How to Hide or Remove App Icons on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based desktop is often hijacked by dozens of unnecessary icons, from pre-installed Mi Browser and Mi Video services to advertising shortcuts from partners. Even after uninstallation, many apps leave behind “dead” icons that spoil the screen and interfere with navigation. In this article, we’ll look at all possible ways to remove icons from Xiaomi — from standard shell features to hidden commands for power users.

It is important to understand the difference between removing an icon (it disappears from the screen, but the application remains in the system) and uninstalling an application (complete removal of the software).We will consider both options, including methods for models without superuser rights (root) and using ADB. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15 on Redmi Note 10/11/12 smartphones, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and other devices of the brand.

1. Standard Hiding of Icons through MIUI Settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in application hiding feature, which requires no additional tools and is suitable for most users, but only works with system applications that cannot be completely removed (e.g. Mi Pay, Mi Community, Themes).

To hide the icon:

• 📱 Long click on the app icon on the desktop.
• 🔄 In the menu that appears, select “Remove” (not “Delete!” – this will simply remove the shortcut from the screen).
• 👁️ For complete concealment go to Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the desired application, open its page and click “Hide” (the option is not available for all software).

⚠️ Note: Hidden applications continue to run in the background and may consume battery power. To completely disable them, use the methods in the following sections.

2. Removal of shortcuts from the desktop (without uninstallation)

If you just need to remove the icon from the home screen but leave the app on the menu, do the following:

1. 📱 Press and hold the app icon for 2-3 seconds.
2. 🗑️ Drag it up the screen to the "Delete" (or "Remove" in new versions) label. MIUI).
3. 📁 The icon will disappear from the desktop, but will remain in the App Menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).

This way, not removing the app itself, but only removing its shortcut. To return the icon back, find the app on the menu, click on it and hold it, then drag it to the desktop.

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If after removing the icon in its place remains an empty gray field, restart the launcher: click Settings → Home screen → Restart.

3. Complete removal of pre-installed applications without root

Many Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Browser, Cleaner) can be removed without superuser rights via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but does not violate the warranty.

Step-by-step:

1. 💻 Install. ADB-Drivers on PC and enable Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
2. 🔌 Connect the phone to the computer and type in the command line:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear.)

1. 📝 To see a list of all applications, enter:

adb shell pm list packages

1. 🗑️ To remove a specific application (e.g., Mi Browser with com.android.browser) use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications can cause unstable phone operation. Before executing commands, back up your data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Install ADB on PC|

Enable debugging over USB on your phone |

Connect the phone to the computer |

Make a backup copy of the data |

Check the name of the application package-->

4.Using third-party launchers to hide icons

If you don't want to delete apps but you need to hide their icons, install an alternative launcher.

• 🌐 Nova Launcher – allows you to hide icons, change their appearance and group into folders.
• 🎨 Apex Launcher – Supports gestures and app hiding.
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration and the Hidden Applications feature».

To hide the icon in Nova Launcher:

1. 📱 Long press on the desktop → «Settings».
2. 🔍 Go to the Apps Menu» → «Hide applications».
3. ✅ Check the unnecessary icons and click “Done».

🔹 Advantage of the method: does not require root rights or ADB, reversible.

🔸 Disadvantage: Launchers consume additional RAM (about 100-200 MB).

5. Disable applications through settings (without deleting)

If you can't delete an app, but it's disrupting your work, turn it off, and it will stop the background and remove the icon from your desktop.

Instructions:

1. ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
2. 🔍 Find the right app (e.g. Mi Video).
3. 🚫 Click "Disable" (option is not available for all system software).

⚠️ Note: Disabling some applications (such as Mi Security) may disrupt Google services or system notifications.

6. Removal of icons with root rights (for experienced)

If your Xiaomi has Magisk or another root tool installed, you can completely uninstall any application, including system ones.

1. 📱 Install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. 🔍 Go to the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app.
3. 🗑️ Find a folder with the name of the application (for example, Browser for Mi Browser) and delete it.
4. 🔄 Reboot the phone.

🔹 Warning: Incorrectly deleting system files can lead to a device "brick" (completely inoperable). TWRP.

7.Resetting launcher settings to factory

If after manipulating the icons, the desktop began to glittle (for example, folders or widgets disappeared), reset the launcher settings:

1. ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Home screen.
2. 🔄 Click on Reset Settings (or Restore by Default»).
3. 📱 Confirm the action – all icons will return to their original positions.

This method doesn't remove apps, it just returns the standard desktop look, and after resetting, you'll have to reset the layout of the icons and widgets.

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Resetting the launcher is the safest way to return the original desktop state without losing data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing icons on Xiaomi