How to hide the app icon on Xiaomi: hiding the icons MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often face the need to remove unnecessary items from the desktop to keep minimalism or protect personal data from prying eyes. In the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS, this feature is implemented with enough flexibility to hide not only pre-installed system applications, but also programs downloaded from third-party sources, this is especially true when you want to leave the application working in the background, but do not want its icon to cornen your eyes on the main screen.

There are several proven methods to achieve this, from the built-in Hidden Apps feature in the standard launcher to more advanced computer manipulation and USB debugging. The specific method you choose depends on the version of your operating system and how deep you are willing to dive into the device settings. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the options available so you can choose the most suitable one for your model.

Before you start, it's important to understand that hiding an icon doesn't equal deleting it. The program continues to take up space in memory and can consume resources if you don't limit its background activity. However, for those who value clean interfaces and order in digital space, this feature becomes an indispensable tool for customizing a smartphone.

Using the built-in application hiding function

The easiest and safest way to get the icon out of sight is to use the standard shell capabilities. In most versions of MIUI and HyperOS, this option is built directly into the desktop settings. To activate the feature, you will need to perform a few simple actions in the settings menu without resorting to third-party software.

Go to Settings for your smartphone, then look for Apps or Desktop. Depending on the firmware version, the option you are looking for may be called Hidden Apps or Hiding Apps. Once you turn on this feature, a special gesture or button will appear on your desktop to access hidden content.

• 🔒 Open the settings and select the "Applications" section».
• 📂 Find the Hidden Apps tab in the management menu.
• 📱 Switch the slider opposite the desired program to the active position.

It’s worth noting that on some global firmware versions, this feature can be renamed or moved, and if you don’t find it in the standard menu, try searching for the settings by typing in “hide” and this will help Locate quickly to get the desired option, even if the interface was changed in the last update.

⚠️ Note: Once the application is hidden in the standard way, its icon will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications, but will remain available through a special gesture (usually fingers spreading to the sides on the desktop) or through a search for the desktop.

Set up access through gestures and password

When you hide apps in the standard way, the system often suggests that you set an additional layer of protection, such as a digital password, a pattern lock, or fingerprint unlock, to ensure that hidden apps cannot be accidentally or intentionally opened by unauthorized persons who have access to your unlocked smartphone.

To set up security, go to Settings → Applications → Hidden Apps. Here you will see the option to set a password. If you already have a privacy password set for Second Space or Hidden Album, the system will prompt you to use it, otherwise you will have to create a new access code.

It's also important to configure the method of calling hidden apps. This is often the default of two fingers to the side of the desktop. However, in newer versions of HyperOS, this gesture can be replaced with a separate folder or button in the notification curtain. Make sure you know how to access your hidden data at any time.

• 🔢 Install a reliable 6-digit PIN-protection.
• 👆 Set up biometric unlock for quick access.
• 🔄 Check the operation of the hidden menu gesture.

Hiding System Applications Through ADB

If the built-in tools don't hide a particular system application or you want to get a deeper interface clean, the ADB tool comes to the rescue, which requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and executing several commands, and allows you to freeze or hide the application package, making it invisible to the launcher, but leaving it functional to the system.

To get started, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number (MIUI Version) seven times. After that, the menu will appear under “Additional” or “Extended settings”, where you need to turn on “Debugging over USB”.

adb shell pm hide com.example.package

Executing this command will hide the application with the specified package. To return it back, the command adb shell pm unhide com.example.package is used. It is important to know the exact name of the package, which can be found using special analyzer applications or through the command adb shell pm list packages.

💡

Use the App Inspector or Package Name Viewer app on your smartphone to know exactly the name of the system application package before typing a command into ADB. A single-letter error can lead to the wrong component being hidden.

�⚠️ Be very careful when hiding system packages through the ADB. Hiding critical components such as SystemUI, Phone, or Google Play services can cause a device to run unstable9 or cyclical reboot.

Alternative launchers for customization

Another effective way to remove unnecessary icons is to install a third-party launcher. The standard MIUI launcher has its limitations, but alternatives like Nova Launcher, Smart Launcher or Microsoft Launcher offer much more flexible desktop management tools, which allow you not only to hide applications, but also completely rewire the grid, change animations and icon behavior.

Once installed, it will be the main interface for your smartphone. The new launcher’s settings usually include a Hidden Apps or App Drawer section where you can choose which programs will be displayed on the shared list and which will remain invisible.

However, newer versions of Android and MIUI/HyperOS may have limitations on third-party launchers, such as navigation gestures or animated app openings, which may involve compromises between functionality and aesthetics.

• 🎨 Nova Launcher allows you to hide applications through your Drawer settings.
• 🚀 Smart Launcher automatically sorts and can hide rarely used apps.
• ⚙️ Microsoft Launcher offers PC integration and flexible visibility management.

Comparison of methods of hiding icons

To make it easier for you to decide on the method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your needs and level of technical training.

As you can see from the table, the built-in feature is the middle ground for most users: it's safe and easy to use; the ADB method gives you maximum flexibility, but requires knowledge and caution; third-party launchers are a great choice for customization enthusiasts.

💡

For the average user, the best choice is the built-in hide feature, since it does not require root rights, is secure for the system and is easily managed through the smartphone settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To sum up, app visibility management on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool for organizing the digital space. Whether you choose a simple built-in mechanism or advanced methods through ADB, you can always customize the interface to your personal preferences.