Owners smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi are often faced with the need to hide personal data from prying eyes. The standard shell MIUI and its modern version HyperOS offer powerful tools for protecting privacy that do not require the installation of additional software. The hiding applications function allows you to remove app icons from the desktop, making them accessible only with a special gesture or through security settings.
However, the process of activating this function may differ depending on the firmware version and device region. In the new updates, the security interface was redesigned, and the usual menu items could move. It is important to understand that the “invisibility” of a app does not mean its removal - it continues to work in the background and consume system resources.
Next we will look at all the available ways to disguise software, from standard system tools to creating isolated spaces. You will learn how to set up quick access to hidden content and what restrictions the Android security system imposes on this process.
The standard function of hiding applications in MIUI
The most reliable way to hide a app is to use the built-in mechanism Hidden applications. This method does not require root access and works at the system level, providing a high level of protection. Access to hidden apps is carried out through a special code or gesture in the “Themes” or “Security” application.
To activate the function, you must go to the security settings. The interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same for most devices of the brand. The system will prompt you to select specific apps from the installed list that you want to make invisible to outsiders.
After selecting applications, the system will ask you to set a password or link to a fingerprint. This is a critical step, since without authentication, access to hidden content will be impossible even for the owner through the standard menu.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password for hidden applications and do not link your Mi account, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to the data. It is recommended to set up a password reset via Mi Account in advance.
Use different passwords to lock the screen and to access hidden applications to increase the security level of the device.
The setup process is as follows:
- 🔒 Open application
Securityon the desktop. - 📂 Scroll down and find the item
Hidden applications. - ✅ Switch the toggle switch opposite the desired apps to the active position.
Using the Second mode space
Function Second space (Second Space) creates a completely isolated environment inside your smartphone. This is not just hiding icons, but creating a separate user profile with its own settings, gallery and installed apps.
Switching between the main and second space occurs instantly using a fingerprint or a special password. To an outsider, the phone will look like a regular device with a set of standard apps until you unlock it with a “secret” finger.
This method is ideal for those who want to completely separate their work environment from their personal one or hide the presence of certain applications (for example, instant messengers or banking clients). Data in two spaces does not overlap unless you explicitly set them to be shared.
Activation of the mode requires the following actions:
- ⚙️ Go to
Settings→Additional settings. - 🔄 Select item
Second spaceand click “Enable”. - 👆 Set up different fingerprints to enter the main and second space.
Hide through password-protected folders
Shell MIUI allows you to password protect not only individual applications, but also entire folders on the desktop. This is a convenient way to group confidential software and block access to it in one action.
To implement this method, create a new folder on your desktop and move the necessary icons into it. Then, in the folder settings, activate the protection function. When you try to open such a folder, the system will ask for authentication.
It is important to note that this method hides the contents of the folder, but does not remove the folder itself from the screen. However, without a password, you won’t be able to see which apps are inside. This is a compromise between complete invisibility and ease of access.
Features of folder protection
Folder protection works only at the launcher level. If you use a third-party launcher, the protection may not work and the content may become visible.
Limitations and technical nuances
Despite the effectiveness of the built-in tools, there are technical limitations that an advanced user should be aware of. Hidden applications continue to appear in the list of all installed apps in Android settings if an attacker has access to this menu.
In addition, notifications from hidden applications may appear in the notification shade, revealing the fact that they are active. To avoid this, you must additionally configure the display of notifications for each hidden application in the corresponding section of the settings.
| Protection method | Security level | Setting complexity | Impact on battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden applications | High | Low | Absent |
| Second space | Maximum | Medium | Minimal |
| Folder protection | Medium | Low | None |
| Third-party launchers | Depends on software | High | Possible |
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the phone to factory settings will delete all data from the Second Space and remove protection from hidden applications. Be careful when performing a Hard Reset.
The combination of several security methods (for example, Second Space + Login Password) creates a multi-level security system that is extremely difficult to bypass.
Alternative methods and third-party solutions
If built-in functions is not enough, you can use the capabilities of third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher. They allow you to hide icons from the application menu, making them accessible only through search or special gestures.
There are also specialized calculator applications, which are actually repositories of files and apps. They masquerade as a regular calculator, but when you enter a special code, they open a hidden interface.
Use of third-party software requires advanced permissions, which can potentially reduce the overall security of the device. Always download such utilities from trusted sources, for example, from the official store Google Play.
☑️ Checking security before installing third-party software
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hide Xiaomi system applications?
Hide critical system applications through the standard interface is impossible, as this may lead to unstable operation of the system. However, some pre-installed Google or Mi services can be disabled in application settings, which will remove their icon.
What will happen to hidden applications when updating MIUI?
When updating the firmware, the settings of hidden applications are usually saved. However, in rare cases, during a major update (for example, from MIUI 13 to 14), security settings may be reset, and the function will need to be reactivated.
Are hidden applications visible in the task manager?
Yes, in the running process manager, hidden applications are displayed in the same way as regular ones. Hiding concerns only the visual presence of the icon on the desktop and in the launcher menu.
How to quickly open a hidden application?
The fastest way is to use a previously configured gesture in the Themes application or enter a secret code in the dialer if this function was activated in the settings of hidden applications.