Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO often face the need to remove unnecessary things from their desktop or, more importantly, protect personal data from prying eyes. The standard shell MIUI and its successor HyperOS provide built-in tools for solving this problem without installing third-party software. Hiding a shortcut can mean two different actions: simply removing the icon from the main screen while saving the application in the system, or placing the app in a protected “Hidden Folder.”
When figuring out how to hide a shortcut on Android Xiaomi, it is important to understand the difference between these methods. The first option is suitable for clearing the interface of rarely used utilities, and the second is for privacy. In this article we will take a detailed look at both methods, security settings and possible nuances of working with different firmware versions. You will learn how to set up fingerprint access and what to do if the standard hide menu is not displayed.
Built-in Hidden Apps feature in MIUI and HyperOS
The most reliable way to remove the icon from view is to use the system function Hidden applications. This option is integrated directly into the Security application, which is pre-installed on all brand devices. Activating this function creates a special section, which can only be accessed after entering a password, pattern key or biometric authorization. This ensures that even if someone picks up your phone, they will not see hidden apps in the general list.
To activate the privacy mode, you must go to the system settings. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version Android and shell, but the logic of actions remains the same. You will need to set a separate password for this section, which can be the same as your privacy password or be unique. After turning on, a control item for the list of hidden utilities will appear in the settings menu.
The setup process is as follows:
- 🔒 Open the application
Securityon the main screen. - 📂 Scroll down to the section
Hidden applicationsand click to it. - 🔑 When you first start, the system will prompt you to set a password or use a fingerprint to log in.
- ➕ Press the button
Add applicationsand select from the list those apps whose shortcuts you want to hide.
After adding the icons, they will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications. To get into the hidden section, you will need to open the standard application Phone (dialer) and enter a special password code that you came up with earlier, or use a customized fingerprint. Important: the code to enter the hidden folder is entered directly into the dialing field, like a regular phone number, but without pressing call buttons.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password for the hidden folder and do not link your Mi account for recovery, access to the data inside may be lost forever. Resetting your phone will also delete this data.
Removing a shortcut from the desktop without deleting the application
Sometimes a user does not need password protection, but simply wants to free up space on the home screen or remove visual noise. In this case, we are not talking about complete hiding, but about deleting the shortcut. This method is ideal for system utilities that you rarely use, but which cannot be removed.
The procedure is extremely simple and intuitive. Find the icon on your desktop that you want to remove. Hold it with your finger for one or two seconds until the context menu appears or the icon begins to “vibrate”. In the menu that appears, select the option Delete. The system will warn you that only the shortcut will be deleted, not the application itself. Confirm the action.
If you are using the classic desktop mode (without the all applications menu), the logic may be different. In some versions MIUI when you remove a shortcut from the “All applications on the desktop” mode, the system may offer to remove the app completely. Be careful when reading pop-up notifications. To return the icon to its place, just go to the menu of all applications, find the desired app and drag it back to the free space on the screen.
To quickly organize the space, create thematic folders on the desktop. Drag one icon onto another to combine them, and name the folder, for example, “Finance” or “Social Networks.”
It is also worth mentioning the function Second level space. This is not just hiding a shortcut, but creating a completely isolated environment inside the phone. There you can install individual applications that will not be visible in the main profile. Switching between spaces occurs through settings or a special shortcut, which adds another level of privacy.
Setting up access and biometric protection
The security of hidden data directly depends on the quality of protection. In modern smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi the emphasis is on biometrics. Using a fingerprint or face unlock makes entering a hidden folder instant and convenient. You don't need to enter a digital code every time, just put your finger on the scanner when opening a dialer or a special gesture.
