How to hide applications on Xiaomi Redmi 12: from built-in MIUI features to secret launchers

Hiding applications on Xiaomi Redmi 12 is a challenge that comes with users for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike the iPhone, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in tools to mask programs. However, not all of them are obvious, and some methods require caution to not disrupt the system.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to hide applications on Redmi 12 (including Redmi 12 4G/5G and Redmi 12C models), from official MIUI 14/13 features to third-party launchers and archiving workarounds. We’ll focus on the hidden MIUI settings that aren’t covered in the standard instructions, and the risks associated with removing system applications. If you’re looking for a way to hide messengers, banking programs, or just want to get rid of Xiaomi’s adware, read on.

1. Hiding applications through Second Space (second desktop)

Second Space is the official MIUI tool that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate settings, applications and data, and is often used to separate work and personal data, but it is also great for hiding programs.

To activate Second Space on Redmi 12:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click “Create Second Space” and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password or a pattern lock).
3. After you create, go to Second Space Settings → Apps and select the programs you want to hide.
4. Return to the home screen and switch between swipe spaces down the notification panel (the “face” icon in the upper right corner).

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: Second Space applications are not visible in the main space and vice versa.
• 📱 Support for two accounts in messengers (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 🛡️ Password or fingerprint protection.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the Second Space password, it will be impossible to restore access to hidden data without resetting your phone. MIUI It does not provide a recovery function!

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To quickly switch between spaces, add the “Second Space” widget to the home screen: Click on the blank space on the screen → “Widgets” → find “Second Space”.

2. Archiving of applications (hiding without deletion)

If you want to temporarily remove an app from the home screen and menu, but don't delete it completely, use the archival feature, which doesn't delete the program data, it just hides it from view, and is suitable for system utilities that can't be uninstalled (such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps).

Archivalization instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click Archive (if there is no button, the application cannot be archived).
4. Confirm action. The app will disappear from the home screen and menu, but will remain in the system.

🔄 How to return an archived application?

• Go to Settings → Applications → Archived.
• Select the program and click "Restore".

⚠️ Note: Archived apps are not updated through the Play Market. To update the program, you must first restore it!

3. Hiding through the settings of the MIUI launcher

The standard MIUI launcher allows you to hide applications directly from the menu, but this feature does not work with all programs.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Hide apps.”
3. Select the programs you want to remove from your sight and confirm.

🔍 Where to look for hidden applications?

• They will still be displayed in Settings → Apps.
• To return them to the menu, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes.

❌ Limitations of method:

• 🚫 It does not work for system utilities (Mi Security, Theme Store, etc.).
• 🔎 Apps remain in search results (if searched through the search bar) MIUI).

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Backup of important data

Remember the Second Space Password (if you use it)

Make sure the application is not system-based (if you plan to archive)-->

4. disabling system applications (without root)

Some Xiaomi system programs (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) can’t be deleted or archived, but they can be disabled.This hides them from the menu and stops background activity, but does not delete files completely.

How to disable unnecessary applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system application (e.g. Mi Browser).
3. Click "Disable" (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu and stop working.

⚠️ What applications should not be turned off?

• 📱 com.android.systemui (system interface)
• 🔧 com.miui.home (launcher) MIUI)
• 🛡️ com.miui.securitycenter (security)
• 🔄 com.android.settings (settings)

⚠️ Warning: Disabling critical system applications may result in a cyclical restart of the phone or inability to log in.If Redmi 12 stopped working correctly after turning off, try resetting via Recovery Mode (click Power). + Volume up when the phone is off).

5. Third-party launchers with application hiding

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, alternative launchers with hidden software support can be used.

• 📱 Nova Launcher (Nova Hide Apps plugin)
• 🔒 Apex Launcher (Integrated Hiding Function)
• 🛡️ POCO Launcher (from Xiaomi, but with advanced settings)

Example of Hidden Configuration in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Play Market.
2. Click on the blank space on the screen → “Nova Settings” → “Hide apps”.
3. Choose the programs you want to hide.
4. Activate the Hide from Search option so that they don’t show up in the results.

⚠️ What to Consider When Using Third-Party Launchers:

• 🔄 Some functions (such as gestures) MIUI) They may not work properly.
• 📱 Applications remain in Settings → Apps but disappear from the menu.
• 🔒 For complete privacy, combine launcher with Second Space.

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Third-party launchers are the only way to hide applications from search by system (unlike built-in MIUI features).

6. Removal of system applications (for power users only)

If you’re willing to take the risk, you can completely remove unnecessary Xiaomi system apps, a method that requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights, which voids the warranty and can lead to unstable phone performance.

🔧 How to remove the system application (briefly):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the official Xiaomi tool).
2. Install custom recavers (TWRP) and get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
3. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer) and delete the application folder to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.

💀 Risks of the method:

• 🚨 Phone Brick (turning into a brick) when you make an error.
• 🔄 Loss of Xiaomi Warranty.
• 📱 Certain functions MIUI They may stop working (such as themes or gestures).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Remote applications can return.

⚠️ Note: Deleting applications like com.miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.midrop is usually safe, but touching com.android.phone or com.miui.securitycenter is strictly impossible - this will lead to loss of communication or inability to unlock the screen!

FAQ: Frequent questions about app hiding on Redmi 12