How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 6A: all the ways from standard to hidden

Xiaomi Redmi 6A is still a popular device due to its balance of price and functionality, but its MIUI firmware (even in current versions) does not always offer convenient privacy tools. The ability to hide applications from prying eyes is relevant for those who share a phone with household members, colleagues or just want to keep personal data safe. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, from built-in MIUI 9/10/11 functions to bypass solutions using third-party tools.

The Redmi 6A is particularly sensitive to the fact that its hardware platform (MediaTek Helio A22) and Android (8.1 Oreo with MIUI shell) place limitations on some methods, such as Dual Apps, which is unstable and can cause system applications to fail, so we will focus on the robust methods tested on real devices.

Before you start, keep in mind that hiding applications is not about protecting them completely. To securely encrypt data, we recommend using AppLock or private folders (which we will discuss below too).

1. Hiding applications via "Security" (built-in MIUI function)

The easiest and most official way is to use the tool Security → Hidden Applications. It is available on all versions of MIUI, including those installed on the Redmi 6A.

• 🔒 Applications are not removed from the device, but are only excluded from the main list in the menu.
• 🔍 They can still be found through a search system (Swipe Down search for applications).
• 📱 Hidden programs continue to work in the background and send notifications.

To take advantage of the function:

1. Open Settings → Security → Hidden Applications.
2. Enter a password (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create a PIN or a pattern lock).
3. Select apps from the list and click Hide.
4. To access hidden programs, go back to the same section and enter a password.

Important: If you forget your password, you can only restore access to hidden apps through Hard Reset. On Redmi 6A, this is done by holding the Power + Volume buttons up when the phone is off.

Make sure that the password from MIUI-account is tied to the device

Backup your important data (via Mi Cloud or locally)

Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version

Turn off auto-update hidden apps (traffic savings)-->

2.Use of the "Second Space" (Dual Apps)

Dual Apps (or Second Space) allows you to create a separate user profile with a unique set of applications. On Redmi 6A, it works with limitations:

• 📲 Available only on versions MIUI 9.5+ (Check in the settings → The phone).
• 🔄 Not all apps support cloning (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram may require a separate app). SIM-map).
• 💾 It takes up additional memory space (up to 1-2 GB depending on the number of duplicate programs).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps
2. Select cloning applications (such as Gallery or Messages).
3. After creating the second space, swipe between them down the lock screen (user icon in the upper right corner).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 6A s MIUI 10 or lower, you may freeze when you try to clone more than 3-4 applications at the same time. If the phone starts to slow down, remove unnecessary duplicates or reboot.

Built-in function "Hidden applications"

Second Space (Dual Apps)

Third-party launchers (Nova, Apex)

The File Hide Expert (File Hide Expert)

Don't hide the app.-->

3. Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher and Apex Launcher

If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can install an alternative launcher. Redmi 6A works best:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports hiding applications without root rights.
• 📱 Apex Launcher - Easy version with the function "Hide programs".
• ⚙️ Microsoft Launcher – allows you to archive rarely used applications.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Press your finger on the free desktop space → Settings Nova.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the boxes of the programs you want to remove from your sight.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ No need for password or additional security settings.
• ✅ Apps disappear from the menu completely, but remain in the system.
• ✅ You can bring them back in two clicks.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may automatically return to the menu after the update. MIUI. In this case, you will have to repeat the concealment procedure.

4.Private folders and file managers

If the goal is to hide not only the app icon, but also its data (photos, documents, cache), creating a private folder will help. On Redmi 6A, this can be done in two ways:

To hide through File Hide Expert:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and set the password.
3. Select the application data folder (usually located in /Android/data/[name packet]).
4. Press Hide – the folder will disappear from the standard conductors.

Importantly, this method doesn't hide the application itself, it only hides the data, so to completely remove the program from view, combine it with the methods from the previous sections.

💡

If you hide messengers (such as Viber or Telegram), remember to disable their auto-save media files to the gallery. This can be done in the settings of each application in the Memory or Storage section.

5. Disabling system applications (without root rights)

Some Xiaomi pre-installed programs (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser) can not only be hidden, but also disabled so that they do not occupy RAM. This will not remove them completely, but will make them invisible and inactive.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Pay).
3. Click Disable (the button will only be active for system programs).
4. Confirm the action – the application will disappear from the menu and stop working.

⚠️ Caution: Disabling critical services (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home) may cause the phone to fail. 6A Safely disable only user applications marked "Can be disabled".

List of safe apps to disable on Redmi 6A:

• 🎵 Mi Music (com.miui.player)
• 📺 Mi Video (com.miui.videoplayer)
• 🌐 Browser (com.android.browser)
• 📰 Mi Drop (com.xiaomi.midrop)
• 🎮 Game Center (com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service)

💡

Apps that are disabled do not receive updates through Google Play, and if you need to return the program, turn it back on the same menu (Settings → Apps).

6. Hiding through ADB (for advanced users)

If you're willing to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), you can hide applications at the system level, which doesn't require root rights, but requires a command line.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the Redmi 6A (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

adb shell pm hide com.example.app

where com.example.app is the batch name of the application (you can find it through the App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

To return the app:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 6A s MIUI 10 and below, this command may not work correctly for system applications. Before experimenting, back up using adb backup.

Alternative methods: archiving and freezing

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider:

• 🗄️ Archiving APK: assisted APK Extractor remove the installed application, delete it, and APK-save the file in an encrypted archive (for example, through the 7-Zip password-wise).
• ❄️ "Freeze via Titanium Backup (requires root rights): the application stays in the system, but does not start or display.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings with a selection of applications: when recovering the phone (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and resetting) can be abandoned installation of unnecessary programs.

Cons of alternative methods:

• ❌ Archived APK Not automatically updated.
• ❌ "Frozen applications may conflict with the system after the update MIUI.
• ❌ Resetting Settings Removes All Data From Your Phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi 6A