The Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still a popular smartphone due to the reliability and flexibility of MIUI firmware. But even on this device, users are faced with the need to hide applications — whether they are system utilities that can not be removed, or personal programs that you do not want to show to others. Unlike modern flagships, the Redmi 4X runs on MIUI 8-11 (depending on the firmware version), where there is no built-in Hidden Apps in the usual form. However, this limitation can be circumvented in several ways, from standard tools to little-known tricks.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hiding through Security Settings, using alternative launchers, disabling notifications and even temporarily “freezing” applications without root rights. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that arise on Redmi 4X due to Android 6.0/7.1 and the features of the MIUI shell. If you are looking for a way to hide applications from children, colleagues or just want to organize the desktop – read on.
1. Hiding applications through the "Second Space" (Dual Apps)
The most reliable way to hide applications on Redmi 4X is to use the built-in Dual Apps feature, which is originally designed to clone messengers (like two WhatsApp accounts), but it can be adapted to hide programs.
How it works:
- 🔄 Cloning the app: Go to Settings → Second space, and select the programs you want to hide, and the system will create copies of them in the second profile.
- 🔕 Disable the original: In the main space, remove the app shortcut from the desktop (don't delete the app itself!). → All applications find the original program and disable notifications.
- 🔒 Protect Second Space: Set a Password or pattern lock to Log in Second Space (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Locking the second space).
Importantly, this method does not delete the application completely — it stays in the system, but becomes inaccessible without entering a password.
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If you hide messengers (such as Telegram or Viber), turn off the synchronization of contacts in the second space to avoid duplication of notifications.
2.Using the Hidden Applications function in MIUI
Some versions of MIUI 9-11 on Redmi 4X have a hidden app hiding option that can be activated through Security Settings, which does not require third-party software installation, but does not work on all firmware.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Security app (the shield icon).
- Go to the Optimization section → Warehouse.
- Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Applications (if there is no item, the method is not supported by your version of MIUI).
- Tick the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.
After that, the apps will disappear from the menu and search, but they will remain in the system. To return them back, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes. Limit: hidden programs will still appear in the list of installed applications in Settings → All applications.
- MIUI version 9 or later
- Availability of the item "Hidden applications" in the menu "Optimization"
- Lack of custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)
- Free memory (minimum 500 MB)-->
3. Hiding through alternative launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher)
If standard methods don’t work, you can install a third-party launcher that supports the application hide function. Redmi 4X is best suited for:
- 🌟 Nova Launcher: Allows you to hide apps from menus and search, supports gestures and backup settings.
- 🔄 POCO Launcher: Lightweight launcher from Xiaomi with the function "Hidden applications" (you need to enable in the settings).
- 📱 Apex Launcher: Supports hidden programs and sorting by folder with password.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one (Settings → Home Screen → Default Launcher).
- Press your finger on your desktop → Settings Nova → App settings.
- Select Hide Apps and select the desired programs.
- Save the changes and restart the launcher (long press on the desktop → Reboot).
⚠️ Note: Hidden applications through the launcher will still be visible in Settings → All applications and can appear in global search results (if not disable them in search settings).
Nova Launcher|POCO Launcher|Standard. MIUI|Apex Launcher|Other-->
4. Disable applications via ADB (without root)
For power users, there is a way to disable system applications without obtaining root permissions, through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for hiding pre-installed programs that cannot be removed by standard means (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music or Browser).
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the Android Developers website).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the Redmi 4X (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Instructions:
1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter a command for a list of all packages:
adb shell pm list packages
4. Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.video for Mi Video).
5. Disable it with the command:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.video⚠️ Warning: Do not disable system components called com.android, com.miui.home or com.xiaomi - this can lead to unstable phone operation.
How do I get the app back?
5. Hiding through Archiving (APK Extractor + File Manager)
If you need to temporarily hide an app (for example, before handing over your phone to another person), you can archive it. APK-This method is not suitable for system programs, but it works with user-generated programs.
Algorithm of action:
- Install APK Extractor from Google Play.
- Launch the application, find the program you want to hide in the list, and click Save APK. The file will be saved in the folder. APK_Extractor.
- Remove the original application through Settings → All applications.
- Move the saved APK to a secure folder (for example, to a password archive or cloud storage).
To restore the application, simply install APK-Warning: this method does not hide the application data (cache, settings), but only removes it from the list of installed programs. /data/data/name-packet and /sdcard/Android/data/name.packet (root or file manager with superuser rights required).
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APK Archiving is the only method that removes an application from the system completely (as opposed to hiding through a launcher or a second space), however, it requires backup and is not suitable for system programs.
Comparison of Hidden Applications on Redmi 4X
| Method | Root is required. | Hiding from search | Hiding notifications | Suitable for system applications | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second space | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (on shutdown) | ❌ No. | Medium |
| Hidden MIUI function | ❌ No. | ❌ No (sees in the settings) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Easy. |
| Third-party launcher | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Easy. |
| ADB | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yeah (cautiously!) | Difficult. |
| APK Archives | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Medium |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When hiding applications on Redmi 4X, users often face some problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
- 🔄 "App reappears after reboot": This happens if you used a launcher without superuser rights.Solution - install Nova Launcher Prime (paid version) or use the method with the "Play version" ADB.
- 📵 "Notifications from hidden apps" do not work: If you have disabled notifications manually, they will need to be turned on separately.
- ⚠️ "Phone started to brake after disabling system applications: You probably turned off the critical component MIUI. Solution: return the application with the command adb shell pm enable or reset settings.
- 🔒 "I can't find the 'Hidden Apps' function in MIUI": This option is not available on all firmware versions. MIUI Up to the latest stable version or use alternative methods.
⚠️ Note: If you hide banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff), please note that some of them block work in cloned space or when you turn off notifications!