Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed apps, from useful services to unnecessary bloatware (embedded software that can’t be removed by standard methods), but what if the app suddenly disappeared from the home screen or in the All Apps menu? It may have been hidden by accident, hidden by the manufacturer or blocked by the system.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for finding hidden applications on Xiaomi Redmi, POCO or Mi (relevant to MIUI 12-15).
- 🔍 Return hidden icons to the main screen
- 📱 Display system applications in the menu
- 🗑️ Remove or disable unnecessary bloatware
- 🛠️ Use it. ADB deep-clean
- ⚙️ Set up app visibility through settings MIUI
Important: Some methods require developer rights or PC connectivity. If you're a beginner, start with the simplest ways (sections 1–2).
1. Check the folder "Hidden applications" in MIUI
The quickest way is to look into a special folder where MIUI automatically hides some programs, which can happen after you update the system or reset your settings.
Instructions:
- Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
- Put three points on it (⋮) top-right.
- Select Hidden Apps (or Hidden Apps in English).
- Hold your finger on the desired application → click Display.
If you don't have Hidden Apps, you haven't been hiding anything manually. Go to the next method.
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In some POCO firmware, hidden applications are displayed in the Tools folder on the home screen.
2. Search through system settings (without root)
MIUI allows you to control the visibility of applications through the settings menu, which works even for system programs that are not displayed in the main menu.
How to turn on the display:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Put three points on it (⋮) → Select Show all Apps.
- In the list, find the desired application (you can use a search by name).
- Click on it → select Display on the main screen.
If the Display option is inactive, the app is blocked by the device administrator (e.g., corporate phones) or is a critical system component.
What if the app does not appear in the list?
3.Using a Launcher from Third Party Developers
The standard MIUI launcher sometimes loses the icons of the applications after the updates, the solution is to install an alternative launcher, for example:
- 📱 Nova Launcher (allows you to show hidden system applications)
- 🔄 Microsoft Launcher (works well with Xiaomi)
- ⚡ Hyperion Launcher (for advanced users)
After installation:
- Open the settings of the new launcher.
- Find the Hidden Apps or App Drawer section.
- Activate the option to Show all applications (including system ones).
Important: Some system applications (e.g., com.miui.securitycenter) may not run from a third-party launcher, which is normal because they are integrated into MIUI.
Download APK from the official website (not from unknown sources)|
Allow installation from unknown sources in security settings|
Backup your current launcher (via Titanium Backup if there is root)|
Check the compatibility of the launcher with your version MIUI-->
4. ADB-commands to display hidden applications
If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to connect to your PC and use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to return even those programs that are hidden at the system level.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version.
USB debugging
Settings → Additional → For Developers
ADB Tools
adb devices(Your device should be displayed).
adb shell cmd package list packages -f -h(The list will be long, look for the right name.)
adb shell cmd package set-hidden <name packet> falseFor example, for the Google Calendar:
adb shell cmd package set-hidden com.google.android.calendar false⚠️ Attention: careless use ADB Do not change the settings of applications called miui, android or com.qualcomm, these are critical components.
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ADB-commands allow you to manage even those applications that are not visible in the standard interface MIUI. However, to use them, minimal command line skills are required.
5. remove bloatware via uninstaller (root required)
If the goal is not just to find and remove unnecessary system applications (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps), you will need root rights or special utilities like Debloater.
Popular tools:
| Name of name | Need root? | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Android Debloater | ❌ No (works through) ADB) | Remove preinstalled apps without root rights, but not all |
| Titanium Backup | ✅ Yes. | Allows you to freeze or remove any application, including system |
| SD Maid | ✅ Yes. | Clears the cache and deletes residual files after uninstallation |
| MIUI Hidden Settings | ❌ No. | Discloses hidden MIUI settings, including application management |
Example of uninstallation via Universal Android Debloater:
- Connect your phone to a PC with USB debugging enabled.
- Open the utility and select Read device packages.
- Check the boxes for unnecessary applications (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer).
- Click Uninstall selected packages.
⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications can cause the phone to function unstable.Before cleaning, back up through Settings → System system → Backup.
6.Restore Hidden Applications After Resetting Settings
If you've done a hard reset, some apps may disappear from the home screen, even though they're still installed, to get them back:
Method 1: Through MIUI backup
- Go to Settings → System → Backup.
- Select the latest backup (if it was created before the reset).
- Check the Apps and click Restore.
Method 2: Using a Google Account
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Google.
- 📱 Enable the Application Synchronization.
- 🔍 Wait 5-10 minutes – some apps will come back automatically.
If the apps never show up, check for them through Settings → Apps → Application Management. They may have been removed when reset (this is not the system programs, but the user programs).