Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS provide users with extensive tools for personalization, but privacy features are often hidden from the eyes of an inexperienced owner. The situation when you need to restrict access to certain programs arises quite often, whether it is the desire to hide banking software from curious children or remove rarely used utilities from the main screen for putting order. The standard Android system does not always offer a built-in mechanism for the complete disappearance of the icon, but the Chinese company’s engineers have provided several workarounds.
It's important to understand that what users mean by "hide" is often something from simply removing a label from a desktop to creating a fully password-protected container. Data privacy is secondary to visual concealment if you don't use specialized encryption tools. In this article, we'll go through all the available ways, from standard shell features to installing third-party launchers that allow you to achieve the desired result without losing functionality.
Before you start manipulating, it’s worth noting that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the regional binding of the device. However, the logic of the system components remains the same for the entire model range of the brand. Visual cleanliness of the interface is not only aesthetics, but also a way to speed up the search for really necessary tools, getting rid of information noise.
Use of Hidden Folders in MIUI
One of the most effective and built-in ways is to use Hidden Folders, which allows you to place selected applications in a special container that is accessed via swipe down in the Security or Application Manager app, and the icons of the moved programs disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications, becoming visible only after you enter a password or a pattern lock.
To activate this function, you need to open the system application Security and find the Hidden folders section. After activating, the system will prompt you to set a password if it is not already set and choose the way to unlock.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your phone to factory settings or remove the application from a hidden folder without first restoring the data inside the program may be lost.
The process of adding programs to a hidden storage is intuitive, but it requires careful object selection. You can hide not only user software, but also some system components, although this is not always recommended to avoid operating system instability. Once you add the icon disappears instantly, and access to it is only through a special login to the security menu.
Configure hidden folders through Application Manager
An alternative way to manage hidden space is through the application manager system component, which is often more stable on older versions of MIUI 12 and MIUI 13, where the security menu could be reorganized, and the principle of operation is similar: a secure partition is created, where shortcuts are transferred, making them invisible to outsiders.
To take advantage of this method, look for the Application Manager icon (often looking like a shield or list) in the list of all applications. In the top corner of the screen, you can have a gear icon or a three-point menu where the Hidden Applications item is hidden.
Activating the switch in front of the desired application instantly removes it from desktops. Interestingly, some versions of the shell, after activating the concealment function, use a special gesture or combination of actions to enter the hidden application menu, which the system will report separately, which provides an additional level of protection against accidental detection.
☑️ Checking the hidden folder settings
Consider that on Global ROMs, this functionality can be trimmed or renamed to suit Google’s requirements. If you don’t find these items, it’s likely that your version of the software requires the use of alternative methods, which will be discussed below. In any case, system security remains a priority, and Xiaomi periodically changes the location of these features.
Hiding through Second Space Mode
Second Space is a completely isolated environment within a smartphone, not just hiding an icon, but creating a separate desktop with its own apps, files and accounts, and switching between the main and second spaces is instantaneous and can be protected by a separate fingerprint or password.
To enable this option, go to Settings and select Second Space (or find the Second Space app in the menu). The system will suggest setting up a separate profile that looks like a clean phone. You can install any apps there, and they will be completely invisible in the main space.
| Parameter | Main space | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility of applications | You can only see here. | Completely hidden |
| Access to files | Can't see the files on the second. | Can see (with license) |
| Accounts. | The main Google/Xiaomi | Individual accounts |
| Battery discharge | Background processes are underway | Background processes are underway |
Using Second Space is a radical but highly effective method, ideal for separating work and personal life or storing highly sensitive information, but remember that applications running in the second space continue to consume RAM and battery power, even if you are in the main profile.
How quickly do you switch between spaces?
Use of third-party launchers for concealment
If your HyperOS or MIUI shell is not suitable or available in your version, third-party launchers come to the rescue. Replacing the standard shell with Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher opens up access to advanced desktop management features, including flexible icon hiding.
Once you install the launcher from Google Play and assign it to the default, you have to go to its settings. Usually, the section is called Hidden Apps or App Hider. Here you can choose any program you want to remove from view. Unlike system methods, launchers often allow you to hide applications selectively for different pages or folders.
An important nuance is that the launcher only manages the display of shortcuts. The functionality of the application does not change, and it remains accessible through search or system settings. Some advanced launchers allow you to hide applications on a schedule or create aliases, changing the name and icon of the program to something neutral, for example, "Calculator".
⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers on Xiaomi, there may be problems with animation or gesture control, as MIUI aggressively optimizing background processes. It is recommended to add a launcher to the battery exclusion list.
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For stable third-party launcher on Xiaomi go to Settings → Applications → Settings → Special app access and allow the launcher to be displayed on top of other windows, and also turn off energy savings for it.
Restrictions of access through Parental Control
Another way to make apps unavailable to a specific user is to use Parental Controls (Family Link or embedded restrictions). While this does not hide the icon visually in the classical sense, it makes it impossible to run the program without entering. PIN-administrator code.
In the Digital Well-Being and Parental Control settings, you can set time limits for specific applications or block them from running completely, which is useful if the purpose of the concealment is to prevent children from using games or social networks, rather than to hide the fact that the program is available.
The method requires a child's Google account or a restricted profile setting. Once restrictions are set, when you try to open a blocked application, the system will ask for permission, which creates an effective barrier, although the icon remains in place, which may not be suitable for full privacy tasks.
Restoring access to hidden applications
Sooner or later, you have to bring the hidden application back to a prominent place, and the feedback process depends on the method you choose, so if you used a hidden folder, you have to log in again through the security menu, pinch the application icon and select the option "Delete from hidden" or just drag it back to the desktop.
In the case of Second Space, the application is removed in the standard way inside that space, or through space management settings where you can completely delete the second profile. When using launchers, you just go to the hiding settings and uncheck the desired program.
If you forget the password from the hidden folder, it can be difficult to restore access. Xiaomi often offers a reset through the Mi Account account to which the device is linked. Without access to the account, data inside the hidden container can be lost forever, so backing up important data remains critical.
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The choice of the method of hiding depends on your goal: launchers are suitable for visual order, hidden folders are suitable for data protection, and Second Space is suitable for full division of profiles.