The modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO series have a powerful MIUI shell or new HyperOS that provides users with extensive customization options. One of the most sought-after features for those who value privacy is the ability to remove unnecessary icons from the desktop, hiding them from prying eyes. It is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to protect personal data from the curious glances of colleagues, friends or children who may take your phone in their hands.
The process of hiding programs in the Android system from the Chinese manufacturer is implemented quite deeply and does not require the installation of third-party software. The standard launcher of the system allows you to create special isolated folders that are accessed only after entering a unique password or biometric identification. It is important to understand that this is not about deleting, but about moving to a special partition that is not displayed in the general list of programs by default.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the algorithms needed to activate hidden mode, configure passwords, and manage secure zone content. You will learn about the intricacies of how the MIUI shell works in different versions, and how to avoid common errors that can lead to loss of access to important data.
System Preparation and Verification of MIUI Version
Before you start manipulating system settings, you need to make sure that your device is fully ready for security functions. Xiaomi interface is constantly updated, and the location of some menu items may vary depending on the firmware version. It is recommended to check for system updates, as in new versions of HyperOS, the hidden mode algorithms have been optimized for increased security.
Make sure the device has an up-to-date screen unlock password.Without a pin code or pattern lock installed, access to privacy settings can be restricted by the system.This is a basic security requirement that prevents attackers from accessing hidden data simply by unlocking the screen from the owner's fingerprint if the phone has been turned off or restarted.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the hidden mode, it will be extremely difficult or impossible to restore access to applications inside it with standard means!
Also, you should decide in advance on the list of programs that you plan to hide, the logical way to put there are bank customers, personal correspondence, photo gallery and other sensitive data, and do not hide the system utilities necessary for the operation of the phone, as this can lead to instability of the Android operating system.
Activation of the hidden mode function through settings
The main way to manage hidden applications is through system security settings, and in the MIUI shell, this section is put into a separate menu, which makes privacy management more convenient, you need to open the Settings app and find an item that is usually called Apps or Application Protection.
Inside the security menu, you need to find the option “Hide Apps.” In some firmware versions, this item may be in the “Other Settings” sub-menu or be allocated to a separate “Privacy” category. After you navigate the Settings path → Applications → Hide Apps, the system will prompt you to enable this feature.
When you first activate, the system will ask you to set a special password or use biometrics to log in. This is a key point: the password from the hidden mode may differ from the password for unlocking the screen, which provides an additional layer of protection. You can use the same pin code, but for maximum security, experts recommend creating a unique combination.
- 🔒 Open the security settings and select the Hidden Activation Point.
- 🔑 Create a strong password that is hard to guess but easy to remember.
- 👆 Confirm the inclusion of the function by accepting the user agreement.
- 📱 The system will automatically redirect you to the list of all installed programs.
Once you turn on the function, the application list interface will change, a switch will appear on the top that shows which programs are already hidden and which are visible, and if you switch the switches against the icons, you instantly hide them or return them to the desktop, the changes will take effect immediately, without the need to restart the device.
Using gestures for quick access
One of the most convenient and at the same time invisible features in Xiaomi smartphones is access to hidden applications through a special gesture. This allows you to instantly open a secure folder directly from the desktop without going through the long settings menu. To activate this method, you need to perform a certain sequence of actions in the hidden mode control menu.
The menu where you choose hidden apps often has a button or a link called "Hidden App Settings" or a gear icon, and you click on it and you'll be taken to a menu where you can set the access method, the system will suggest you use double dividing of your fingers across the screen or another specific gesture, which works at the launcher level and does not require opening additional windows.
What to do if the gesture does not work?
