Smartphone owners Xiaomi i Redmi often face the need to restrict access to certain apps. This may be due to the desire to protect personal data from prying eyes, hide work tools from colleagues, or simply bring order to a crowded desktop. The standard shell MIUI and the new one HyperOS provide ample opportunities for customization, but functions for hiding icons are sometimes hidden deep in the menu or implemented in a non-obvious way.
There are several effective methods for solving this problem: from built-in security features to using third-party launchers and developer commands. The choice of a specific method depends on your firmware version, device model and how deeply you want to “hide” the application - simply remove the icon or protect access with a password. In this article we will analyze all the available options, their pros and cons, as well as the nuances of working with system restrictions.
Remember that hiding an icon does not always mean completely blocking access to the app. Some methods only remove the visual shortcut, leaving the application accessible through settings or search. For maximum privacy, it is recommended to combine hiding methods with app locking features.
Using the built-in Hidden Apps feature
The most reliable and secure way is to use the native shell feature MIUIcalled Hidden Apps. This tool is integrated directly into the Security system application and does not require the installation of additional software. However, the interface may differ slightly on different firmware versions.
To activate the function, you must open the application Security, which is preinstalled on all devices Xiaomi. In the bottom menu or in the list of tools, find the section, often indicated by a lock or shield icon. Scroll down the list to Hidden Apps. If you see this item, but it is inactive, the system may prompt you to set a privacy protection password.
After enabling the function, you will be asked to select applications from the installed list that you want to hide. Important to notethat after adding a app to this list, its icon will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications. It can only be accessed through a special gesture or search query, depending on the settings.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget your privacy password, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to hidden data without resetting your phone. Write down the code or link your Mi account.
To open a hidden application, users usually use a special gesture in the Phone application (dial a specific code) or swipe up with two fingers on the home screen in an empty area. This mechanism provides a basic level of privacy, sufficient to protect you from nosy friends or children.
For quick access to hidden applications, set the display of the “Hidden Applications” folder icon in the “All Applications” menu, if your version of MIUI supports this option.
Setting through the Second Profile (Second Space)
The Second Space feature (Second Space) creates an isolated environment on your smartphone, almost identical to the main desktop, but with a separate set of applications, files and settings. This is a radical method that allows you not just to hide the icon, but to completely separate work or personal data from the main use of the phone.
Activation occurs through the menu Settings → Accessibility → Second space. Once turned on, the system will prompt you to set up a separate password or fingerprint to enter this space. You can assign different fingerprints for the main and second profile: one finger opens the normal mode, the other - hidden.
Inside the Second space, you install the necessary applications again or transfer them. The icons of these apps will only be visible when you are active in the second profile. In the main mode they are completely absent, which guarantees a high degree of confidentiality. This is an ideal solution for separating work and personal life on one device.
- 🔒 Complete data isolation: files and photos from the second space are not visible in the main profile gallery.
- 👆 Convenient switching: changing profiles is done with one touch or a fingerprint.
- 📱 Two copies of applications: the ability to have two account in instant messengers or social networks at the same time.
It is worth considering that working in two spaces consumes more RAM and battery power, since background processes can be duplicated. On budget models Redmi with a small amount of RAM, this can lead to reduced performance.
Use of third-party launchers
If the standard capabilities of the system do not suit you or the interface HyperOS has changed the usual access paths, an excellent solution would be to install a third-party launcher. apps like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher offer flexible desktop display settings, including the function of hiding icons.
After installing the launcher from Google Play and assigning it as the default app, you need to go to its settings. Typically the section is called “Desktop” or “Hidden Applications”. Here you can select any installed apps and remove them from the display list. The interface becomes cleaner, and unnecessary elements disappear.
