How to hide the application in the phone Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all the ways from standard to hidden

Why users want to hide apps and what to know before starting

Hiding apps on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a challenge that comes with a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove rarely used utilities to having to hide personal correspondence or financial services. Unlike the iPhone, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in mechanisms and also supports third-party solutions. However, not all methods are equally reliable: some simply remove the icon from the home screen, others completely isolate the program from prying eyes.

Before you start, consider two key points: First, the hidden app continues to work in the background (unless manually disabled), consuming battery power and mobile traffic. Second, on the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12-14 version, some methods (such as Second Space) may require pre-setting your Xiaomi account. If you use custom firmware or root access, the possibilities are expanded, but this is already a topic for a separate article.

In this guide, we’ll look at all the current ways to hide apps on the Redmi Note 9 without root rights, including little-known MIUI features, archiving, and even creating “parallel space.” Each method is tested on devices with original firmware — no “theoretical” advice.

Method 1: Built-in Hide Apps in MIUI

The simplest and most obvious method is to use the standard MIUI tool, which doesn't remove the program, it just removes the icon from the menu and search, and is suitable for applications that you want to hide from outsiders, but don't plan to delete.

How it works:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Hide Apps.
• ✅ Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Apps remain in the All Apps list (available through search in settings).
• ⚠️ Icons disappear only from the home screen and app bar, but not from the recent.
• ⚠️ Some system utilities (e.g. Security) cannot be hidden.

⚠️ Warning: If you hide the app and then update MIUI, Some programs may reappear on the home screen. After updating, check the list of hidden applications manually.

Method 2: Archiving applications (without deleting data)

Archiving is an intermediate between hiding and uninstalling, and the app stops showing up on the menu, but its data (like logins or settings) is saved, a method that is useful for programs you rarely use but don't want to reconfigure.

Step-by-step:

1. Press the app icon on the home screen before the menu appears.
2. Select Archive (if there is no option, drag the icon to the top of the screen where the Archives will appear).
3. Confirm the action. The application will disappear, but will remain in the archived list (Settings → Applications → Archived).

How to return the archived application:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Archived.
• 📥 Click on the download icon next to the desired application.

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If you need to run an archived application urgently, find it in Settings → Applications → Archived and click Open. No need to restore!

Method 3: Second Space – Parallel privacy space

Second Space is a unique feature of MIUI that creates an isolated copy of the system with separate applications, data and even wallpaper. Perfect for hiding messengers, banking applications or games. The main advantage is that programs in Second Space are not visible in the main space and vice versa.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to link your Xiaomi account).
3. Once created, reboot your phone and select Second Space when you log in.
4. Install or transfer the desired applications (they will be available only here).

How to switch between spaces:

• 🔄 In the notification panel will appear the icon Second Space – tap it.
• 🔐 Or lock the screen and select the space when unlocking (if the password is configured).

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Second Space password, you can only restore access through a reset. Xiaomi does not provide official unlocking tools.

Method 4: Third-party launchers with concealment function

If the built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, alternative launchers from Google Play can be used, offering advanced concealment options, including password protection and system search hiding.

• 🛡️ Nova Launcher (Nova Hide Apps plugin).
• 🔒 Apex Launcher (Integrated Hiding Function).
• 🌐 Microsoft Launcher (Hiding Through Personal Space").

Example of settings in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher and Nova Hide Apps plugin.
2. Open the launcher settings and select Hidden Applications.
3. Add the programs to the list and apply the changes.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• ✅ You can hide any application, including system.
• ✅ Additional protection options (PIN code, fingerprint).
• ✅ Flexible configuration of the appearance.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Some of the squatters may be in conflict with MIUI, languishing.
• ⚠️ Applications remain visible in Settings → Annexes.

Method 5: Disabling applications (for system utilities)

Some Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) cannot be hidden or removed by standard methods, but they can be disabled, which removes the icons and stops background activity.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable and confirm the action.

What happens when you turn off:

• ✅ The icon disappears from the main screen and menu.
• ✅ The application stops updating and working in the background.
• ⚠️ Certain functions MIUI may stop working (for example, disabling Mi Security will turn off the virus scanner).

⚠️ Note: Disabled system applications can only be returned through resetting or manual activation in Settings → Annexes → Don't turn off services called com.android.* This can cause your phone to malfunction.

Additional Security Measures: How to Hide Traces of Use

Hiding an app is only half the battle, and if you want to completely disguise its use, you should pay attention to the following:

Clearing up recent tasks:

• 🧹 After using the hidden app, close it through Recent (swipe up).
• 🔄 V MIUI You can turn off preview in multitasking: Settings → Special facilities → Windows preview.

Disabling notifications:

• 🔔 Go to Settings. → Notifications → Management of notifications.
• 🚫 Find the hidden app and turn off the notifications display.

Cache reset:

• 🗑️ Regularly clear the cache of hidden applications in Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

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Even a hidden application can leave traces in the call log, SMS or system logs. For complete privacy, use Second Space or specialized safe applications.

Frequent questions about hiding apps on Redmi Note 9