If double finger spreading doesn't activate hidden mode, check if you have a theme that changes the standard launcher.Some third-party themes can block system gestures. Also make sure that the “Hidden Apps” option is selected in the gesture settings, and not another function.> To make the gesture, you need to be on the main screen of the desktop, put two fingers next to each other in the center of the screen and spread them in opposite directions, as if you want to zoom in. If everything is set up correctly, the screen will darken slightly and a password field or a fingerprint scan request will appear. 🖐️ Place two fingers in the center of the desktop screen. ↔️ Smoothly spread your fingers to the sides, imitating zoom. ✅ Wait for the authorization window to appear. 🔓 Enter a password or use biometrics to log in. This method is particularly useful in situations where you need to quickly open a hidden application and there are people around, and the movement looks like a normal action with a screen and does not attract attention. However, it is worth remembering that the sensitivity of the touchscreen in different models of Redmi may differ, so you may have to adjust to the speed of the gesture. Xiaomi smartphones offer a flexible authentication system that allows you to combine different methods of verifying your identity, you can use a digital pin code, a pattern lock, a password of letters and numbers, as well as a fingerprint or facial recognition. To set these parameters, go to the Settings section. → Passwords and security → Confidentiality. It is also used for hidden modes. It is recommended not to use simple combinations like “1234” or “0000”, as they are easy to pick up by pumping. Type of protection Level of security Speed of access Recommendation Pin code (4-6 digits) Average High Basic level of protection pattern lock Medium High Easy for fast input Alphanumeric password High Low For maximum security Fingerprint High Very High Optimal option for daily use Particular attention should be paid to the functions of “Second Space” or “Guest mode”, which sometimes completely confuse these functions with the application settings. If you want to be invisible, use cover; if you want complete data isolation, choose a second space. ⚠️ Warning: When you reset your phone to factory settings, all hidden apps and data inside them will be permanently deleted. Before selling the device or sending it for repair, be sure to turn off the hiding and move the data. Working with the security folder and the second space In new versions of the HyperOS shell and some updates MIUI The concept of app hiding has evolved to use Security Folder, a more advanced analogue of simple concealment that not only hides an icon, but also encrypts data within an application. Access to these programs is possible only after authorization in the folder itself. To use this feature, look for the Security app on the desktop (green zipper icon). Inside it, scroll down to Security Folder or Second Space. Adding apps here is similar: you pick a program from a list, and a copy of it or the original moves to a secure zone. It's important to understand the difference between a simple concealment and a security folder. In the first case, the application continues to work in the background and can send notifications that will be visible in the curtain if not configured additionally. In the second case, the application is completely isolated: its notifications are hidden, and the data does not overlap with the main system. 📂 Security folder requires separate authorization for each launch. 🔔 Notifications from hidden applications can be completely disabled in the settings. 💾 The data inside the folder takes up additional space on the disk. 🔄 Updating applications in the security folder can occur separately. Using the second space allows you to create the appearance of a clean phone. You can show your screen to the other person and they will see only a standard set of programs, while your personal files and correspondence will be in a different logical environment. This is especially true for business users who share work and personal data. Solutions and restoration of access Despite the stability of the Xiaomi system, users can face situations where access to hidden applications is lost. Most often this is due to a forgotten password or failures in the launcher after the update. If you forget the password, the system will offer to answer the control question if you set it up at the first setting, if the only control is forgotten. This action will remove all hidden applications and their data, but return access to the system. To do this, you need to enter the wrong code several times in the password input menu, then the “Forgot your password?” or “Reset” button appears. Sometimes users complain that hidden applications spontaneously appear on the desktop. This can occur after updating system components or resetting the launcher settings. In this case, you need to recheck the list of hidden applications in the security settings and activate the switches again. It is also worth considering that some Android system applications cannot be hidden by standard means. If you don't find the program you want to hide, it's probably a system program that requires root permissions to manipulate, which is not recommended for ordinary users. Can you hide applications without a password? No, the concealment function on Xiaomi and Redmi is inextricably linked to security, and activating the mode always requires setting a password, pin code, or fingerprint binding, so that the function can perform its protective role. Without a password, anyone who picks up the phone can go into the settings and see the hidden. Are hidden apps visible in Task Manager? Yes, if the application is running, its process will be visible in the Task Manager (swipe up and hold or menu button). However, in the list of all installed applications (Settings) → Annexes → All applications) hidden programs will not be displayed if the filter "Hidden applications" is enabled». What happens to notifications from hidden applications? By default, notifications can arrive on a locked screen. To completely hide the fact of using the application, you need to go to the notification settings of a particular application and prevent the display of content on the lock screen, or use the “Do Not Disturb” mode. Do the hidden when you update MIUI or HyperOS? When you update the version of MIUI or HyperOS, the concealment settings are usually saved. However, after major updates (for example, switching from Android 13 to 14), the system may require reconfiguring the security password or re-activating the function. Application data is usually not affected. However, you can remove its icon from your desktop to a folder with other utilities or use third-party launchers that allow you to hide any icons, although it is less secure.