To set up biometric access, go to Settings → Passwords and security → Privacy. Here you can manage unlock methods. Make sure you have at least one fingerprint registered. In the hidden applications management section, activate the switch Fingerprint unlocking. Now, when you enter the access code in the dialer, the system will automatically prompt you to attach your finger.
| Protection method | Security level | Ease of use | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern key | Medium | Low (need to draw) | Traces on the screen |
| Digital PIN | High | Medium | Can be peeked |
| Fingerprint | High | Very high | Failures with wet hands |
| Face recognition | Medium/High | High | Works worse in the dark |
If If you decide to change your password, the system will require you to enter your current confirmation code. This is done to prevent unauthorized changes to security settings by attackers who have gained short-term access to an unlocked phone. Regularly changing passwords is recommended to increase the level of protection of confidential information.
☑️ Checking the security of the hidden folder
Alternative methods: Third-party launchers
Built-in tools MIUI are powerful, but not always convenient for all use cases. For example, some users want to hide applications not in the system folder, but simply make them invisible in the menu, while maintaining quick access through widgets or gestures. Third-party shells are great for such tasks, such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher.
Installing an alternative launcher gives flexibility in managing the interface. In the settings of these applications there is often a section Hidden applicationsthat works differently than the system one. You can hide the icon, but leave access to the app through search or special gesto controls. This allows you to create a unique desktop structure that is incomprehensible to an outsider.
However, using third-party software has its disadvantages. Such launchers consume more RAM and may work less stable on budget models Redmi. Additionally, they do not provide the same level of data encryption as the system's Hidden Folder. Hiding a shortcut in the launcher is more a matter of aesthetics and organization than real protection from prying eyes, since the application is still visible in the phone's system settings.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party launchers, MIUI gesture functions (controls without buttons) may not work correctly. It is recommended to use navigation buttons or carefully configure compatibility.
How to return the standard launcher?
If you installed a third-party shell and want to return to the standard one, go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots at the top → Default applications → Launcher. Select MIUI Launcher from the list.
Troubleshooting: if the hide function does not work
Users sometimes encounter a situation where the “Hidden Applications” item disappears from the menu or is not activated. This may be due to the features of a specific firmware version (the Chinese version differs from the global version) or malfunctions in the Security system application. In some regions, due to legal restrictions, the encryption and hiding features may be modified. CN ROM different from global Global ROM) or malfunctions in the “Security” system application. Due to legal restrictions, encryption and hiding features may be modified in some regions.
The first step if problems occur is to clear the application cache Security. Go to settings, find this application in the list of installed ones and click Clear → Clear cache. Don't worry, this will not delete your data or settings, but will only reset temporary files that may have caused the interface error. After this, restart your smartphone.
If the problem persists, check for system updates. Developers Xiaomi regularly release patches that fix interface bugs. Go to Settings → About phone and click on version MIUI or HyperOS to check for updates. Also make sure that you are logged in Mi-accountas some security features require authorization to work.
The lack of a hide function is often solved updating the Security application via GetApps or changing the region in the phone settings to “India” or “Russia” (functions may vary by region).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to hide system applications such as Settings or Phone?
It is usually not possible to hide critical system applications through the standard “Hidden Applications” function. The list of apps available for hiding is generated by the system and includes mainly user applications. Attempts to hide system components can lead to unstable operation of the device.
What will happen to hidden applications when resetting the phone to factory settings?
When performing a hard reset, all data from the device is deleted, including the settings of the hidden folder and the applications themselves located in it. Before resetting, be sure to back up your important data to the cloud or to your computer.
Are hidden applications visible in the list of installed apps in settings?
Yes, in the section Settings → Applications → All applications hidden apps will be displayed in the general list. The hiding function removes only the shortcut from the desktop and from the start menu, but does not uninstall the application and does not hide its existence from the system registry.
How to change the hidden access code folder?
To change the password, open the application Security, go to Hidden applications, enter the current password. Then click on the gear icon (settings) in the corner of the screen and select Change password. You will need to confirm your identity through your Mi account or current code.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu location may vary depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and HyperOS. If you do not find the item you need, use the search in the settings by entering the request “Hidden”.