Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary icons from the desktop to having to hide confidential programs from prying eyes. Unlike pure Android, the MIUI shell offers several built-in mechanisms for this purpose, but not all of them are obvious. Moreover, after the upgrades to MIUI 14/15, some old methods stopped working, and new features appeared in unexpected menu sections.
In this article, we will discuss 5 current ways to hide applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including both standard system tools and workarounds for advanced users. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of firmware and models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), and also consider which applications can not be completely hidden without root rights and why. If you are looking for a way to make the interface cleaner or protect personal data, read on.
1. Hiding applications through the “Second Space” (Dual Apps)
One of the most reliable ways to hide applications on Xiaomi is to use the “Second Space” feature (or Dual Apps in global firmware), which is not just removing icons from the screen, but creating an isolated copy of the application with individual data, suitable for instant messengers, social networks and other programs where privacy is important.
How it works:
- 🔄 The application is duplicated in the second space, and the original can be deleted or hidden.
- 🔒 Access to the second space is protected by a password or fingerprint.
- 📱 Supported on all devices with MIUI 12 and newer (including POCO F5, Xiaomi 12T).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Second Space
- Click Create a Second Space and follow the Customization Wizard.
- After creation, go to Settings of the second space → Clone applications.
- Select programs for duplication (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram).
- Return to the main space and remove the original apps (or hide them by other methods).
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) may block the second space due to security policies.
2.Using the Hidden Applications feature in MIUI Launcher
MIUI 14/15 has a built-in tool to hide applications right in the launcher, and unlike Second Space, this method doesn't make copies of programs, it just takes them off the list, and the icons stay available through search or a special menu.
How to turn on:
- Hold your finger on the free space on the desktop.
- Select Home Screen Settings → Hidden Apps.
- Check the boxes next to the programs you want to hide.
- Confirm the action – the icons will disappear from the screen and from the app menu.
To bring back hidden programs:
- 🔍 Enter the name in the search bar (swipe down on the desktop).
- 📌 Or go back to the Home Screen Settings. → Hidden apps and uncheck the boxes.
| Method | Hiding icons | Hiding from the search | Requires a password | It works without root. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second space | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes, in the second space) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Hidden applications (Launcher) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Disconnection in settings | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| Third-party launchers | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Depends on the launcher. | ⚠️ Sometimes. | ✅ Yes. |
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C With lightweight firmware, the Hidden Apps option may not be available, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
3. Disabling system and preinstalled applications
Many users want to hide not only custom programs, but also system utilities from Xiaomi that can not be removed (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps).
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select a program from the list (e.g. Mi Video).
- Click Disable (the button will appear if the application can be deactivated).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
What's important to know:
- 🛑 Disabling system applications (e.g., Security) may disrupt the operation of the system MIUI.
- 🔄 After updating the firmware, some programs may be activated again.
- 📌 The list of applications disabled depends on the model (on the POCO X5 Pro it's wider than the Redmi. A2).
Do not disable Security (violate the security)
Don’t touch MIUI System and Android System
Before disabling, check the reviews about the app
Create a backup in Settings → Additional → Backup
After disconnecting, restart the phone-->
If the Disable button is inactive, the application is critical to the system, in which case only unlocking the bootloader and deleting via ADB will help (for more on this in the section for advanced users).
4. Third-party launchers with application hiding function
If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can install an alternative launcher with advanced privacy settings.
- 🏆 Nova Launcher (Nova Hide Apps plugin).
- 🔒 Apex Launcher (Integrated Hiding Function).
- 🛡️ Microsoft Launcher (Hiding Through Personal Space»).
Example of settings for Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Download the Nova Hide Apps plugin (premium version required).
- Press your finger on your desktop → Settings Nova → Hide Apps.
- Select programs to hide and apply changes.
Advantages of third-party launchers:
- 🎨 More customization options (themes, gestures, animations).
- 🔍 Hidden apps don’t show up even in search (unlike the standard method). MIUI).
- 🔄 It is easy to return visibility in two clicks.
⚠️ Note: Some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) may miss navigation gestures after installing a third-party launcher. → Display. → Navigation gestures and select Full-screen gestures mode».
💡
If after changing the launcher, weather or calendar widgets stop working, install their analogues from Google Play (for example, Chronus or Overdrop).
5. Advanced methods: ADB and root access
For users who are ready to experiment, there are methods of hiding applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or using root rights, which allow you to remove or freeze even system programs, but you need to be careful.
Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (without root)
Suitable for removing pre-installed applications that cannot be disabled in the settings menu.
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Disconnect commands (e.g. Mi Browser):
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browserMethod 2: Freeze with Magisk (with root)
If you have an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, use modules like App Systemizer or Titanium Backup to:
- 🧊 Freeze applications (they will stay in the system, but will not work).
- 🗑️ Complete removal (cautionary - may disrupt stability!).
What happens if you delete the system application through ADB?
List of safe packets to remove (for MIUI 15):
| Title of the annex | Packet name | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | ✅ Yes. |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | ✅ Yes. |
| GetApps | com.xiaomi.mipicks | ✅ Yes. |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | ✅ Yes. |
| Security (Security) | com.miui.securitycenter | ❌ No (critically!) |
6. Hiding apps from children: Parental controls
If the goal is to restrict access to certain programs for a child, it is better to use the built-in parental control in MIUI, which not only hides icons, but also blocks the launch of applications without a password.
How to set up:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Parental Controls.
- Create. PIN-code (do not use simple combinations like 1234!).
- Select your child’s profile and indicate their age (this affects standard restrictions).
- In the Application Restrictions section, select the programs to block.
- Activate control mode.
Additional opportunities:
- ⏰ Setting a time limit for use.
- 📊 Viewing the activity history.
- 🔒 Blocking purchases in games.
⚠️ Attention: Parental control in MIUI It resets after the phone is reset to factory settings. To avoid this, link your Mi Account and enable settings synchronization in Settings. → Xiaomi account → Synchronization.
💡
Parental control is the only method that not only hides apps, but also physically blocks them from running without a password, suitable for families with children or if multiple people use the phone.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When hiding apps on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:
Problem 1: Hidden apps reappear after the MIUI update.
Solution: This is because system applications are restored when updates are made, so that you can avoid this:
- Use the Second Space instead of the standard cover.
- Turn off automatic firmware updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.
Problem 2: Can't find the Hidden Apps option in the launcher settings.
Solution: Possible reasons:
- You have a third-party launcher installed (return the standard MIUI Launcher).
- Firmware is lightweight (e.g., on the Redmi A1 or POCO C50). Try the ADB method.
- The feature is hidden in your region. Change the region to Settings → Additional → Language and region to India (where the option is exactly there).
Problem 3: After the system application is disabled, notifications stop working.
Solution: You may have deactivated the notification service. Restore it through ADB:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.systemAdSolution