How to hide the application on Android Xiaomi from the desktop: all working methods

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users flexible interface settings, including the ability to hide apps from prying eyes. But standard icon-hiding functionality often doesn’t work as device owners expect. For example, many people find that after upgrading to MIUI 15, the Hide Apps option disappears from the settings menu, and some system programs (Google Play Services, MIUI Daemon) are not at all concealable through standard means.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to hide applications on Xiaomi in 2026 – from basic MIUI settings to advanced methods using ADB and third-party launchers. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of firmware and models (for example, Redmi Note 12 vs Xiaomi 13 Ultra), and explain why some applications can not be hidden completely without root rights.

If you just want to remove the icon from the screen without removing the program, or hide it completely from search in the system, choose the appropriate method from the instructions below. All methods are tested on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and are relevant for Android devices 12-14.

1. Standard Hiding via MIUI Settings (without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in Hidden Apps feature in MIUI, which allows you to remove icons from the desktop and application menu, but does not delete the program or block it from the background. Importantly, this method does not work on all models and versions of the firmware (for example, on POCO F5 with MIUI 14, the option may not be available).

To hide the application in a standard way:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the Application Management item.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide Apps.
4. Tick the programs you want to hide and click Ready.

After that, the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu, but they will still be found through a search system (swipe down on the home screen) or in the settings. To return hidden programs back, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes.

2. Hiding through the "Second Space" (double desktop)

The MIUI’s Second Space feature is designed to separate personal and work data, but it can also be used to hide applications, a technique that is suitable if you don’t just remove the icon, but completely isolate the program from the main profile (for example, instant messengers or banking applications).

Algorithm of action:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space.
2. Activate the function if it is disabled and create a password to log in.
3. Return to your desktop, swipe down to search and enter Second Space.
4. In the menu that opens, select Move apps and mark the ones you need.

Now applications will only be available after switching to the second space (via the notification bar or search). minus method: when switching between spaces, the launcher reboots, which can be inconvenient. In addition, some system utilities (for example, Security or Themes) can not be moved.

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If Second Space is not available in the settings, check the firmware region. On some global versions of MIUI for POCO, it can be disabled by default. Solution - change region through Settings → Additional → Region (reboot required).

3. Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Hyperion)

If the built-in methods don't work or work, you can install an alternative launcher with support for hiding icons.

• 🔹 Nova Launcher – allows you to hide applications through menu settings (Nova Settings) → App & widget drawers → Hide apps).
• 🔹 Apex Launcher – similar functionality in the Apex Settings section → Drawer settings → Hidden apps.
• 🔹 Hyperion Launcher – Supports icon and folder hiding, but requires Android 10+.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔸 It works on all versions. MIUI Android.
• 🔸 You can even hide system applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music).
• 🔸 There is no limit on the number of hidden programs.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Launchers consume additional RAM (especially Nova Launcher with animations).
• 🔸 Some functions (such as gestures) may conflict with branded chips MIUI.

Make sure that security settings allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Permissions → Installation of Unknown Applications)

Download the launcher’s APK from the official website (for example, Nova Launcher)

Back up your current desktop (via Settings → Desktop → Backup)

Turn off battery optimization for launcher (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All apps)

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4. Hiding through ADB (no root, but with PC)

For advanced users, there’s a way to hide apps with Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but it is necessary. Windows/Mac/Linux and USB-It is suitable for hiding system applications that cannot be removed through settings. MIUI (Google Duo, Mi Pay, Joyose).

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to unlock Developer Settings), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb shell pm hide com.example.app Replace com.example.app with the application packet name (you can find it through App Inspector or adb shell pm lists).

To return the application back, use the command:

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

5. Complete removal of system applications (root required)

If you need to not just hide, but completely remove unnecessary system programs (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Drop, Analytics), root rights are required. This method is risky: improper removal can lead to system ruin or loss of functionality (for example, the disappearance of notification panels).

Use:

• 🔹 Root Explorer – file manager with access to system folders (/system/app/, /system/priv-app/).
• 🔹 Titanium Backup – allows you to “freeze” or delete applications with backup.
• 🔹 ADB AppControl – utility for mass removal of system APK.

Warnings:

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI. For example, deleting com.miui.securitycenter will result in errors in your security settings, and deleting com.xiaomi.midrop will result in the inability to use Mi Share.

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 12+ and MIUI 14/15 some APK To avoid this, use the Magisk Module to permanently remove.

Hiding through Guest Mode (MIUI 15)

Recent versions of MIUI 15 have introduced Guest Mode, an analogue of the second space, but with a simplified interface that allows you to temporarily hide personal applications (such as instant messengers or a gallery) when transferring your phone to another person.

How to turn on:

1. Swipe down to open the notification panel.
2. Slip on the user's avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Guest Mode and confirm the transition.
4. In guest mode, only basic applications (phone, messages, camera) will be displayed.

To return full access, click on the avatar again and select your profile. Restriction: In guest mode, you can not install new applications or change the system settings.

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Guest mode is the safest way to temporarily hide apps without risk to the system, requiring no root rights and even works on locked devices (such as corporate smartphones).

Frequent problems and solutions

When hiding applications on Xiaomi, users often face the following difficulties:

Problem 1: After the MIUI update, hidden apps reappear on the desktop.

Solution: This is due to resetting the launcher.

• 🔹 Reinstall an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova).
• 🔹 Repeat the cover-up through ADB (The pm hide command is reset when you update).
• 🔹 Use Magisk Module for permanent concealment (root required).

Problem 2: Some apps (like Google Play Services) aren’t hidden.

Solution: Google and MIUI system services are protected from removal.

• 🔹 Turn them off through Settings → Annexes → Disable (not working for all programs).
• 🔹 Use it. ADB to disable the current user: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms

Problem 3: After hiding through the "Second Space", applications are not updated.

Solution: Updates are installed only in the main space, to update the program:

1. Get back to the main space.
2. Update the app through the Play Market.
3. Move it back to the second space.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions