How to hide the application on Xiaomi Redmi: all working ways

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 and third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove the icon from the home screen, others completely block access to the program, and still others can lead to data loss if archiving is used incorrectly.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways – from standard MIUI tools 12-14 to workarounds using launchers and ADB. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for the Redmi Note 10/11/12 models and the flagship series K50/K60, where the logic of the menu may differ. If you need not just remove the icon, but completely prohibit the launch of the application (for example, for parental control), read the section on restriction through Digital Well-being.

1. Hiding through built-in MIUI (no root)

The easiest way to do this is to use the Hidden Apps tool available in MIUI 12 and later, which doesn't remove the program, it just removes it from the menu and the App Vault search, and it's important that it doesn't work for system utilities like Mi Browser or Mi Video.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter the name of the program (for example, TikTok)
• 👁️ Slip on the three-point menu in the upper right corner → "Hide the app"
• 🔒 Confirm the action with a password / fingerprint (if the lock is configured)

To return the app back, go to Settings → Special Features → Hidden Apps and uncheck the tick. Note: Once hidden, the program will continue to work in the background and may send notifications. Use the Battery → Optimization section to stop completely.

2. Archiving of applications (for complete removal of the icon)

If the built-in hiding doesn't work, you can archive the program. This method removes the icon from the home screen and menu, but saves the application data. Suitable for Redmi 9/10/11 and other models with MIUI 13+. Warning: archived apps are not updated through Google Play!

How to archive:

1. Press the app icon on the home screen → select “Application Information”
2. Slip on the three-point menu → Archive
3. Confirm the action (the application will disappear in 5-10 seconds)

To get the program back:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Archived
• 📥 Find the right application and click "Restore"

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 8 Pro and older models, archiving may cause Google Play Services to crash. MIUI In Settings → The phone.

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

If you need to hide apps from other icons or folders, third-party launchers offer flexible settings, such as Nova Launcher.

• 🗃️ Hide icons in the "App Box"
• 🎨 Change the icons to neutral ones (for example, "Calculator")
• 🔐 Block access by gesture or PIN-code

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play and make it the main one
2. Press the app icon → "Change" → "Hide"
3. For disguise: select “Edit icon” and upload the picture from the gallery

The advantage of the method: the applications remain available through Google search or App Vault, but they are not visible visually.The disadvantage: launchers consume additional RAM (on Redmi with 4 GB of RAM this can be critical).

4. Restriction through Digital Well-being (for parental control)

If the goal is not just to hide, but to block access to an app (for example, for a child), use the Digital Well-Being tool.

• 🔒 Set a password to launch specific programs
• ⏰ Limit the time of use
• 📊 Track activity

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Digital Well-Being → Control Panels
2. Select your profile (your child or your child) → Application restrictions
3. Add the apps to the blacklist and install PIN-code

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI Global, this feature may conflict with Google Family Link. If apps continue to open after you set up the lock, disable Google account sync in Settings → Accounts.

An important nuance: the restrictions are reset after hard reset or flashing. For reliability, combine this method with archiving (Section 2).

5. Removal of system applications via ADB (for experienced)

For advanced users willing to work with ADB, there is a radical way to completely remove unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Pay).

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools
• 🔌 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps → Additionally. → For developers)
• 📝 List of application packages (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video)

Commands for removal:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.calculator # Example: deleting the calculator




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser # Deletion of Mi Browser

Warnings:

• 🚨 Removing system components can lead to a cyclical reboot (bootloop)
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Remote applications can be restored
• 📱 On Redmi with a blocked bootloader, this method does not work.

💡

Before deleting via ADB, back up /system with the command adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will help restore the system if it crashes.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goal:

For most Redmi users, the first or second method is optimal. If you want a secure lock (for example, for games), combine Digital Well-Being with archiving. ADB is only suitable for removing malware or freeing up memory on devices with 32 GB of storage.

💡

On Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and later, the archiving function can be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case use launchers or ADB (if you have an unlocked bootloader).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When hiding applications, users often face the following problems:

• 🔄 "The app has disappeared but continues to send notifications" → Solution: Turn off notifications in Settings → Notifications or Archive Program.
• 🔒 "I can't find the hidden app in the settings" → Solution: Check the Special Opportunities section → Hidden applications or use search on the system.
• 📱 "After the concealment, account synchronization stopped working" → Solution: Eliminate Google system services (e.g. com.google.android.gms) from hiding).

Another common mistake is trying to hide Google Play Services or MIUI System Launcher, which leads to a critical interface failure that requires resetting. Always check the name of the package before you act!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions