How to hide the app icon on Xiaomi smartphone: from hiding to completely removing

A cluttered desktop on Xiaomi is a problem that every second smartphone owner of this brand faces. Even after cleaning, there are system applications that can not be removed, but their icons spoil the view of the screen. What if you want to hide the messenger from prying eyes or remove the shortcut to a game that you rarely use?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to hide icons, from standard MIUI functions to advanced methods using launchers and ADB. Importantly, some methods work only on certain versions of the firmware, so we will specify the limitations for MIUI 12/13/14/15 and Redmi/POCO models.

If you need not just remove the icon from the screen, but completely hide the application from the search (so that it can not be found through the search bar or in the menu), pay attention to the sections about disabling applications and the search engine. ADB-For most users, basic methods will suffice, but we will look at options for all levels of training.

1. Standard Hiding via MIUI Settings (without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in Hidden Apps feature in MIUI, which is available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, starting with the MIUI 10 firmware version. This method does not remove the application, but only removes its icon from the desktop and from the application menu.

To hide the icon:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hidden Apps.
3. In the list, tick the programs you want to hide.
4. Confirm the action – the icons will disappear from the screen.

⚠️ Attention: hidden applications remain active in the background and may consume battery power. To completely stop their operation, use the shutdown method (section 3).

Where to look for hidden apps after that?

• 🔍 Through the search bar (swipe down on the desktop) – they will not appear.
• 📱 Settings menu → Annexes → Hidden applications.
• 🔄 To return the icon, just remove the tick in the same menu.

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If you have hidden a system application (such as Mi Video or Mi Music), it can only be returned through a launcher reset. To do this, pinch the empty space on the desktop → Screen settings → Reset.

2. Use of alternative launchers (Nova, Apex, Microsoft Launcher)

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can install a launcher with advanced icon hiding capabilities.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – supports hiding icons, gestures, desktop backup.
• 🎯 Apex Launcher – Lightweight Launcher with the function “Hide applications".
• 🖥️ Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, hiding folders and applications.

Instructions for Nova Launcher (the most functional option):

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the desktop → Settings Nova.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the necessary programs and save the changes.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Icons are hidden deep - they are not visible even in the search for a launcher.
• ✅ You can hide system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Cleaner).
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI, including MIUI 15.

⚠️ Note: when you delete the launcher, all hidden icons will return to the desktop. To avoid this, back up your settings in Nova Settings → Backup/Restore.

Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)|

Create a backup copy of the current desktop |

Disable battery optimization for launcher in MIUI| settings

Check compatibility with the Android version (minimum - Android 8.0)-->

3. Disable applications (full concealment + background stop)

If you not only need to remove the icon, but also completely stop the program, use the disable function. This is true for system applications that cannot be removed (for example, Mi Pay, Mi Community, Game Turbo).

How to disable the application on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click "Disable" (the button will be active only for system programs).
4. Confirm the action – the icon will disappear and the process will be stopped.

What happens after the shutdown:

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications (such as Mi Security or Finder) may cause your smartphone to run unstable or update errors MIUI. Before disabling, check if the application is critical.

4. Hiding through ADB (for power users)

If you need to hide an icon of a system application that cannot be disabled by standard methods (such as Google Play Services or Mi Account), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on developer mode on Xiaomi: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.

ADB-driver

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified.

adb shell pm hide com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with the real app package)

How to find out the name of the application package?

• 📱 Install App Inspector software from Google Play.
• 🔍 Open the application, find the desired program in the list and copy it Package Name.
• 💻 Put this name in ADB-team.

⚠️ Note: After using adb shell pm hide, the app will stop receiving updates through the Play Market, even if you return the icon later:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

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ADB-method is the only way to hide icons of system applications that cannot be disabled through settings MIUI (Google Play Services or Mi Account).

5. Creating "empty" folders for masking icons

If you just want to remove the icons from view, but leave them with quick access, you can use folders with transparent names. This method does not require root or ADB, but visually cleans the desktop.

How it works:

1. Create a new folder on your desktop (click the icon → “Create a folder”).
2. Call it a space (or a symbol that is not visible visually, such as a thin space).
3. Move all unnecessary icons into it.
4. Install a transparent icon for the folder (via Nova or Apex launcher).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.
• ✅ Icons remain available in one tap.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The folder still takes up space on the screen (even if it is invisible).
• ❌ Apps remain active in the background.

💡

To make the folder completely invisible, use the Nova launcher and set it up with a transparent icon + remove the name. To do this, press the folder → Change the icon → Transparent.

6. Remove system applications (root only)

If you're willing to take drastic measures and you have root rights, you can completely remove unnecessary system applications, which is irreversible and requires caution, because removing critical components can cause your smartphone to fail.

How to remove the system application:

1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
3. Find a folder with the name of the application being removed (for example, MiBrowser).
4. Delete the folder or rename it (add at the end of.bak).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Before deleting, back up the folder /system through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery. If the smartphone stops booting after deleting, you'll need to restore the backup.

What applications can be removed safely?

• 🌐 Mi Browser (com.android.browser)
• 🎵 Mi Music (com.miui.player)
• 🎮 Game Turbo (com.xiaomi.glgm)
• 📺 Mi Video (com.miui.videoplayer)

What can't be removed:

• ❌ Security (com.miui.securitycenter) – responsible for security.
• ❌ Finder (com.miui.finddevice) – Device search.
• ❌ System UI (com.android.systemui – a critical component.

7. Reset the launcher settings (if the icons are missing themselves)

Sometimes, after updating MIUI or experimenting with launchers, the application icons disappear on their own, in which case resetting the launcher settings will help.

How to reset the launcher on Xiaomi:

1. Hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Screen Settings → Reset.
3. Confirm the action – all icons will return to their places.

If the dumping didn't help:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📥 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).
• 🛠️ Install an alternative launcher (like Nova) and reconfigure your desktop from scratch.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding icons on Xiaomi