Hidden apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones are a frequent headache for users. MIUI automatically hides underused programs in a special section, and sometimes removes their icons from the home screen. If you need to return a hidden application — for example, Camera, Gallery or Settings — do not rush to refashion the device. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 2-3 minutes by standard means.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove an application from hidden on Xiaomi (relevant to MIUI 14/15 and all models: from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra). No root access or complex commands - only official settings and hidden system chips, and you will learn why applications disappear on their own and how to prevent it.
Why are apps hiding on Xiaomi?
MIUI hides applications for three main reasons:
- 🔹 Automatic optimization: MIUI analyzes the frequency of use of programs and removes rarely opened in the section "Hidden applications" (this is not removal!).
- 🔹 Update error: After upgrade MIUI Some system applications (such as Security or Topics) may drop out of the menu.
- 🔹 User Actions: Accidentally clicking on “Hide” in the context menu of the application or activating the Light mode (light version) MIUI).
Interesting fact: on the POCO F5 and Redmi K60 with MIUI 15, the hiding algorithm is more aggressive – the system can hide even frequently used applications if they have not been updated for a long time through Google Play.
⚠️ Note: If the application disappeared from the list of all installed programs (including system ones) after hiding, this may indicate a failure in the Launcher (shells). MIUI). In this case, only resetting the launcher settings will help - read about this in the section about difficult cases.
Method 1: Return via Hidden Applications (the easiest way)
If the app is simply hidden but not removed, you can return it in 30 seconds:
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Hidden Applications.
- Find the desired application in the list and uncheck the tick next to it.
- Confirm the action – the icon will return to the main screen or menu.
This method works for all versions of MIUI, including MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 13T and MIUI 15 on Redmi Note 13 Pro+. If there is no Hidden Apps, then your application is removed or disabled (see Method 3).
☑️ Check before returning the application
Method 2: Enabling disabled applications
If the application is not just hidden, but disabled (for example, system utilities like FM-Radio or Infrared Port, you can return it to the port:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the Disconnected tab (or All apps → status filter).
- Find the right app and tap on it.
- Click Enable (or Activate for system utilities).
On the POCO X5 Pro and Redmi 12 with MIUI 14, some system applications (such as Game Turbo) can be disabled by default to save resources.
| Type of application | Reason for concealment | Method of return |
|---|---|---|
| Customized (from Google Play) | Manual Hiding or Optimization of MIUI | Method 1 or reinstallation |
| System (Camera, Settings) | Failure after update | Method 2 or launcher reset |
| Service (FM-radio, infrared) | Deactivated by default | Method 2 |
| Widgets and labels | The launcher error | Method 4 or 5 |
Method 3: Reinstall the application (if removed)
If the application is not just hidden, but completely removed from the system (for example, after cleaning the cache or reset), it can only be returned by reinstalling:
- 📥 For custom apps (from Google Play): find it in the store and install it again. Data can be saved if the folder has not been cleaned. /Android/data.
- 🔧 For system applications (such as Topics or Security): Download APK from the official Xiaomi website (Support section for your model) and install manually.
On Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13 with MIUI 15, some system applications (such as Mi Video) can be cloud-based – they are removed at low activity, but are restored when first launched from Google Play.
⚠️ Warning: Never install APK System applications from third-party sites! this may result in a Mi Account being blocked or conflict with the current version MIUI. Use only official sources: en.miui.com or c.mi.com.
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If the app disappears again after reinstalling, check the Battery → Battery Optimization settings and disable the restrictions for that application.
Method 4: Resetting launcher settings (for complex cases)
If apps disappear in packs or don't return after standard actions, the problem may be a failure of the MIUI Launcher shell.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Launcher (or MIUI Launcher) in the list.
- Select Warehouse → Clear data and Clear cache.
- Reboot the phone. Once you turn on, the app icons will return to their seats.
This method works on all models, but it has a side effect: it will reset the location of icons, folders on the home screen and widget settings, but it solves the problem of “disappearance” of system applications after the MIUI update.
What if the launcher reset didn’t help?
Method 5: Use of ADB (for power users)
If standard methods fail and the application is critical (like Settings or Phone), you can return it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and minimal technical skills.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to unlock Developer Settings), then go back to Additional Settings → Developer → Debugging on USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm enable package applications For example, to return settings: adb shell pm enable com.android.settings
- Reset the device.
List of Xiaomi system application packages:
- com.android.contacts - Contacts
- com.miui.gallery - Gallery
- com.miui.calculator - Calculator
- com.android.dialer - Phone
⚠️ Attention: Improper use ADB Do not disable critical system applications (for example, com.miui.home is a launcher, without it the phone will not boot up!).
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ADB is the last option where all the other methods failed. For most users, Methods 1-3 are enough.
How to prevent automatic application hiding?
So MIUI doesn't hide apps spontaneously:
- 🛡️ Turn off optimization: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Find the application and select Without Limits.
- 🔄 Update. MIUI: In new versions (e.g, MIUI 15) the concealment algorithm is softer.
- 📌 Keep frequently used apps on the home screen – the system less often hides them.
- 🚫 Do not use "Light" mode: In Settings → Screen. → Select the Standard Mode, not the Light.
On the POCO M6 Pro and Redmi 12C with limited resources, MIUI is more aggressive in optimizing background processes. If you notice that applications disappear more often than usual, check free memory: at less than 1 GB, the system begins to actively clean the cache and hide rarely used programs.