Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi 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 iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in mechanisms 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 standard options in MIUI to the use of third-party launchers and technical tricks with ADB. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for different versions of firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), as well as the risks that can arise when hiding system applications. If you are looking for a way to hide messengers, banking programs or just want to unload the desktop – here you will find the latest solutions for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models.
1. Hiding applications through the “Second Space” (Dual Apps)
One of the most reliable ways is to use the Dual Apps feature, which creates an isolated copy of the system, which is suitable for hiding messengers, social networks and other applications that you do not want to give access to outsiders.
The feature is available on all Xiaomi Redmis with MIUI 10 and later, and its key advantage is that apps don’t just hide from a common list, but work in a separate profile with their own data, for example, you can have two WhatsApp or Telegram accounts: one in the main space, the other in the hidden.
- 🔧 How to Enable: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Second space and follow the setup instructions.
- 📱 How to hide an application: Once you create a second space, install the application there. In the main space, it will not appear.
- ⚠️ Restriction: Some system utilities (e.g. Mi Security) cannot be duplicated.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all hidden application data will be permanently lost. → The phone. → Backup.
2.Using the built-in Hidden Applications feature in MIUI
Starting with MIUI 12, the Hidden Apps option** was introduced in firmware, which allows you to remove programs from menus and search, which is simpler than Second Space, but has limitations: hidden applications remain available through Settings → Apps.
The algorithm of the function:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the desired application and tap on three-points (⋮) top-right.
- Click “Hide the App”** and confirm the action.
To return the application back, go to Settings → Apps → Hidden Apps and uncheck the tick.
| MIUI version | Support for the function | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–14 | Yes, full support. | It does not hide from the system search (Search). MIUI) |
| MIUI 11 | Partial (only for some models) | Maybe not working on the Redmi 8/9. |
| MIUI 10 and below | No. | Requires an upgrade or third-party launchers |
⚠️ Note: Apps hidden through this method still consume resources in the background (for example, Facebook or TikTok will continue to send notifications). → Battery → Charge optimization.
3. Hiding through third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, POCO Launcher)
If you don't like the built-in MIUI features, you can use third-party launchers, like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher, which allows you to hide applications without creating a second space, and is suitable for users who want to customize the interface while solving the problem of unnecessary icons.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
Install Nova Launcher from Google Play| Press your finger on your desktop → “Nova Settings” | Go to “Hide Apps” | Select programs to hide | Save changes
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Advantages of the method:
- 🎨 Complete customization of the interface (themes, gestures, animations).
- 🔒 Hidden apps don’t appear in the menu or in the launcher search.
- ⚡ It does not require the rights of a superuser (root).
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Applications remain visible in Settings → Annexes.
- 📱 Some launchers (such as Apex) may conflict with MIUI on older models (Redmi) 6/7).
💡
If notifications are missing after installing the launcher, check permissions in Settings → Notifications → Additional → Access notifications and enable them for the new launcher.
Disable system applications via ADB (for advanced)
For users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a radical way – disabling system applications at the OS level. This will not only hide, but also completely stop unnecessary services (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps).
⚠️ Warning: The wrong teams ADB This method is recommended only for advanced users.
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.miui.browser (replace com.miui.browser with the desired application package).
- To return the application, use: adb shell pm unhide com.miui.browser
List of popular packages for Xiaomi Redmi:
- 🌐 Mi Browser: com.android.browser or com.miui.browser
- 🎵 Mi Music: com.miui.player
- 📦 GetApps: com.xiaomi.mipicks
- 📱 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
⚠️ Caution: Disabling system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may disrupt the operation MIUI, Backups include updates and security before experimenting with fastboot or Mi Cloud.
How to find the package name of the application?
5. Hiding through archiving (without deletion)
If you want to temporarily remove an app but not delete its data, you can use the archiving feature, which is useful for programs that you rarely use (like Google Pay or Yandex Go), but do not want to reconfigure.
How to archive the application:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application and click "Archive"**.
- Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the desktop and menu, but its data will be saved.
To restore:
- 📥 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Archived.
- 🔄 Click "Restore" next to the desired application.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It does not work for system applications (e.g. Mi Security).
- ⚠️ Archived programs do not receive updates until they are restored.
💡
Archiving is the only official way to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi WITHOUT using third-party tools and WITHOUT risk to the system.
6. Hiding through folders and gestures (quick decision)
If you just need to remove icons from your desktop, but do not hide the application completely, you can use standard MIUI tools:
- 📁 Folders: Drag the icon to another to create a folder. Call it neutral (e.g., Tools»).
- 🖱️ Gestures: IN POCO Launcher or MIUI Launcher can assign a swipe down to open a hidden menu with apps.
- 🔍 Search: Turn off the app’s display in search through Settings → Search MIUI → Hidden applications.
This method doesn't provide complete privacy, but it helps to unload the interface. For example, you can hide rarely used utilities (for example, you can hide the utilities, FM-radio or compass) to the folder "Other" so that they do not interfere.