupy space in the menu.

Method 1: Hiding through a standard launcher (without third-party programs)

While Android One doesn’t have a built-in hide feature, you can do without installing additional utilities. A3). The method is suitable for those who want to simply remove apps from the home screen and menu, but do not remove them completely.

How to hide the application through folders:

1. Press and hold the icon of the app you want to hide.
2. Drag it to another icon to create a folder.
3. Name the folder neutrally (e.g., "Tools" or "Reserve").
4. Move the folder to the second screen or to the end of the app list.

This way of doing this doesn't hide the program completely, but it makes it less visible.

• 🔐 Block the folder with a password (if the launcher supports this function).
• 📌 Use gestures to quickly access hidden programs (e.g. swipe down the screen).
• 🖼️ Install a neutral icon for the folder (via launcher settings, if available).

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If you use hidden apps often, add their widgets to a separate screen, so they will be available, but will not appear in the main menu.

Limitations of the method:

• The app will remain in the All Apps list (swipe up from the dock panel).
• System programs (such as Google Play Music) cannot be removed or completely hidden.
• When a launcher is reset (for example, after an update), the folders can organize.

Method 2: Disable applications through Android settings

If the goal is not to simply hide, but to completely disable unnecessary programs (such as Google preinstalled services or system utilities), this can be done through the settings menu. The method does not require root rights, but has limitations: disabled applications will not update and associated functions may stop working.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes and notifications.
2. Click Show all applications (the number of installed programs will be displayed at the top).
3. Select the app you want to disable (such as Google Play Movie or Mi Video).
4. Click Disable (the button is active only for system applications).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Important: Disabling system applications (such as Google Play Services) can cause your smartphone to run in an unstable way. Do not disable programs that contain the name "Service", "Framework" or "System".

To return the disabled application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications and notifications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System.
3. Find the disabled application and click Enable.

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Disabling applications frees up menu space and reduces background activity, but does not remove them completely. Root rights are required to completely remove system programs.

Method 3: Using a third-party launcher with hidden applications

The most reliable way to hide applications without technical manipulation is to install an alternative launcher that supports this feature. A3 well-worked:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports app hiding, gestures, backup settings.
• 📱 Apex Launcher – a light launcher with the option of hiding and blocking programs.
• 🔒 Microsoft Launcher – allows you to hide applications in “Personal Storage".
• 🎨 Action Launcher – Flexible Icon Visibility Settings.

How to hide apps in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press and hold the free space on the home screen, then select Settings.
3. Go to the Applications menu section → Hidden applications.
4. Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.
5. Click Ready – Apps will disappear from the menu.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need for root or technical knowledge.
• ✅ Hidden applications remain functional (they can be run through search or widgets).
• ✅ The ability to return visibility in two clicks.

Download APK Or install it from Google Play.|Make a backup of the current launcher settings|Check compatibility with Android 9/10|Disable battery optimization for launcher (in application settings)-->

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Some launchers can slightly increase battery consumption.
• ❌ Hidden applications will still be visible in Settings → Annexes.
• ❌ When a launcher is reset (for example, after an update), the hiding settings may reset.

Method 4: Hiding through ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If you are willing to take advantage of the debugging USB, You can hide applications at the system level without rooting. ADB (Android Debug Bridge, and you can disable even those programs that you can't hide in other ways. ADB It can cause malfunctions in the smartphone.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Mi A3 (Settings → The phone. → Build Number – Press 7 times, then return to Settings → System system → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Mi. A3 to the computer and confirm confidence in the device on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. To hide the app, use the command: adb shell pm hide com.package.name Replace com.package.name with a real application package (you can find it through App Inspector).
5. To return visibility: adb shell pm unhide com.package.name

Unique feature of the Mi A3: Android One allows some system packages to be protected from changes ADB. If the pm hide command doesn’t work, try disabling the app via pm disable-user:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.package.name

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

For example, for Google Play Music: adb shell pm list packages | grep music-->

⚠️ Warning: Disabling critical system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) may result in an interface freeze or loss of functionality.Before experimenting, back up your data or write down all executed commands to return changes.

Examples of useful commands for Mi A3:

Method 5: Apps for concealment (without root)

If the previous methods don't work, you can use specialized tools to hide applications, and they work like sandboxes, which create a secure area where hidden programs are placed. A3 Well-established:

• 🔐 App Hider – hides applications under the guise of a calculator or other harmless program.
• 🗃️ Hide App-Hide Application Icon – Simple interface, password support.
• 🛡️ Parallel Space – creates a clone of the application in a protected space.
• 🔑 Calculator Vault – masks hidden programs under a calculator.

How to work with App Hider:

1. Install App Hider from Google Play.
2. Open the utility and set a password (or fingerprint).
3. Press. + and select applications for concealment.
4. Hidden programs will disappear from the menu and will only be available through App Hider.

Advantages:

• ✅ Does not require root rights or ADB.
• ✅ You can hide both user and system applications (except for mission-critical ones).
• ✅ Additional password protection.

⚠️ Warning: Some concealment applications (such as Parallel Space) can slow down a smartphone by creating a virtual space. A3 With its modest 4GB of RAM, this is particularly noticeable. Check the reviews about compatibility with Android One before installing.

Comparison of popular utilities:

What to do if the application is not hidden?

Sometimes even after all the methods are applied, some programs remain visible, and here are the most common causes and solutions:

1.The application is system-based and protected from changes.

Solution: Try to disable it through ADB (See Method 4) or use a hide-out launcher (see Method 3.

2.The launcher does not support cover-up.

Solution: Install an alternative launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher) or use concealment utilities (see Method 5).

3.The app is updated via Google Play and reappears.

Solution: Turn off automatic updates for this app on Google Play → My apps. → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.

4.After the reboot, the hidden apps are visible again.

Solution: This is typical of methods based on ADB Or launchers:

• 🔄 Repeat command ADB post-boot.
• 📱 Install a launcher with autosave settings (e.g., Nova Launcher with backup option).
• 🔒 Use hidden utilities with a password (they save settings even after rebooting).

5. Antivirus blocks utilities for hiding.

Solution: Add a hideout app to the antivirus exceptions or temporarily disable protection during setup.

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If neither method works, check if the application is part of the firmware. For example, Google Play Services or Android System WebView cannot be hidden or disabled without consequences for the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Mi A3