How to hide applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: all working methods in 2026

Why do users want to hide apps from Redmi 9C?

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9C base MIUI — It's one of the most popular budget devices, but it doesn't always suit owners, and the main reason they want to hide apps is because they don't have a built-in Hidden Folders feature in the standard launcher. MIUI For entry-level models, unlike the flagship Redmi Note or POCO, where this option is available out of the box, on Redmi 9C Users have to find ways to get around.

The second common scenario is to hide system applications that cannot be removed (such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps) that take up screen space, consume resources and interfere with everyday use. The third is privacy: many want to hide messengers, banking applications or games from prying eyes without resorting to passwords or graphic keys.

It's important to understand that hiding applications is not the same as removing them. Software continues to run in the background, receive notifications and updates, but visually they stop distracting on the desktop, and then we'll look at all the relevant ways, from standard tools to third-party solutions.

Method 1: Use the Hidden Applications function in MIUI (if available)

While the Redmi 9C is a budget lineup, some versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12.5) can support hiding applications through standard settings.

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
3. If there is a paragraph, tick the necessary programs and confirm.

Unfortunately, most Redmi 9Cs with firmware below MIUI 13 don't have this option, so go to alternative methods.

⚠️ Attention: Hidden through MIUI All apps will still be displayed in the All apps menu (swipe up from the desktop.

Method 2: Create a folder without an icon (a bypass)

A simple but effective trick is to put unnecessary apps into a folder and then remove the icon from it, which requires no root rights and works on any version of MIUI:

1. Press the icon of the app you want to hide and drag it to another icon to create a folder.
2. Name the folder neutrally, such as "Tools" or "Reserve".
3. Slip on the folder → Edit → Swipe down all the icons except one.
4. Hold the remaining icon and drag it to the desktop – the folder will become empty and will automatically disappear.

To return the applications:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📱 Find the right application and tap Display on the desktop.

The downside is that the folder will still be visible in the All Apps menu, but it won't be on the desktop. It's not a good way to be completely private, but it's ideal for cleaning the screen of rarely used programs.

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If the folder does not disappear after removing the last icon, reboot the smartphone - this will reset the launcher's cache.

Method 3: Disabling system applications (without root)

Many pre-installed programs on Redmi 9C (such as Mi Video, Mi Community or Cleaner) can’t be removed, but they can be disabled, which will remove them from the desktop and stop background activity:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system application (such as Browser).
3. Tap to turn off → Confirm.

Important nuances:

• ⚙️ Disabled applications do not receive updates and do not work in the background.
• 🔄 You can return them to Settings. → Annexes → Disconnected.
• 🚫 Don’t turn off Google Play Services, MIUI System or Security – This will cause a failure!

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Mi Account or Find Device could block access to Xiaomi account and phone search features.

Method 4: Third-party launchers with concealment function

If the standard methods don't suit, install an alternative launcher. 9C:

• 📱 Nova Launcher (Paid version supports hiding icons).
• 🔍 Apex Launcher (free, with the option to Hide apps").
• 🛡️ Microsoft Launcher (allows you to hide programs in your Personal Space").

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Hold your finger on the desktop → Settings.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the necessary programs.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎨 Flexible interface setting (themes, gestures, animations).
• 🔒 Completely hide icons, including menu All apps.
• 📁 Ability to create folders with a password (in paid versions).

⚠️ Note: When changing the launcher to the standard MIUI Hidden applications will be visible again, and some launchers may conflict with the MIUI Optimization – in this case, turn it off in Settings → Special facilities → MIUI Optimization.

Method 5: Using Secure Folder (for confidential applications)

If the goal is to hide messengers, banking apps or photos, the best solution is Samsung’s Secure Folder (which works on Xiaomi), which provides complete data isolation with separate authorization:

1. Download Secure Folder from Google Play.
2. Sign up or sign in via your Samsung account (temporary email is available).
3. Add apps to Secure Folder via the Add Apps menu.
4. Only open them from the secure folder (access to the PIN-code-print).

Alternatives to Secure Folder:

• 🔐 App Hider (Hides applications under the guise of a calculator).
• 📂 Parallel Space (creating a clone of an application with a separate input).
• 🛡️ Shelter (Uses Android Work Profile Mechanism for Isolation).

Warnings:

• 📱 Some applications (e.g. banking) may block work in the Work Profile.
• 🔄 Secure Folder consumes additional resources (about 100-200 MB of RAM).

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Secure Folder is the only method that not only hides icons, but also encrypts application data (photos, correspondence, cache).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When hiding applications on Redmi 9C, users often face typical problems:

1. Icons come back after reboot → Solution: use a third-party launcher or disable apps through settings, rather than just remove from your desktop.
2. Notifications from Hidden Applications → Solution: Check Notification Settings in Settings → Apps → [Application Name] → Notifications.
3. Launcher failure after hiding system applications → Solution: Don't hide or disable MIUI System, Security or Google Play Services.

Another common mistake is trying to hide applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without understanding commands.

pm hide com.miui.browser

It can work on some firmware, but on Redmi. 9C often causes a launcher to fail. ADB-unstable.

If after manipulations the smartphone began to slow down:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🛠️ Reset the launcher settings in Settings → Annexes → MIUI Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions