⚠️ Attention: The names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS shell, as well as the regional firmware. If you do not find the section described below, check the relevance of the information in the official help center of your device.
Modern smartphones of the Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO series have powerful functionality that allows you not only to optimize the operation of the system, but also to ensure a high level of confidentiality. Often, users are faced with the need to remove certain icons from the home screen in order to hide them from prying eyes. This may be due to the desire to maintain the confidentiality of correspondence, banking data, or simply to remove rarely used software from view. Built-in tools MIUI offer several effective solutions to this problem without the need to obtain root access.
Hiding applications on devices of this brand is implemented through various mechanisms: from simply removing a shortcut to creating a completely isolated space. It is important to understand the difference between deleting a app and hiding it. In the first case, the data is lost, in the second, the application continues to function in the background, receive notifications, but remains invisible to the casual user. Data security in this context, this is achieved by complicating access to the app interface.
In this material we will analyze in detail all available methods, from standard system functions to advanced settings launchers. You'll learn how to set up fingerprint access, create a second space, and what pitfalls you might encounter during the setup process. Proper organization of your desktop will help you feel more confident when handing over your phone to other people.
Using the built-in “Hidden Applications” function
The easiest and most reliable way to hide icons from view is to use the native shell function. The developers Xiaomi implemented this tool directly into the launcher settings. To activate hiding mode, you need to go to the desktop settings. Usually the path looks like this: long tap on an empty space on the screen, then select an item Settings or Advanced. In the menu that opens, you should find the section Hidden applications.
After activating the switch, the system will prompt you to select the apps that you want to hide. It is enough to tick the necessary items, and they will instantly disappear from the desktops and from the menu of all applications. However, simply hiding the icon is not enough for complete privacy. It is recommended to set a password or pattern to access this section. This is done through the menu Application protection in the security settings.
There is a special gesture to access hidden apps. On the main screen, you need to spread two fingers apart (as when zooming in on a photo). A special password-protected folder will open, where your hidden icons are located. This method is convenient because it does not require the installation of additional software and works stably on most versions Android running MIUI.
If the spreading fingers gesture does not work, check whether the “Gestures” option is enabled in the launcher settings. On some models with navigation buttons, this gesture may be disabled by default.
Setting Second Space
For those who need maximum data isolation, the MIUI architecture offers the function Second Space. This is not just hiding icons, but creating a completely separate user profile within one smartphone. The second space has its own desktop, its own settings, its own galleries and applications. Switching between the main and second space occurs instantly and can be linked to different fingerprints.
This function is activated through the section Settings → About the phone or through the app Security. After setup, you get a clean desktop where you can install any apps, including instant messengers and banking clients. To an outside observer, the phone will look like a device with a minimal set of software if you are in the main space.
The key advantage Second Space is complete data independence. Notifications from the second space are not generally shown unless a special rule is configured. Files, photos and contacts are also separated. This is an ideal solution for separating work and personal life, or for storing particularly sensitive information that should not be accessed even when the phone is unlocked in main mode.
- 🔐 Complete isolation of data and settings between two profiles.
- 👆 Quickly switch through different fingerprints on the lock screen.
- 📱 Ability to use different Google and Mi Accounts at the same time.
- 🚫 No visual traces of the existence of a second space in the main profile.
Hide through third-party launchers
The standard MIUI launcher, despite its functionality, may not suit some users due to limitations in customization. In such cases, third-party shells come to the rescue, such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Smart Launcher. These applications not only allow you to change the visual style, but also offer advanced tools for controlling the visibility of icons.
In most advanced launchers, the hiding function is implemented through the settings menu of the grid or application list. For example, in Nova Launcher you need to go to Nova Settings → Desktop grid → Hidden applications. Here you can select any installed apps, and they will no longer appear in the list of all applications (App Drawer). It is important to note that for some functions to work, you may need to purchase the Prime version of the launcher.
Using third-party software gives flexibility that standard solutions lack. You can set hidden applications to appear with a specific gesture, create secret folders with a PIN code right on the desktop, or disguise icons as system utilities. However, it is worth remembering that installing a third-party launcher may affect the operation of some system gestures, especially on new models with HyperOS.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party launchers on new versions of Android (12/13/14), there may be restrictions on the operation of navigation gestures (swipes from below). In this case, it is recommended to temporarily switch to managing three buttons in the system settings.
