Hiding apps on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is a challenge that users have 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’ll break down 5 working methods, including standard MIUI 12/13/14 features, third-party launchers, and even hidden shell features that aren’t mentioned in the official documentation. We’ll focus on the nuances of the Redmi Note 10 (mojito/sunny models), where, due to the specifics of the firmware, some methods work differently than on Xiaomi flagships. If you’re looking for a way to hide an app without it being seen in the menu or in the search, you’re at the right place.
Method 1: Built-in Hidden Applications in MIUI
The simplest and most official method is to use the built-in Hidden Apps tool, which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, which does not remove the program, but only removes it from the main menu and search, leaving access through a special gesture.
To activate it:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Main screen screen
- 🔍 Scroll down and select Hidden Apps
- 🔒 Enter the password/pattern lock (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create a new password)
- ✅ Tick the apps you want to hide and click Ready.
After that, the icons will disappear from the home screen and from the All Apps folder. To return them back, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes. Importantly, the programs that are hidden in this way will still appear in the installed application list in Settings → Applications, but they will not be able to run without knowing the password.
Method 2: Use of the second space (Dual Apps)
The Second Space (or Dual Apps) feature is originally designed to clone messengers, but it can be adapted to hide applications, creating an isolated user profile where you can install and use programs that are not displayed in the main space.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
- Create a second space by following the system prompts (you will need to come up with a separate password)
- Once created, restart the device and log into the second space via the notification panel (icon) 👥)
- Install the desired applications in the second space – they won’t be visible in the main
The advantage of this is that hidden programs are completely isolated, with separate data, cache and notifications.
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete application isolation | Takes up extra space in memory |
| You can hide system utilities | Annexes are duplicated (take place) |
| It works without root. | You need to switch between spaces. |
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If the second space is short, clear the cache through Settings → Memory → Cleanup. System applications in the second space can be disabled through Settings → Applications → Application Management
Method 3: Disabling system applications via ADB
For advanced users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to disable system applications so that they disappear from the interface, but remain in the memory of the device, this method is suitable for removing unnecessary software from Xiaomi (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps).
Step-by-step:
Install ADB drivers on PC| Enable USB debugging on Redmi Note 10| Download Android SDK | Platform Tools Connect phone to PC via cable
-->
adb shell
pm list packages | grep 'miui' # View the list of system packages
pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser # Example: disable Mi BrowserTo return the application back, use the command:
pm enable com.miui.browser⚠️ Warning: Disabling critical system components (e.g. com.android.systemui) may result in a cyclical reboot of the device. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Method 4: Third-party launchers with concealment function
If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, you can install an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or POCO Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi devices), which allows you to hide applications without tampering with system files.
For example, on Nova Launcher:
- 📲 Keep your finger in the free seat of the main screen. → Launcher settings
- 🔍 Go to Hide Apps (in the Applications Menu section)
- ✅ Check the programs you want to hide.
The advantage of this method is that hidden applications are not removed or disabled - they simply do not appear in the launcher menu. They can be found through a system search (Settings → Search) or run through the Action Shortcuts widget.
How to return hidden apps to Nova Launcher?
Method 5: Hiding through the.nomedia folder (for file manager)
This method is suitable for those who want to hide not only the icons of applications, but also the files associated with them (for example, the cache of messengers or media files), the idea is to create a.nomedia file in the root folder of the application, which will prevent scanning of content by system and third-party filers.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with access to root folders (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer)
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/[application package] (e.g. com.whatsapp)
- Create an empty file called.nomedia (without extension)
- Reset the device
After that, the app files will not be displayed in the gallery, music player or other media applications, and the program icon itself will remain in place, but it can be hidden in one of the previous ways, a method that is especially useful for hiding multimedia content on Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber.
⚠️ Note: Deleting the.nomedia file will restore the visibility of media files, but some applications (such as Google Photos) can cache thumbnails. To completely clean the cache, use the command: adb shell pm clear com.google.android.apps.photos
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Visibility in settings | Suitable for system applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Hiding (MIUI) | ⭐ | ❌ No. | Seen in Settings → Apps | ❌ No. |
| Second space | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Not visible in the main space | ✅ Yes. |
| ADB (offline) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Not visible on the menu, but it remains in your memory. | ✅ Yes. |
| Third-party launcher | ⭐ | ❌ No. | Seen in the system search. | ❌ No. |
| File.nomedia | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Seen in the file manager. | ❌ No (for media files only) |
For most Redmi Note 10 users, the best solution is a combination of built-in hiding (for normal applications) and second space (for system utilities or sensitive data). ADB It is suitable for those who are willing to risk the stability of the system for the sake of clean interface.
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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the Hidden Applications feature is more stable than on MIUI 12, where sometimes bugs appear with notifications from hidden programs.
Frequent problems and solutions
When hiding apps on the Redmi Note 10, users often encounter common bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Hidden apps reappear after update MIUI Solution: After updating the firmware, go to Settings → Hidden apps and re-activate the function. Sometimes resetting the cache com.miui.home helps you get back the settings: adb shell pm clear com.miui.home
- 📵 Notifications from Hidden Apps Keep Coming Solution: Disable Notifications Manually via Settings → Notifications → Manage notifications, find the app and deactivate the option to Show notifications.
- 🔐 Forgot the password from hidden applications / second space Solution: Reset password can only be through a full reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Reset settings. The hidden application data will be lost!
If none of these methods worked, check to see if the antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) is blocking changes to the system. In some cases, temporarily disabling protection in Settings → Memory and Performance → Security helps.