Owning a modern smartphone means storing a huge amount of personal information, from banking applications to correspondence in instant messengers. Often a situation arises when the device is picked up by children, colleagues or casual acquaintances, and you absolutely do not want to show the contents of certain apps. In the operating system Android, and especially in the shell MIUI from the company Xiaomi, this issue is resolved at the system level without the need to install dubious software.
Hiding icons is not just an aesthetic whim, but a full-fledged tool for protecting privacy. Unlike simply removing a shortcut from the desktop, which we'll talk about next, full hiding makes the application invisible to prying eyes, removing it from the menu and search. This creates the first and very important barrier to prying eyes.
It is worth noting that the methods may vary depending on the firmware version, be it the good old MIUI 12 or the newest HyperOS. We will look at all the current methods, including creating special spaces and using built-in security features to ensure that your data remains safely locked.
Built-in function for hiding applications in MIUI
The easiest and most reliable way is to use the native shell functionality. Engineers Xiaomi provided for this option, as it is in high demand among users. You do not need to be a technical specialist to activate this mode, just go to the corresponding settings menu.
To activate the function, you need to go to Settings → Applications → Hide applications. Here you will see a list of all installed apps. Just switch the slider next to the desired application to the "Enabled" position. After this, the icon will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications.
However, just hiding is not enough. Important understand how to open these apps now. To do this, on the desktop you need to spread two fingers apart (pinch outward gesture). A special window will open where only the icons you have hidden will be displayed. Entry to this space can be protected with a password or fingerprint.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password to enter the hidden space, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to these applications without resetting your phone.
This method is ideal for those who want to quickly remove unnecessary things from their eyes down. It works stably and does not consume the battery, as it is part of the system. But remember that an experienced user can still guess the existence of a hidden section if he sees a characteristic gesture on the screen.
Use complex pattern keys to enter the hidden space to increase the level of security of your data.
Setting up a Second Space for complete isolation
If you need more serious protection than simple hiding icons Xiaomi offers the "Second Space" function. This is actually the creation of a second user profile within one smartphone. You get a clean desktop, your settings and, most importantly, your applications.
The second space works like a separate smartphone inside your device. You can install a separate WhatsApp, banking applications or games there, and they will be completely isolated from the main profile. You can switch between them through the settings or a special widget.
To activate this mode, go to Settings → Second space and click "Enable". The system will prompt you to create a separate password or fingerprint to log in. This is critical the moment: the entrance to the main and second space will be carried out using different unlocking methods.
- 🔒 Complete data isolation: files and photos from the second space are not visible in the main profile gallery.
- 📱 Independent settings: different wallpapers, ringtones and widget placement for each profile.
- 🚀 Dual launch: the ability to use two accounts in one application without cloning.
Using Second Space is the best way to hide not just an icon, but an entire ecosystem of applications. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they will be taken to the main profile and will not even know about the existence of a second one unless they know a special password or fingerprint.
Locking applications with a password
Often users confuse hiding an application and blocking it. If your goal is to prevent someone else from running the app, but the icon itself can remain in place, use the "Application Protection" feature. This is a built-in security tool MIUI.
You can find it along the path Settings → Applications → Application blocking. Here you select a list of apps that require additional authorization when launched. When you try to open such an application, the system will ask for a password, pattern or fingerprint.
This method is less radical than complete hiding, but more convenient for everyday use. You don't need to perform complex gestures every time to access the messenger. You just need to click on the icon and confirm your identity.
In the lock settings, you can also choose whether to show the contents of notifications on the locked screen. This is important detail to maintain privacy, since often the text of the message is visible without unlocking the phone.
⚠️ Attention: The application lock feature may not work correctly with some Google system services or applications that require constant background access.
By combining blocking and hiding, you get a double level of protection. Even if someone miraculously gets to the hidden space, key applications inside it will still require authorization.
Using third-party launchers
Standard tools Xiaomi are good, but sometimes the functionality MIUI is not enough, or the interface seems overloaded. In such cases, third-party launchers come to the rescue, such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or specialized solutions like Calculator Vault.
Third-party launchers allow you to flexibly customize the appearance of your desktop and hide application icons through their own settings. For example, in Nova Launcher you need to go to Settings → Application drawer → Hidden applications and add the necessary apps there.
The advantage of this method is cross-platform and independence from the firmware version. If you update your phone to a new one HyperOS and the hiding function disappears or moves, the launcher will continue to work as if nothing had happened.
| Launcher | Setting up complexity | Availability of a password | Hide icons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Medium | No (requires plugin) | Yes |
| Microsoft Launcher | Low | No | Yes |
| Calculator Vault | Low | Yes (built-in) | Yes (masking) |
| Smart Launcher | Medium | Yes | Yes |
However, it is worth considering that installing a third-party launcher changes the familiar interface Xiaomi. Animations, gestures and operating logic may differ from what you are used to. In addition, some launchers may consume more battery resources.
What is a Calculator Vault?
These are calculator applications that look and work like regular calculators, but when you enter a special code, they open a hidden storage of files and applications.
Hide through Do Not Disturb mode and focus
New versions Android and MIUI advanced modes of digital well-being have appeared. While they were designed to combat smartphone addiction, they can be adapted to hide apps in certain situations.
Using Focus mode or automation scripts, you can configure your phone to gray out or disappear certain icons during work hours or at night. This is not a complete hiding, but an effective way to remove visual noise.
Adjustment is carried out via Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Focus Mode. You select the applications you want to freeze. In active mode, their icons become pale, and they cannot be launched until the mode is removed.
This method is useful for parents who want to limit children's access to games or social networks at certain times of the day, without deleting applications completely.
Problems and troubleshooting
When using the hiding functions, users may encounter a number of nuances. For example, after a system update, hiding settings may be lost, or applications may stop receiving notifications.
A common problem is the disappearance of widgets. If you hide an app, its desktop widgets may also stop displaying or work incorrectly. This is expected security behavior.
It is also worth remembering that hiding the icon does not mean deleting the application. It continues to take up memory space and can waste bandwidth. Regularly check the list of hidden apps.
☑️ Security checklist
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may vary depending on the regional firmware version (Global, China, Russia EEA). If you don't find the menu item, try using the settings search.
If standard methods are not suitable, you can always use guest mode, which temporarily restricts access to all data of the main user. This is an extreme measure, but it guarantees complete confidentiality when transferring the phone to another person.
The combination of Second Space and Application Lock provides the maximum level of protection of personal information on Xiaomi smartphones.
Is it possible to hide Xiaomi system applications?
It is usually impossible to hide system applications using standard methods, as this may disrupt operation operating system. However, they can be disabled in application settings, which will remove their icon, but will not delete the file itself.
What happens if I delete a hidden application?
Deleting a hidden application occurs in the standard way: it is completely erased from the phone's memory along with all data. You can restore it only by re-installing it from the store.
Are hidden applications visible in the task manager?
Yes, if the application is running, it will be displayed in the list of running processes (Recent Apps), even if its icon is hidden. To hide from the process, you need to use the blocking function or Second Space.
How to restore access if you forgot the password for the hidden space?
If you have linked your Mi Account and enabled recovery, you can try to reset the password through it. Otherwise, the only way is to completely reset the phone to factory settings, which will delete all data.