Why users want to hide apps from Redmi Note 7
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still a popular device due to its balanced features and support for MIUI updates. However, even after years of use, owners face the need to hide individual applications — whether it is personal messengers, financial services or games that you want to get rid of in the general list.
Unlike the newer Xiaomi models, where the application hiding feature is integrated into the default system, the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 10-12 requires additional manipulation. Fortunately, there are several proven ways - from built-in tools to third-party solutions - to choose a method that does not disrupt the stability of the device and does not lead to data loss.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including hiding through MIUI Settings, using second space, third-party launchers and even root-free system tricks. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances of working on MIUI 11-12.5, since newer versions of firmware can block some methods.
Method 1: Built-in Hiding Function in MIUI (without third-party programs)
The most obvious and safe method is to use the standard MIUI feature, which allows you to hide applications from prying eyes. However, there is an important caveat: on the Redmi Note 7, this option may not be available depending on the firmware version and regional build.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Hide Apps (or App Hide in English).
- Tick the apps you want to hide and confirm the action.
After that, the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu, but will remain in the list of installed programs in the settings. To return them back, repeat the same steps and uncheck the boxes.
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If Hide Apps isn’t on the menu, try updating MIUI to the latest available version for Redmi Note 7 or use alternative methods from this article.
⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), this feature may not work properly or cause launcher failures.
| MIUI version | The function "Hide applications" | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10 (Android 9) | ❌ Absent. | Requires updates or third-party solutions |
| MIUI 11 (Android 10) | ✅ Available. | Maybe hiding in the "Addvanced" sub-menu. |
| MIUI 12–12.5 (Android 10/11) | ✅ Available. | It works stable, but does not hide from search on the system |
| Custom firmware | ⚠️ Depends on the build. | Often missing or working with bugs |
Method 2: Use of the second space (Dual Apps)
Second Space (or Dual Apps) is originally designed to clone messengers, but it can be adapted to hide applications, and the idea is that you move the desired application to a second space, and then you turn off the notifications and the main space icon, so the application remains installed, but becomes inaccessible without special actions.
Instructions:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Second Space (or Dual Apps in English).
- 🔄 Create a second space if it is not already activated (you need to create a separate password).
- 📦 In the list of applications, find the one you want to hide and move it to the second space.
- 🔒 Return to the main space and disable the icon of the second space in the launcher settings.
The downside of this is that the app will be visible in the second space and will also remain in the installed program list in the settings, but the method does not require root rights and works on all versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 7.
What happens if you remove the second space?
Method 3: Third-party launchers with concealment function
If the built-in MIUI methods don't work, you can install an alternative launcher that supports hiding applications.
- 🎨 Nova Launcher (Nova Hide Apps plugin)
- 🛡️ Apex Launcher (Integrated Hiding Function)
- 🔍 POCO Launcher (lightweight version from Xiaomi)
- 🖼️ Microsoft Launcher (Hiding Through Personal Space")
Let’s look at the example of Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
- Download the Nova Hide Apps plugin (from the same developer).
- In the launcher settings, find the App & widget drawers → Hide apps section.
- Tick the apps you want to hide and save the changes.
The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can hide applications selectively without affecting system processes. However, it is worth remembering that some launchers may conflict with the MIUI shell, especially if the device activates energy saving functions for background processes.
Turn off battery optimization for launcher in MIUI settings
Backup the data of important applications
Check the launcher’s compatibility with the Android version on the Redmi Note 7
Make sure that the system has enough free memory (minimum 1 GB)
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Method 4: Disable applications via ADB (for advanced users)
If you're willing to use a developer tool, you can hide applications using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands, which does not remove programs, but only makes them inaccessible to the user, which is convenient for hiding pre-installed system applications (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Music).
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode on Redmi Note 7: go to Settings → About Phone → 7 times tap on the MIUI version.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:
adb shell pm hide com.example.appReplace com.example.app with a real application package (you can find out through the App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Don't hide applications with com.android. or com.miui packages. - This can cause malfunctions. MIUI.
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The ADB method is only suitable for hiding pre-installed applications, and user-installed programs are better hidden in other ways, as they can become visible again after updating.
Method 5: Archiving applications (without deletion)
A little-known trick is archiving applications through MIUI Settings, which doesn't delete the program, it just freezes it by removing the icon from the desktop and stopping background processes, and is suitable for temporary concealment without losing data.
How to do this:
- 📦 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find the right app and tap it.
- 📦 Click Archive (or Uninstall if the archiving option is not available).
- 🔄 To return the application, find it in the Archived section and click Restore.
Important: Archived applications don’t get updates or show up in the installed program list, but their data (cache, settings) is saved, which is ideal for hiding rarely used utilities or games that you don’t want to delete completely.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to hide apps on the Redmi Note 7, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🔄 The app disappeared, but reappeared after the reboot, which is typical of methods based on changing system files without root rights. ADB-flag-bearing --user 0.
- 🔍 I can't find the "Hide Apps" option in MIUI Check the firmware version: on MIUI 10 this feature is not. Update the system or use third-party launchers.
- 🛑 Launcher stopped working after hiding applications Reset launcher settings to factory or reinstall it. If the problem persists, return hidden applications back.
- 🔒 Hidden app is seen in search by system MIUI indexes all installed programs. To completely hide the application, combine methods (for example, ADB + archiving).
If none of these methods worked, check if your device has parental controls or user profiles activated, which can block changes to your app list.