Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer several ways to hide apps from prying eyes, from built-in features to obscure tricks. But not all methods are equally effective: some simply remove icons from the desktop, others completely block access to programs without a password. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods (including the hidden settings of MIUI 14/15), their pros and cons, and nuances for different models, from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14.
It is important to understand that hiding applications does not equal deleting them: all data (cache, accounts, settings) will be stored, and some programs (for example, system) may continue to work in the background. If the goal is to free up memory or disable auto-start, it is better to use other optimization methods.
Before you start, check the version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone. Some features (such as the Hidden Album in the Gallery) only appeared in MIUI 12.5+, and old firmware may not.
1. Built-in "Hidden Applications" function in MIUI
The easiest way is to use the standard MIUI tool, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones since MIUI 10. It does not require superuser rights and works even on blocked downloaders. However, the method has a limitation: hidden applications will remain visible in Settings → Apps and can be displayed in search results.
To activate the function:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Desktop
- 🔍 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 programs you want to hide and click Ready.
After that, the icons will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu. To return them back, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes. Importantly, if you forget the password, you can only restore access to hidden applications through a reset (Settings → Additional → Reset).
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If the Hidden Apps feature is not on the menu, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or use alternative methods from this article.
2. Hiding through the "Second Space" (Dual Apps)
The Second Space (or Dual Apps) feature is originally designed to create a separate user profile with its own apps and data, but it can also be used to hide programs: by moving unnecessary applications to a second space, you will make them inaccessible in the main profile without entering an additional password.
How it works:
- Go to Settings. → Second space.
- Create a second profile (you will need to specify a password or fingerprint).
- In the main space, open Settings → Apps → Duplicate applications.
- Select the programs you want to hide and duplicate them in the second space.
- In the main profile, remove the original versions of the applications (the data will remain in the second space).
Now, to access hidden programs, you need to switch to a second space through the notification bar or enter a password, a method that is suitable for hiding messengers, social networks and other applications where data privacy is important.
3.Use of the "Guest" mode for temporary concealment
If you want to quickly hide apps from strangers (for example, when you give your phone to friends or colleagues), use guest mode, which displays only the basic applications (Phone, Messages, Camera), and all other programs become unavailable without leaving the guest session.
Activate the mode in two ways:
- 🔄 Through the notification bar: swipe down twice, find the User (or Guest) icon and tap it.
- 📱 Through Settings: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Multiplayer mode → Guest.
To return to the main profile, just click on the user icon in the notification panel again or restart the phone. Restriction: in guest mode, you can not install new applications or change the system settings.
What to do if the guest mode is inactive?
4. Hiding icons through launcher settings
If the goal is simply to remove icons from your desktop but leave apps accessible via search or menu, use the settings of the standard MIUI launcher.This method does not provide privacy, but helps reduce visual clutter.
Instructions:
- Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
- Select Desktop Settings (or Launcher Settings).
- Go to Hide applications (on some firmware – Hide icons).
- Check the boxes that you want to remove from the screen.
The apps that are hidden in this way will remain in the All Apps menu (available by swipe up from the dock panel) and will appear in the search results. To return the icons, repeat the steps and uncheck the boxes.
Make sure the application is not system-based (such as Settings or Phone)
Check that you have an alternative way to run (search, voice assistant)
Make a backup copy of the data (for messengers and social networks)
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5. Advanced Methods: ADB and Third Party Launchers
For advanced users willing to work with ADB or install third-party launchers, more flexible ways to hide applications are available, which require additional actions, but even allow you to hide system programs.
Method 1: Disconnecting through ADB
With the ADB command, you can disable any application (including preinstalled ones) without removing it completely.
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application).
To return the application, use:
adb shell pm enable com.example.appMethod 2: Third-party launchers
Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher allow you to hide icons without system restrictions.
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Click and hold the empty space on the desktop → Settings Nova.
- Go to Hide Apps and select the right programs.
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Methods with ADB and third-party launchers can disrupt system applications. Back up your data before using it!
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
| Method | Level of confidentiality | Password required | It works on all models. | Recovery capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Applications (MIUI) | Medium. | Yes. | Yes (with MIUI 10+) | Through settings |
| Second space | High-pitched | Yes. | Yes (except POCO F1) | Switching profile |
| Guest mode | Low. | No. | Yes (except for some POCOs) | Reboot. |
| Launcher settings | Absent. | No. | Yes. | Through the launcher menu |
| ADB/Third-party launchers | High (for ADB) | No (for ADB only) | No (unlocking required) | Through the commands/settings of the launcher |
For most users, the best solution is a combination of built-in MIUI (Hidden Apps + Second Space) features. If you want maximum privacy (for example, to hide banking applications), you should use ADB or specialized programs like App Hider.
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On Xiaomi 13/14 models with MIUI 15, the “Private Mode” feature has appeared, which encrypts hidden applications. To activate it, go to Settings → Privacy → Private Mode.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When hiding applications, users often face some of the most common problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🔄 Hidden apps reappear after update MIUI: This is due to the launcher reset. To avoid the problem, back up before upgrading via Settings. → System system → Backup.
- 🔒 Forgot the password from hidden apps or second space: The only way to restore access is to reset your settings to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Reset settings. Application data will be deleted.
- 📱 Notifications from hidden applications do not work: MIUI 14+ Hidden program notifications are disabled by default. To return them, go to Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Hidden Notices.
⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 with a MIUI 13) Hidden Apps may conflict with Google Play Protection. If programs have stopped updating after hiding, temporarily disable protection in Settings → Google → Security.
If neither method works (e.g. on enterprise devices with restrictions), consider using containers like Island (requires root) or Shelter (works without superuser rights but with restrictions).