Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro with a MIUI shell offers several built-in ways to hide applications from prying eyes — without root rights and third-party launchers. But not all methods are equally reliable: some simply remove the icon from the desktop, others create a full-fledged “secret” profile with a separate password. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to hide applications on the Mi 8 Pro, including little-known Second Space chips and MIUI Security Settings.
It's important to understand: concealment ≠ The application continues to work in the background, takes up space in memory and may appear in the list of recent or notifications. If the goal is to completely “disguise” the software (for example, messengers or banking applications), combine the methods from this instruction with disabling notifications and cleaning the cache.
1. Hiding through Second Space (the most reliable way)
Second Space is a feature built into MIUI that creates a second independent user profile with a separate desktop, apps and password, ideal for hiding instant messengers, gallery or financial applications.
How to set up:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Second Space.
- 🔑 Set a password (other than the main one) and confirm with a fingerprint (optional).
- 🔄 Select cloning apps or install new ones right in Second Space.
- 🔒 Switch between swipe profiles by the Recent button (triangle at the bottom of the screen).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Complete isolation: apps are not visible in the main profile even through search.
- ✅ Separate notifications (you can turn off in Second Space settings).
- ✅ It works without root rights and does not require third-party programs.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your phone to factory settings, Second Space is deleted without recovery!
Backup copy of the main profile data|Set a complex password (at least 8 characters)|Disable notifications for hidden applications|Check your fingerprint for quick switching-->
2. Hiding icons through the settings of the MIUI launcher
If you do not need a complete concealment, but only remove the icons from the desktop, use the built-in options of the MIUI launcher:
- Press the free space on the desktop → select Settings (cog icon).
- Go to Hide Apps (or App Settings → Hide Apps in older versions of MIUI).
- Check the necessary programs and click Ready.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Apps remain in the menu All apps (available via search).
- ❌ Icons may reappear after update MIUI.
- ❌ Does not work for system applications (such as Settings or Phone).
💡
To return hidden icons, repeat the steps and uncheck the apps. If the Hide app option is missing, update the launcher via Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
3. Use of hidden folders (without third-party programs)
MIUI has a built-in folder hiding feature that can be adapted for applications:
- Create a folder on the desktop and move the icons of the desired applications to it.
- Press the folder → folder settings → turn on the option Hide the name.
- Set a transparent icon for the folder (download empty). PNG-File from the Internet and apply through Change the icon).
How to find a hidden folder:
- 🔍 Swipe your finger around the “empty” place on the screen – the folder will open.
- 📂 In the menu All applications folder will appear as Untitled.
| Method | Level of concealment | Password required | Works after discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Space | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes. | No. |
| Hiding icons | ⭐⭐ | No. | Yes. |
| Hidden folders | ⭐⭐⭐ | No. | Yes. |
| App Lock | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes. | Yes. |
4.Block applications via App Lock
App Lock doesn’t hide apps completely, but adds password or fingerprint protection to them, and is suitable for banking applications or instant messengers.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings → Apps → App Lock.
- Set a password (different from unlocking the screen!).
- Select applications to lock and activate the switch.
Additional settings:
- 🔐 Enable Hide Notifications for Blocked Applications.
- 📱 Activate Blocking in the background so that the application closes when switching to another.
- 🔄 Set up Auto Unlock over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (such as at home).
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from App Lock, you can reset it only through your Mi Account with confirmation on the app. SMS. Without a linked phone number, the data will be lost!
Second Space| Hidden icons |Hidden folders |App Lock|I don't hide apps-->
5. Hiding through ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, you can hide applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which removes icons from the launcher, but leaves the applications on the system.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect the phone to the PC, open the command line and type:
adb shell pm hide com.example.appReplace com.example.app with a real application package (you can find out through the App Inspector from Google Play).
To bring back the icon:
adb shell pm unhide com.example.appHow to find out the application package without third-party programs?
⚠️ Note: Some system applications (com.miui.home, com.android.settings) cannot be hidden through the Internet. ADB — It's going to cause a disruption. MIUI!
Frequent problems and solutions
Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro users often face the following difficulties when hiding applications:
- 🔄 Apps reappear after update: Update launcher manually via Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI → Three points. → Update launcher.
- 🔒 Second Space does not open: Check if your profile is blocked through Settings → Accounts. → Second Space. You may need to reset your password through your Mi Account.
- 📱 Icons missing from All Apps menu: This is normal for the method ADB. To return, use the command pm unhide.
- 🔍 Search Finds Hidden Applications: Disable Indexing for Specific Programs in Settings → Search → Search settings.
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On the Mi 8 Pro with MIUI 14+, the most reliable way to hide is the combination of Second Space (for insulation) + App Lock (for blocking notifications).