Key advantage third-party solutions - the ability to not only hide icons, but also block access to them with a password, biometrics, or create secret folders. Some launchers allow you to hide entire desktop pages or change the names of icons to disguise them.
| Launcher name | Hide function | Password protection | Setting up complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Yes (in Prime version) | No (requires additional software) | Average |
| Microsoft Launcher | Yes (free) | Yes | Low |
| Smart Launcher 6 | Yes | Yes | Low |
| Apex Launcher | Yes | Yes | High |
| Theme support | High | Medium | Medium |
| Impact on battery | Minimum | Average | Minimum |
When using a third-party launcher, it is important to provide it with all the necessary permissions, otherwise the system Android may reset settings or limit functionality. Also keep in mind that some system applications Xiaomi may not display correctly or remain visible despite the launcher settings.
☑️ Preparing to install the launcher
Disabling system applications through settings
For system apps that are not needed in everyday use (for example, a standard browser, Google services or proprietary utilities Xiaomi), a complete disabling method is available. This does not just hide the icon, but freezes the application, freeing up device resources.
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the desired app in the list. If the developer has provided such an option, you will see a Disablebutton. After clicking, the icon will disappear from the menu and the application will stop running in the background. This is an effective way to combat pre-installed software (bloatware).
However, this method has limitations. The Disable button is disabled for critical system components without which the phone cannot function. Attempting to disable such services may result in system instability or a cyclic reboot.
⚠️ Attention: Do not disable applications whose purpose you are not sure of, especially those with the words "System", "Framework" or "Services" in their name. This may disrupt the operation of the phone.
If the disable button is gray and cannot be pressed, it means that the application is protected by the system from being deleted or deactivated by standard means. In this case, you will have to resort to more advanced methods described below, or accept the presence of the icon.
What happens when the application is disabled?
When disabled, the application is not deleted from the disk, but its code is not loaded into RAM when the system starts. All updates for it also stop downloading.
Using ADB for advanced hiding
For experienced users who find standard methods insufficient, there is a tool Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to manage application packages through your computer, hiding or disabling even those apps that cannot be normally disabled in the phone menu.
First, you need to activate developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the “MIUI Version” or “OS Version” item. Then, in the advanced settings, enable USB debugging. Connect the phone to the computer with a cable.
On a computer with installed ADB enter the command to disable a specific package. The command syntax is as follows:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 application.package.nameTo find out the package name, you can use applications like App Inspector or command adb shell pm list packages. After executing the command, the icon will disappear instantly. To restore access, use the command adb shell pm enable package name.
This method gives maximum control, but requires caution. An error in the name of the package or the disabling of a critical service may result in the phone having to be reflashed. Use this method only if you understand the consequences of your actions.
ADB commands are valid until the first reset of the phone. After Factory Reset, all applications disabled in this way will return to the active state.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving
During the setup process, users often encounter non-standard situations when the usual algorithms do not work. Below are answers to the most popular questions that will help you understand the nuances of how the hiding function works on devices. Redmi.
Why is the application still visible in the settings after hiding?
This is normal system behavior. Hiding an icon only affects the launcher interface (desktop and application menu). The section Settings → Applications displays a complete list of installed software for managing rights and memory. It is impossible to hide an application from the list of settings using standard means without superuser rights (Root).
Is it possible to hide the icon, but leave widgets on the desktop?
Yes, this is possible. When using the Hidden Apps feature in MIUI, widgets often remain in place if they are already placed on the desktop before hiding the icon. However, when using third-party launchers, the behavior may differ: some of them automatically delete widgets when the parent application is hidden.
What to do if the “Hidden Applications” folder has disappeared?
In new versions HyperOS and some updates of MIUI, access to hidden applications has been changed. Try swiping up with two fingers on the home screen. If this doesn't help, check your theme settings: some third-party themes may block system privacy features. Return to the standard theme and check again.
Does hiding applications affect the receipt of notifications?
No, hiding an icon does not affect the operation of background processes. The application continues to work and receive messages and notifications. The notification icon will appear in the status bar, even if the icon itself is not in the menu. To stop notifications, you need to disable them in the settings of a specific application.
How to find a hidden application if you forgot where you hid it?
Use the global search on the device. Swipe down the center of the home screen to open the search bar and enter the app name. The system will find it even if the icon is hidden. You can also go to Settings → Applications and sort the list alphabetically.