How to hide the app on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways of 2026

Hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that comes with users for a variety of reasons, from wanting to keep personal data from prying eyes to having to unload the desktop screen from rarely used programs. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI offers several built-in tools to mask applications, and also supports third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally reliable: some hide icons only visually, others block access with a password, and others completely remove applications from the general list.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways that are relevant to Redmi based on MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 and others). Special attention will be paid to the nuances: for example, why hidden through Settings → Applications application can suddenly appear in search, or how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI on hiding system utilities.

1. Built-in Hidden Applications function in MIUI

The easiest and most official way is to use the built-in tool. MIUI. It does not require superuser rights and works on all modern smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO. However, the method has a limitation: hidden in this way applications remain in the menu All applications and can be found through search.

To hide the app:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide Apps.
3. Check the necessary programs and click Ready.

After that, the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the app menu, but:

• 🔍 Applications will remain in the search results by system (Conductor) → Search).
• 📱 They can be launched through the settings. → Annexes → [name].
• 🔄 After restarting the device, the hiding is maintained.

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If the hidden app reappears, check to see if the launcher settings have reset, sometimes after the MIUI update.

⚠️ Note: This method is not suitable for hiding system applications (e.g. Security or Topics). MIUI Blocks them from hiding through a standard interface.

2.Use of the "Second Space" function

The second space is a unique MIUI feature that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, data and settings, which is ideal if you want to not just hide the application, but completely isolate it from the main profile (for example, for work messengers or banking applications).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Second space.
2. Follow the instructions for creating a second profile (you will need to create a password).
3. After creation, navigate to the second space through the notification bar.
4. Install or transfer the desired applications to the second space only.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: Second space applications are not visible.
• 📱 Separate accounts (for example, you can have two WhatsApp accounts with different numbers).
• 🛡️ Password protection when entering the second space.

3. Hiding through third-party launchers

If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can install an alternative launcher with the hide-out function, popular options: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or POCO Launcher (even on non-POCO devices), which allows you to not only hide the icons, but also group them into secret folders with a password.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings Nova.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the programs you need and save the changes.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎨 Flexible interface configuration.
• 🔐 Add a password to hidden folders (Nova Launcher requires the Nova Prime plugin).
• 📱 It works even on older versions. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) do not support hiding system applications.

4. Rename APK-Files (for experienced users)

This is a method that works for those who are willing to work with the Android file system, and the point is to rename the application file (.apk) so that the system will not see it. It works without root, but it requires caution: wrong actions can cause the application to crash.

Step-by-step:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /data/app/ (access permissions required).
3. Find a folder with the name of the app you are hiding (e.g. com.whatsapp-1).
4. Rename the folder by adding the underline symbol at the beginning: com.whatsapp-1.
5. Reset the device.

Once renamed, the app will disappear from the menu and search, but its data will remain in the device's memory. To return the application, just rename the folder back.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Does not work for system applications (folders in the /system/app/).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI It may be necessary to repeat the procedure.
• 📱 Some apps (like Google Play Services) can’t be hidden this way, and this will cause system errors.

5. Disable applications via ADB (without root)

For advanced users, there is a way to disable applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn't hide them completely, but removes them from the interface and stops background processes.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on build number, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell pm hide com.package.name

Where com.package.name is the application identifier (you can find it through the App Inspector in Google Play or the adb shell pm list packages command).

Examples of teams:

• Hide Facebook: adb shell pm hide com.facebook.katana
• Hide MIUI Cleaner: adb shell pm hide com.miui.cleanmaster
• Return Appendix: adb shell pm unhide com.package.name

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications (e.g. com.android.phone) may disrupt your phone.Before experimenting, backup your phone with adb backup.

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ADB-The team allows you to hide even those applications that MIUI It blocks through the standard interface, but once you reset your settings or update your firmware, the hiding can be reset.

6. Secret folders with password (apps-safes)

If you want to not only hide an application, but also password-protect it, use special safe applications. They create encrypted containers that you can put in. APK-Popular options: App Hider, Hide App-Hide Application Icon, Calculator Vault (masked as a calculator).

How it works:

1. Install one of the safe apps from Google Play.
2. Create a password or a pattern lock.
3. Import the desired applications to the safe (some programs offer the function of “cloning” – a copy of the application is created inside the safe).
4. Remove the original icon from your desktop (or hide it through the launcher).

Pros of the method:

• 🔐 Double defense: cover-up + password.
• 📱 The ability to hide not only applications, but also files (photos, videos).
• 🛡️ Some safes support a fingerprint.

Cons:

• ⚠️ It requires additional space in memory.
• 🔄 Applications in the safe may not receive push notifications.
• 📱 Some antiviruses recognize such programs as potentially dangerous.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals:

• 🔹 Quick and simple. → Built-in function MIUI Or second space.
• 🔹 Maximum secrecy → Rename APK or ADB.
• 🔹 Password protection → Safeware applications or Nova Launcher with a plugin.
• 🔹 Hiding system applications → Only ADB or rename (with caution).

If you are afraid of losing access to hidden applications, use a combined approach: for example, hide the icon through the launcher, and protect the data with a password in the Second Space.

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For most users, the best solution is a combination of Second Space (for critical applications) and Third-Party Launcher (for the rest).

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi Redmi