How to hide the app icon on Xiaomi: full methods

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which run on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, have a huge functionality that sometimes requires fine-tuning the interface for themselves. One of the common tasks for advanced users is to remove unnecessary elements from the desktop without removing the programs themselves, this may be due to the desire to preserve privacy, remove rarely used system widgets or simply restore order in the visual space.

Unlike some other vendors, the Chinese giant doesn’t always provide an obvious Hide button for every application. Standard settings offer a limited set of tools, so it often takes a combination of built-in shell features and deeper management techniques to achieve the desired result. It’s important to understand that you can hide both third-party software and preinstalled services, but the approach will vary.

In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the current ways to hide the application icon on Xiaomi Android. We will look at the standard system tools, the capabilities of hidden folders, as well as more complex technical methods for experienced users that allow you to completely freeze the application, making it invisible to the system and the user.

Using the built-in application hiding function

Starting with the simplest and most secure method available out of the box on most Xiaomi devices, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS feature a native application hiding mechanism that doesn’t require third-party software or computer connectivity, but the location of this feature can vary depending on the firmware version (Chinese or global) and the specific smartphone model.

To activate the Hidden mode, you need to follow a sequence of actions in the settings menu. Usually the path is as follows: go to Settings → Applications → Hidden applications. If there is no such item in your menu, try entering the word “Hidden” in the settings search bar. After turning on the function, the system will prompt you to select the programs that you want to make invisible to prying eyes.

⚠️ Warning: Once hidden apps are activated, the standard menu icon may disappear. Accessing them often requires making a specific gesture, such as spreading two fingers to the sides on the desktop or entering a special code in the “bell ringer».

The good thing about this is that it doesn't disrupt the app itself, it keeps getting notifications, updating in the background, and functioning normally, but if you're looking for a way to completely remove the Xiaomi app icon from view so that it doesn't even appear on the list of all the programs, then standard functionality may not be enough, and more radical measures come to the rescue.

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If you can’t find Hidden Apps, try updating the Security or Explorer app through the built-in GetApps store, as functionality often depends on the version of the system utilities.

Method of freezing through ADB-team

The most effective way to literally erase an icon from the face of a system is by using USB debugging and the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, which allows applications to be put into a “disable” state, where the system stops displaying their label, starts processes or updates a component, which is ideal for removing system service icons that cannot be removed in the usual way.

To implement this method, you will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux), USB-cable and on-line debugging USB You can activate the developer mode by going to Settings. → About the phone and quickly pressing 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI». After that, a new section “Advanced Settings” or “Additional” will appear in the settings menu, where you need to turn on “Debugging by USB».

The process of hiding is as follows: connect your phone to your PC, open the command line on your computer, and type a command to get a list of all the packages. Find the desired application by the name of the package (for example, com.miui.videoplayer). To hide it, use the command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 name packet

Once this command is executed, the icon will disappear instantly from the desktop and from the application menu. The application will stop consuming resources in the background. It is a powerful tool, but it requires caution. If you disable a critical system component, it can lead to unstable interface operation or even a cyclical reboot of the device.

Creating Hidden Folders and Using Launchers

If ADB methods seem too complex or risky, you can take an alternative approach: organizing your workspace. Xiaomi's standard launcher allows you to create folders that can be visually masked or removed from the screens. While this doesn't completely hide the icon, it effectively removes visual noise.

In addition, there is the possibility of installing third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, etc.), which have advanced icon management functionality. Some of them allow you to hide applications from the menu without affecting.Root rights are not required in this case, but the functionality can be limited by Android security policies.

And there's also the Second Space feature, which is a unique MIUI feature that creates a completely isolated environment on your phone, so you can move apps that you want to hide from the main user, and you need a separate password or fingerprint to access them, and it's not just hiding an icon, it's creating a separate digital profile.

• 📂 Create a folder with a name like System Files and put in it rarely used applications.
• 🔒 Use the Second Space to completely isolate your private software from the main screen.
• 🎨 Install a custom launcher if the standard one does not allow flexible control of the visibility of elements.

Working with Xiaomi system applications

Special attention should be paid to the question of how to hide the application icon on Xiaomi, if it is system. Preinstalled software (Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps) often cannot be removed without deep intervention in the system.

In such cases, the ADB method described above is the only safe way to “delete” without obtaining superuser rights. However, before hiding system components, you need to make sure they are used. Disabling services related to updating the system or operating the interface can lead to errors.

To work safely with system packages, it is recommended to use specialized assistant applications such as Universal Android Debloater (via PC) or Package Disabler. They have databases that label which packages can be safely disabled and which can not be touched, which reduces the risk of turning a smartphone into a brick.

⚠️ Warning: Never disable packages containing the words “framework”, “systemui” or “google.services” unless you have a deep technical knowledge.

If your goal is simply to remove the GetApps store icon or browser, you can simply turn them off in the Settings menu. → Annexes → All applications. Select the app and click "Disable" button. The icon will disappear and the app will stop working, but its files will remain in memory.

Table of methods of concealment and their comparison

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

As you can see from the table, the best choice for the average user is the built-in concealment function or Second Space. For enthusiasts who want to achieve perfect interface cleanliness and free up resources, the ADB method remains the “gold standard”.

Recovery of hidden and remote applications

Sooner or later, you may have to re-use the hidden app, and if you've used the standard cover, the return process is simple: go to the hidden app settings and uncheck the box. The icon will instantly return to its place.

In case you “freeze” the application through ADB, to restore it, you will need to connect the smartphone to the computer again and enter the command:

adb shell pm enable name packet

This will return the application to active state, and its shortcut will appear again on the menu. If you disabled the system application through your phone settings, just find it in the list of all programs (including system) and click on the "Enable" button.

If you notice that the phone has started to run slower or widgets have gone missing, it makes sense to clear the launcher cache through the app's storage menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The most reliable way to hide the app forever is to ADB-Disable command, but the most secure for ordinary users is the built-in “Hidden Apps” feature in the settings MIUI.