How to hide the application on Xiaomi: all the ways from Second Space to ADB

Hiding apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities to having to hide personal data from outsiders. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, MIUI firmware offers several built-in and third-party solutions. However, they are not all equally effective: some methods simply remove the icon from the desktop, others completely block access to the application without a password.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways, including hiding through Second Space, using App Lock, setting up launchers like Nova Launcher, and advanced ADB techniques for power users. We’ll focus on the nuances of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15, where the interface and settings change frequently. If you’re looking for a way to hide an app without being found even through a search engine, read on.

1.Second Space: Fully-fledged cover-up with separate profile

Second Space is Xiaomi’s most reliable solution for hiding applications, creating an isolated copy of the system with separate settings, applications and data, and the advantage of the method is that hidden applications are not displayed in the main space or in the All Apps menu, and access to them is protected by a password or fingerprint.

How to set up:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Second Space.
• 🔑 Set your password (required!) and confirm it.We recommend using a combination of 8.+ symbolism.
• 📥 After creating the second space, go to it through the notification panel (user icon).
• 📦 Install or copy the desired applications in the second profile. They will automatically disappear from the main one.

Second Space consumes additional resources (up to 1-1.5 GB of memory) and can slightly reduce performance on weak devices (Redmi 9A, POCO C31), but this method works even after resetting the main profile settings.

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If Second Space doesn’t show up in the settings, upgrade your MIUI to the latest version or check the firmware region (the feature may not be available in global builds for some models).

2. App Lock: Access blocking without removing the icon

App Lock does not hide apps completely, but restricts access to them with a password, fingerprint or face, which is suitable if you need to quickly block messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) from prying eyes.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → App Lock.
2. Enable the function and set the unlock method (PIN, pattern lock or biometrics).
3. Select applications from the list and activate the lock for them.
4. Optionally, turn on “Hide Notifications” so that the contents of the messages do not appear on the lock screen.

Set a complex password (not date of birth)| Activated biometrics as a backup method | Hidden the App Lock icon in the notification panel | Disabled notification display for blocked applications

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Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ The app icon remains visible on the desktop and menu.
• ⚠️ In some versions MIUI (MIUI 12.5 and below App Lock can be bypassed through Safe Mode.
• ⚠️ If someone knows your lock screen password, they can unlock App Lock.

3. Hiding through launchers: Nova Launcher and others

Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher allow you to hide application icons without removing the programs themselves.This method visually removes applications from the desktop, but they remain accessible through a system search or All apps menu.

How to hide the icon in Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press your finger on the free desktop space → Settings Nova.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Tick the apps you want to hide and click Ready.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎨 Flexible interface configuration (you can hide system applications that are MIUI prevents removal).
• 🔄 Quick recovery of icons through launcher settings.
• 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI Android.

⚠️ Note: Apps hidden through the launcher are still visible in Settings → Apps can be found through a system search. For complete privacy, combine this method with App Lock.

MIUI Launcher (standard)|Nova Launcher|Apex Launcher|Hyperion Launcher|Other |Not using third-party launchers-->

4. ADB-commands: hiding system applications (for advanced ones)

If you want to hide a system application (such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps) that cannot be removed in the standard ways, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will help.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the phone to your PC, install ADB drivers and open the command line.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
5. To hide the app, use: adb shell pm hide com.mi.browser Replace com.mi.browser with the batch name of the application you want (you can find it through the App Inspector in Google Play).

List of popular batch names for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Note: Hiding system applications through ADB It can lead to unstable work MIUI For example, hiding com.xiaomi.mipicks (GetApps) sometimes blocks access to Xiaomi's branded services!

5 Hiding through Hidden Applications in MIUI (limited functionality)

Some versions of MIUI (mainly Chinese firmware) have a built-in Hidden Apps feature that allows you to remove icons from the menu, but this method does not work on all devices and often disappears after updates.

How to check for a function:

• 🔍 Open the All Apps menu (swipe up from the desktop).
• 🔧 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Hidden applications (if no item, the function is not available).
• 📌 Select hide-out apps and confirm.

Limitations:

• ❌ It doesn't work on global firmware. MIUI for Redmi/POCO.
• ❌ Hidden applications are still visible in Settings → Annexes.
• ❌ After resetting the settings, the concealment is reset.

If this feature is not in your version of MIUI, use alternative methods from the previous sections.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goal:

• 🔒 Maximum confidentiality (hiding from everyone, including yourself) → Second Space.
• 🔐 Quick lockdown (for example, for children) → App Lock.
• 🎨 Cosmetic concealment (remove unnecessary icons) → Nova Launcher.
• 🛠️ Removal of system applications → ADB (experienced!).

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For complete privacy, combine methods: for example, hide applications through Second Space and further block their App Lock in the second profile.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When hiding applications on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems:

1. Second Space is not created: Reason: the feature is disabled in regional firmware or on weak devices (Redmi 8A, POCO C3) Solution: upgrade MIUI to the latest version or use alternative methods.
2. ADB doesn't see the device: Reason: no drivers installed or USB debugging enabled.Solution: Install Mi PC Suite or drivers manually through Device Manager.
3. Hidden apps reappear after the update: Reason: Reset launcher settings or MIUI Solution: Use Second Space or ADB for permanent hiding.
4. App Lock resets: Reason: Lock screen password reset. Solution: Link App Lock to Mi Account in the security settings.

If neither method works, consider turning apps off (do not delete!) through Settings → Apps → App Management → Disable.This doesn’t hide the icon, but stops the program’s background activity.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions