How to hide Android apps Xiaomi: all ways from MIUI to third-party launchers

Hiding apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike “pure” Android, MIUI firmware offers several built-in mechanisms to mask programs, but many of them work in an unobvious way or have limitations. For example, hiding through Settings → Apps does not remove the icon from the main screen, but simply excludes the program from the list of “recent”.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways – from standard MIUI 14/15 features to using third-party launchers and system tricks without root rights. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for different models: why one method works on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, and another on the Redmi Note 12, how to circumvent restrictions on hiding system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser), and what to do if the old options disappear after the update.

1. Hiding through built-in MIUI (no root)

The most obvious and safe way is to use the firmware tools themselves. MIUI has two levels of hiding: Hide the app (removes all apps from the menu) and Lock (requires a password to run), the first option is not available on all devices, so check it before you start.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide Apps (if there is no item, see spoiler below).
3. Tick the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔍 Hidden apps are still visible in settings (Settings) → Annexes → All applications) and in search of the system.
• 📱 It does not work for system utilities (e.g. Mi Community or Themes).
• 🔄 After resetting the hidden programs will be visible again.

💡

If you need to hide an app from your kids or colleagues, combine this method with the “Block App” function (in the same menu) so you will need to enter a password or fingerprint to run it.

2.Using Second Space (Double Space)

Second Space is a feature built into MIUI that creates a second independent user profile with its own settings, applications and data, originally intended to separate work and personal data, but it is also great for hiding programs.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Second Space (on some models, path: Settings → Special features → Second Space).
2. Create a second profile by following the instructions (you will need to create a separate password).
3. After creation, switch to Second Space via the notification panel (user icon).
4. Install or transfer to this profile those applications that you want to hide from the main space.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: Second Space apps are not visible in the main profile even when searched.
• 📱 It works on all models. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco s MIUI 12 newer.
• 🔄 You can quickly switch between spaces through the notification curtain.

💡

Second Space is the only built-in method that completely hides applications from search by system and menu "All applications".

Disadvantages:

• 📴 Password entry is required at each switch (inconvenient for frequent transitions).
• 📦 Applications take up space in both spaces (unless you port them through Settings) → Annexes → Clone).
• 🔧 Some system features (like Google Play Services) are duplicated, which can increase battery consumption.

Built-in MIUI|Second Space|Third-party launchers |Disconnection via ADB|I don't hide the applications-->

3. Third-party launchers: Nova, Apex, Hyperion

If the built-in methods don't work, you can use alternative launchers from Google Play, which don't remove apps from the device, but simply hide their icons from prying eyes.

Step-by-step instructions for Nova Launcher (the most popular option):

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Make it the default launcher (at the first start the system will prompt you to do this).
3. Long click on the app icon → Change → Hide.
4. For return: Settings Nova → Hidden applications.

Download the launcher from the official store (not APK!)|Create a backup copy of the current desktop|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Check compatibility with the Android version-->

Important nuances:

• 🔍 Hidden through the launcher applications are still visible in Settings → Applications and search by system.
• 📱 On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Launchers may conflict with system animations MIUI. In this case, turn off animations in Settings. → The phone. → Additionally. → Window animation.
• 🔧 If after installing the launcher widgets are missing, restart the device.

4. Disable applications via ADB (for experienced)

If you need to not just hide, but completely disable system applications (such as Mi Music or Mi Pay) that cannot be removed by standard methods, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but involves working with the command line.

Pre-launch warnings:

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on build number, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device.
3. Download Platform Tools from the official Android website and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
4. Enter the command to view all packages: adb shell pm list packages
5. Find the name of the application package you want (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video) and disable it: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

How to return the application:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.videoplayer

List of safe to disable packets on MIUI:

• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music
• 🌐 com.android.browser — Mi Browser
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video
• 💰 com.mipay.wallet — Mi Pay

5. Hiding through folders and gestures (quick way)

If you need to temporarily hide apps from prying eyes (for example, before giving your phone to friends), you can use standard MIUI tools without deep settings:

Method 1: Password folders

• Create a folder on the home screen and move the desired applications to it.
• Long press on the folder → Folder settings → Block.
• Set a password or pattern lock.

Method 2: Hiding via App Vault (available on MIUI 13+):

1. Swipe left on the main screen to open the App Vault.
2. Slip on the gear icon → Settings → Hidden applications.
3. Add the programs you need to the list.

Method 3: Swipe down gesture (for Poco Launcher):

• Install Poco Launcher from Google Play.
• In the launcher settings, enable the Hidden Applications option.
• To open hidden programs, swipe down the main screen with two fingers.

Advantages of these methods:

• ⚡ Quick concealment/display without rebooting.
• 🔄 Does not require root rights or ADB.
• 📱 It works even on older models (Redmi). 9A, Xiaomi Mi A3).

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Nothing Works

Even after you've applied all these methods, you might be faced with some of the most common problems, and we'll look at some of the solutions.

Frequent questions and answers: