How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways from standard to hidden

Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi 9 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 iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in tools for masking programs. However, not all of them are obvious, and some require additional manipulation of settings.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from basic (through the standard launcher) to advanced (using hidden MIUI functions and third-party tools), and pay special attention to the nuances that arise on Redmi 9 due to the firmware version and manufacturer restrictions, for example, why some applications can not be hidden through Settings → Applications, and how to circumvent this restriction without obtaining root rights.

Importantly, the methods vary in reliability, some simply remove the icon from the screen, others completely block access to the program without a password, and choose the approach based on your goals.

1. Hiding through the built-in MIUI launcher

The easiest way is to use the Hidden Apps feature in Xiaomi’s standard launcher, which requires no additional software installation and works on all versions of MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5 shell).

How to do this:

• 📱 Long pressing in the free place of the main screen → Select Launcher Settings.
• 🔍 Scroll down to the Hidden Apps section and tap it.
• ✅ Check the programs you want to hide (for example, Gallery, Notes or messengers).
• 🔒 Confirm the choice – icons will disappear from the desktop and application menu.

⚠️ Warning: this method does not block the launch of applications:

• 🔎 Search by system (swipe down on the main screen).
• 📋 Latest Applications Panel (if the program was previously launched).
• 🔔 Notifications (if push messages are received).

💡

To return hidden apps, repeat the steps and uncheck the Hidden Apps menu.

2.Use of the "Second Space" function

If you don't just need to hide an icon, but create a completely isolated environment with individual apps, use the Dual Apps feature, which is the equivalent of Guest Mode on other smartphones, but with advanced settings, a method suitable for hiding messengers, social networks or banking applications.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Create a new space by following the system prompts (you will need to create a password).
3. After rebooting, choose which space you want to work in (main or second).
4. In the main space, remove unnecessary apps, and in the second, install and use them covertly.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Complete isolation: applications in the second space are not visible in the main and vice versa.
• 📱 Different settings: you can customize individual wallpaper, sounds and even Google accounts.
• 🛡️ Password Protection: Transitioning between spaces requires input PIN-code.

Disadvantages:

• 📴 Doubling the space: each application is installed separately in each space.
• ⚙️ Managing complexity: you will have to switch between spaces manually.

3. Hiding through the "Secure folder" (MIUI 12.5+)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi Redmi 9 introduced the Secure Folder feature, which is the equivalent of Samsung’s Secure Folder, which allows you to not only hide applications, but also block access to them without a password, which is suitable for sensitive programs like bank clients or password repositories.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Secure folder.
2. Create a folder by setting a password (it is recommended to use a fingerprint for convenience).
3. Return to the main screen, open Files → Secure folder.
4. Click Add Apps and select the ones you want to hide.

What's important to know:

• 🔑 Applications in the protected folder are completely removed from the main menu and search – they can only be opened through the folder itself.
• 📵 Notifications from hidden programs will not appear in the curtain.
• ⚠️ When you reset or delete a protected folder, all the data inside it will be lost.

4. Disable system applications via ADB

Some pre-installed programs (such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps) cannot be hidden by standard methods, in which case disabling through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will help, which does not require root rights, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).


2. Enter a command to check the connection:




adb devices




(Serious number of the device must appear).




3. To disable the application (e.g. Mi Video), use:




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer




To return the annex:




adb shell pm enable com.miui.videoplayer

List of popular shutdown packages on Redmi 9:

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications may result in:

• 🔄 Work failures MIUI (For example, the loss of weather widgets).
• 📵 Loss of functionality (for example, disabling Mi Share will block the transfer of files over Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🔧 Impossibility of updating firmware OTA (If critical services are disabled).

5. Third-party launchers with concealment function

If the built-in methods don’t work, you can install an alternative launcher with advanced privacy settings, such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or POCO Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi devices), which allows you to not only hide icons, but also block access to applications by password.

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and select it as the main one.
2. Long tap on the home screen → Settings Nova → Hiding apps.
3. Check the boxes for the programs you want to hide.
4. Activate Hide from Search so that applications don’t appear in system search.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎨 Flexible configuration of appearance (themes, icons, gestures).
• 🔐 Additional security features (launch password, folder hiding).
• 📱 Compatible with most Android versions (including Redmi 9 on the Internet) MIUI 12–14).

Disadvantages:

• 📴 Increased battery consumption (launcher runs in the background).
• 💰 Some features are only available in the paid version (for example, hiding apps in Nova Launcher Prime).

💡

Third-party launchers are the only way to hide applications that are not supported by built-in MIUI features (such as games or little-known utilities).

6. Hiding through archiving (without deletion)

A little-known way is to archive applications, which doesn't delete the program completely, but freezes it by removing the icon and stopping the background processes, and works without root rights and is suitable for temporarily hiding unnecessary utilities.

How to archive the application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the program you want to hide (e.g. Du Apps or Mi Community).
3. Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Archive.
4. Confirm the action – the application will disappear from the screen and stop updating.

To return the app:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Archived.
2. Select the program and click Install.

⚠️ Note: Archiving does not work for:

• 🔧 System applications (for example, Settings or Phone).
• 📱 Programs that are updated via Google Play (they can be automatically uncensored).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the method, evaluate your goals and level of technical training:

Recommendations:

• 🔹 For temporary hiding of unnecessary utilities (for example, Mi Pay or Mi Home) archiving is suitable.
• 🔹 To hide messengers from strangers, use a secure folder or second space.
• 🔹 To remove system applications (if they interfere with the work) ADB.
• 🔹 If you need maximum customization - third-party launcher.

FAQ: Frequent questions