Removing shortcuts without uninstalling the application
Sometimes users do not need full password protection, but just need to visually clear the desktop of rarely used apps. In the ecosystem Xiaomi this is done simply, but many confuse deleting a shortcut with deleting the application itself. Understanding this difference is critical to saving data.
To remove an icon from the main screen, just tap on it and hold your finger until the action menu appears. In the list that appears, select Delete (trash icon) or Remove from screen. The system will warn you that only the shortcut will be deleted, and the application itself will remain in memory and in the general list of apps. This is a safe operation that does not affect the cache or logins.
This approach is useful for organizing your workspace. You can leave only the most important widgets and the dialer on the first screen, and move all other apps into folders or simply remove them from view, leaving access to them through the search or the all applications menu. This reduces visual noise and helps you find the tools you need faster.
☑️ Prepare to hide data
Comparison of methods for hiding applications
The choice of a specific method depends on your goals: whether you just need aesthetic cleanliness of the table or military data protection. Below is a table that will help compare the capabilities of different approaches and choose the best option for your model Redmi or POCO.
| Method | Protection level | Setting complexity | Impact on battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in hiding | Medium (password + gesture) | Low | None |
| Second Space | High (complete isolation) | Average | Minimum |
| Third-party launcher | Depends on the launcher | High | Possibly increased |
| Delete label | Absent (visual only) | Minimum | None |
As can be seen from the table, built-in tools MIUI offer the best balance between convenience and security. They do not require installation of additional software and are deeply integrated into the system. The second space is the choice of paranoids and those who need two phones in one case. Third-party launchers are suitable for enthusiasts who want to completely change the interface.
Common problems and their solutions
During the setup process, users may encounter a number of typical difficulties. For example, after a firmware update, the “Hidden Applications” item may disappear from the menu or move to another section. This is often due to regional firmware features (Global, China, EEA). In such cases, it is recommended to check for updates for the application Security through the built-in store GetApps.
Another common problem is the inability to hide system applications. The shell Xiaomi protects critical components from modification to avoid device instability. If you are trying to hide the default browser or store, the system may block this action. In such situations, it is better to simply move the icons to distant folders.
It is also worth mentioning the situation when a hidden application continues to send notifications to the lock screen. To avoid this, you need to go to the notification settings of a specific application and prevent content from being displayed on the lock screen. This will ensure complete confidentiality of incoming messages, even if the application itself is hidden.
What to do if you forgot the password for hidden applications?
If you forgot the password or pattern for the hidden applications section, you can restore access through the linked Mi Account. On the password entry screen, click “Forgot your password” and follow the instructions to reset via SMS or email. If the account is not linked, the only solution may be to reset the phone to factory settings, which will delete all data.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding an application does not make it invisible to system processes. Virus scanners and task managers will still see the running process. Complete invisibility requires complex technical manipulations that go beyond the standard settings.
A combination of methods (for example, Second Space + removing shortcuts in the main profile) provides the maximum level of privacy and cleanliness of the interface.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to hide applications on older Xiaomi models without the Second function Space?
Yes, on most devices with the MIUI shell, starting from version 8, the hiding function is available through the pinch gesture. If your model is very old and does not support this feature, your only option is to use third-party launchers such as Nova Launcher, which have their own mechanisms for hiding icons.
Do hidden applications see my location and data in the background?
Yes, hiding an icon only affects the visual display. The application continues to run in the background, with access to the Internet, geolocation and other permissions that you gave it during installation. To limit its activity, you need to manually disable background work in the battery settings.
Will hidden applications disappear when resetting to factory settings?
Yes, performing a Hard Reset will delete all user data, settings and applications, including those located in the Second Space or in the hidden applications folder. Before resetting, be sure to back up your important data to the cloud or to your computer.
Is it possible to set a password for a specific application, and not for the hidden folder?
Yes, there is a function in the application Security on Xiaomi Protecting applications. It allows you to set a separate password or fingerprint to launch any selected app, even if its icon is in a visible place on the desktop. This is an alternative to complete hiding.
Why do widgets from it remain on the screen after hiding an application?
Widgets and application icons are different interface elements. Hiding an application only removes its launch icon. Widgets must be deleted manually: click on the widget, hold and drag it to the trash or select “Delete” in the menu that appears.