How to hide apps on Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC: a complete guide with working methods

Hiding apps on Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is a challenge that many users face: Some want to hide personal messengers from prying eyes, some are hampered by system utilities in the general list, and some simply strive for a minimalist desktop. Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where the concealment functionality is often prominent, the Poco X3 NFC with its customized MIUI shell, this process has nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from standard system tools to advanced methods using ADB and third-party launchers. Particular attention will be paid to data security: some methods can lead to failures, if you do not consider the firmware version or features of a particular MIUI build. All instructions are tested on the latest versions of the Poco X3 NFC software (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS).

1. Hiding applications through standard MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in shell tools. There are two options available on the Poco X3 NFC: hide from the application menu and lock through Second Space, both of which require no superuser rights and are reversible.

To hide the app from the general list:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose the app you want (such as Galery or Mi Video).
3. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Hide the app.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔍 Does not work for system utilities (e.g. Security or Cleaner).
• 📱 The app will remain in the All Apps list (available via search).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Hidden applications can be displayed again.

Second Space, a second desktop with a separate set of applications, is a more reliable hiding feature, and it's useful if you want to separate personal and work applications:

Settings → Special features → Second Space → Create a space

⚠️ Note: When using Second Space, application data (e.g., Telegram correspondence) is not synchronized between spaces, and the feature may conflict with some banking applications due to the changed runtime environment.

2. Use of hidden folders (without root)

If you want to hide an application from outsiders but not remove it from the system, a hidden folder is a good option. On Poco X3 NFC, this is implemented through the standard file manager Mi File Explorer or third-party applications like Nova Launcher.

Instructions for Mi File Explorer:

1. Create a new folder on your internal drive (e.g..hidden – a point at the beginning makes it hidden).
2. Move the application shortcuts to it (hold the icon on the desktop → Delete does not remove the application, but only removes the shortcut).
3. Return to Settings → Show hidden files and turn off this option.

Advantages of the method:

• 🛡️ Applications remain functional but not available through search.
• 🔄 It's easy to put the labels back.
• 📱 Does not require superuser rights.

💡

To quickly access the hidden folder, add it to Favorites in the file manager, which eliminates the need to turn on the display of hidden files every time.

For advanced users, there is an alternative, encrypted containers (for example, through Cryptomator), which is more reliable, but requires additional actions:

1. Install Cryptomator from Google Play.


2. Create an encrypted volume on internal memory.




3. Move APK- application files to the container (pre-backup through adb backup).




4. Remove the original applications.

⚠️ Note: When using encrypted containers, do not update hidden apps via Google Play, which can lead to data loss or version conflicts. APK containerized.

3. Third-party launchers: Nova, Apex, Microsoft Launcher

If standard methods don't work, alternative launchers can be used, offering advanced concealment features including:

• 📱 Hiding individual apps from the menu.
• 🔒 Blocking access by password or fingerprint.
• 🎨 Customization of appearance (hiding folders, changing icons).

The most popular options for Poco X3 NFC are:

To set up the hideout in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher and make it the main one (Settings → Home Screen → Nova Launcher).
2. Keep your finger on the desktop → Nova settings.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the required apps (for example, Facebook or TikTok).

Backup the current desktop settings |

Check the compatibility of the launcher with the version MIUI|

Disable battery optimization for launcher |

Remove unnecessary labels from the old launcher-->

Important nuance: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) may conflict with Xiaomi's Second Space. If hidden apps from the second space are missing after installing the new launcher, return the standard launcher via Settings → Applications → Default → Home Screen.

4. Hiding through ADB (no root rights)

For power users, the method is available using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to hide system applications that can not be removed or disabled by standard methods (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps).

Advantages of the method:

• 🛠️ It works without superuser rights.
• 📱 Does not require unlocking the loader.
• 🔄 Reversible process (can be returned to the application).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect Poco X3 NFC to your PC and execute commands: adb shell pm hide com.miui.browser # example for Mi Browser pm hide com.miui.video # example for Mi Video

List of popular concealment packages:

com.miui.browser       - Mi Browser


com.miui.video          - Mi Video




com.xiaomi.scanner      - Mi Scanner




com.miui.analytics - MIUI Analytics




com.miui.cleanmaster - Cleaning (Cleaner)

⚠️ Warning: Do not hide applications with com.android. or com.qualcomm packages. - this can lead to the failure of the basic functions of the phone (calls, mobile Internet, camera). -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab.

5. Hiding by Root Rights (Advanced Method)

If your Poco X3 NFC has unlocked the bootloader and Magisk installed, there are additional ways to hide, such as:

• 🗑️ Completely remove system applications via Titanium Backup.
• 🔧 Freeze them with Lucky Patcher or App Quarantine.
• 📁 Move to the user area (/data/app) functionally.

To remove system applications through Magisk:

1. Install the System App Remover module from the Magisk repository.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Open the module and select the removal apps (such as Mi Pay or Mi Credit).

Risks of the method:

• 🚨 Possible disruptions MIUI (For example, missing notification icons).
• 🔄 After updating the firmware, remote applications can return.
• 📱 Some banking apps refuse to work on rooted devices.

💡

Use root methods only if you are confident in your actions. For most tasks, you will need ADB or third-party launchers that do not require unlocking the bootloader.

If the phone starts to work unstable after removing the system application, restore it via TWRP (if there is a backup) or reflash MIUI through Fastboot. On the Poco X3 NFC, the official firmware from the Xiaomi site will suit this.

Alternative methods: hide-out applications

For those who don't want to mess with the system settings, there are specialized applications that are safe-based, which hide other programs behind a password or a fingerprint.

• 🔐 App Hider – creates clones of applications with separate access.
• 📱 Hide App-Hide Application – Hiding icons and blocking launch.
• 🛡️ Calculator Vault – masks hidden applications under a calculator.

How do these applications work:

1. After installation (like App Hider), select hide-out apps.
2. Ask. PIN-code.
3. The hidden app icon will disappear from the menu, and access will be possible only through the safe.

Disadvantages of the method:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (the application runs in the background).
• 📶 Possible conflicts with MIUI Optimization (turn it off in the developer settings).
• 🛡️ Some "hiding rooms" contain advertising or collect data.

Example of Calculator Vault settings:

1. Install the app from Google Play.


2. Run it and set the password.




3. Press + and select hide apps (like WhatsApp or Viber).




4. Now to access hidden applications, you need to open the "Calculator" and enter a password.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When hiding applications on the Poco X3 NFC, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Tips for stable work:

• 🔄 Before hiding system applications through ADB Check their dependency (for example, Mi Share is needed for fast file transfer).
• 📱 If you use Second Space, don’t hide security-related apps (Google Play Protect, Mi Security) in it).
• 🔋 After mass hiding applications, reboot – this will help MIUI correctly update the cache.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions