How to hide the app shortcut on Xiaomi smartphones: from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15

Xiaomi desktop on the basis MIUI They often capture unnecessary shortcuts, such as pre-installed services, games or duplicate applications. Unlike pure Android, you can't just drag an icon to the cart: the system either blocks the action or offers to remove only the shortcut, leaving the application itself on the menu. MIUI This is a confusing issue, especially for new users of the brand.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to hide or remove shortcuts on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark – from standard shell features to hidden settings for power users. All methods tested on MIUI 12-15 and relevant for models from 2020-2026.

Why you can’t just remove the shortcut on Xiaomi

The MIUI shell uses a two-tier application management system:

• 📱 A shortcut (icon) is a visual access to a program on the desktop, and its removal does not affect the application itself.
• 🗑️ Application - files and data in the memory of the device, deleted only through settings or ADB.

If you are trying to drag the icon to the cart (the “Delete” icon at the top of the screen), the system suggests:

• ❌ Remove the shortcut – the icon will disappear, but the app will remain in the menu All applications.
• ⚠️ Delete the application – complete uninstallation (not available for all programs).

The problem is that many system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps) cannot be removed in the standard way — they can only be hidden or disabled, a limitation that the manufacturer has put in place to preserve the functionality of the shell.

Method 1: Remove the shortcut from the desktop (without removing the application)

The most common method that works on all versions of MIUI is:

1. Press and hold your finger on the shortcut of the app you want to hide.
2. At the top of the screen, a panel with options will appear. Drag the icon to the Delete icon (basket).
3. In the window that appears, select “Delete the shortcut” (not “Delete the app”!).

✅ Result: The icon will disappear from the desktop, but the app will remain in the All Apps menu (available via swipe up from the bottom of the screen).

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If the Delete icon doesn’t appear, check if the screen editing mode is activated. To do this, tap the empty space on the desktop and hold for 2 seconds, the widget settings menu will appear.

Method 2: Hiding applications through MIUI settings

If you want to not just remove the icon, but completely hide the application from the menu (including search), use the built-in Hidden Applications feature:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
3. Click “Add” and tick the apps you want to hide.
4. Confirm the action with the “Done” button.

⚠️ Warning: Apps hidden in this way will no longer appear in menus, search and notifications, but will continue to work in the background. To return them, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes.

Method 3: Disabling applications (for system programs)

Some pre-installed apps (Mi Browser, Mi Pay, Mi Community) cannot be removed or hidden by standard methods, in which case disabling:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click “Disable” (the button will only be active for system programs).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: Disabled applications will stop updating and may cause disruptions to associated services, such as disabling Mi Account will lead to sync errors.

Method 4: Using ADB to remove system applications (for experienced)

If you are willing to take drastic measures, you can remove system applications through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a PC, USB-cable and the enabled mode "Debugging by USB».

Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap on MIUI Version in About Phone)

Activate "Debugging by" USB» Additional settings»

Install ADB drivers on your PC (download from Android Studio)

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device

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List of commands to remove popular system applications:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.video       # Mi Video


adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop     # Mi Drop




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.bugreport # Feedback




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser   # Mi Browser

⚠️ Attention: misuse ADB It can cause data loss or device failure. Create a backup copy through Settings before deleting. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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Deletion via ADB does not require root rights, but is valid only for the current user.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

If you don’t like the standard MIUI launcher, you can install an alternative one (like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher).

• 🎨 Customize the appearance of icons and folders.
• 🔍 Hide applications without restrictions MIUI.
• 📱 Use gestures and additional functions.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Open the app and select it as the default launcher.
3. Press your finger on your desktop → “Nova Settings” → “Hidden Apps”.
4. Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.

✅ Pros: flexibility of settings, no restrictions MIUI.

❌ Cons: Some system functions (e.g., Dual Applications) may not work properly.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to hide or remove labels, users often face problems:

1. The icon returns after the reboot. 🔹 Reason: Application is system-based and restored MIUI. 🔹 Solution: Use ADB (Method 4) or disable the application (Method 3).
2. You cannot remove the label of the pre-installed application. 🔹 Reason: MIUI Blocks the removal of key services. 🔹 Solution: Hide through Settings (Method 2) or use a third-party launcher (Method 5).
3. After disabling the application notifications stopped working. 🔹 Reason: System service is disabled (e.g. Mi Push). 🔹 Solution: Turn the app back on or reset notification settings in Settings → Notifications.

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If you have forgotten the name of the app after hiding it, find it through Settings → Apps → All apps (sorting by size or alphabet).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions