Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi i Poco often face a situation where the standard list of apps does not reflect the full picture of what is happening in the system. The shell MIUI and its modern version HyperOS have a deep structure that allows you to hide entire sections from prying eyes. This may be necessary to ensure the confidentiality of personal data or to hide specific software from children.
Searching for such elements requires an understanding of the logic of the file system and the user interface Android. Unlike standard galleries, hidden apps do not appear in the launcher and are often not visible in the power management menu. To detect them, you will need to use system security settings or use more advanced diagnostic methods.
In this material we will analyze in detail all existing methods for detecting disguised software. You will learn about built-in security features, features of working with system processes and methods that advanced users use. Attention: Some actions may require access rights or care when working with system files.
Using the built-in Hidden Space mode
The most common way to hide applications on devices Xiaomi is the use of the function Hidden space (Second Space). This tool creates a completely isolated environment inside a single smartphone, which appears as a pure device with a separate set of apps. It is impossible to find something here without knowing a password or fingerprint through the standard interface.
To check whether such a space is activated, you need to go to the settings menu. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Accessibility → Hidden space. If the feature is enabled, the system will prompt you to switch to the second space or delete it. Inside this profile there may be any applicationsthat are not visible in the main profile.
⚠️ Attention: If you are trying to find hidden data on someone else's device, Please remember that deleting a Hidden Space will result in the permanent loss of all data stored within it.
An alternative way to enter this mode is to use a special fingerprint. When you unlock the screen, you can set one finger to open the main profile and the other to open the hidden profile. This makes detecting a second space extremely difficult without physical access to the owner's biometric data.
Device rights are required to manage this mode. If you have forgotten the password for the second space, you will not be able to restore access to the data inside it using standard means. The security system administrator devices. If you have forgotten the password for the second space, you will not be able to restore access to the data inside it using standard means. Security system MIUI encrypts the data of this profile separately from the main one.
Search through the “Hidden applications” settings in Security
In the shell MIUI there is a separate mechanism that allows you to hide the icons of specific applications from the menu, leaving them running in the background. To access this data, use the system application Security (Security), which is preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand. This is not a separate profile, but hiding shortcuts.
To see the list of apps hidden in this way, follow these steps:
- 🔍 Open the "Security" application with a green shield icon.
- 📂 Scroll down to the "Hidden applications" section (may be located in the folder “Tools”).
- 🔓 Enter the pattern or password if it was previously set.
- 👁️ After unlocking, you will see a list of all apps that are currently hidden from the launcher.
It is important to understand the difference: in this mode, the application continues to consume resources and can send notifications if not configured otherwise. It can be launched directly from this menu. To completely remove it, you must first remove it from the list of hidden ones, and then delete it in the standard way via Settings → Applications.
If the “Hidden Applications” item is not available in the Security menu, try updating the “Security” component through the “Get Apps” application (GetApps).
Some versions HyperOS can change the location of this item. If you don't find it, search through your phone settings and search for "Hide." The system itself will suggest the path to the desired menu. This is especially true for new models released in 2026-2026.
Detection of applications with administrator rights
A separate category consists of apps that disguise themselves as system processes or receive extended rights. Such applications are often used for parental controls, corporate security, or in the worst case, they can be malware. They may not have an icon or hide it, remaining active in the background.
You can check the list of devices with administrator rights through the system menu. Follow the path: Settings → Passwords and security → Privacy → Special access rights → Device administrator applications. All apps that have the right to lock the screen, reset a password, or delete data are displayed here.
The presence of an unknown application in this list is an alarming signal. Malicious software often requires such rights that it cannot be simply removed. If you see here an unfamiliar app with a name like “System Service” or “Update Manager”, but with an unknown logo, it’s worth checking.
☑️ Checking suspicious applications
To disable rights, click on the app name and select “Deactivate”. Only after this the “Delete” button will become active. This is an important stage cleaning of a smartphone from unwanted software that cannot be removed using standard methods.
Analysis of the list of all processes through the settings
The most reliable way to find absolutely all installed packages, including those that do not have an interface or icon, is to view the full list of applications. Unlike the main screen, even system services and components that are usually hidden from the user are displayed here.
Go to the menu Settings → Applications → All applications. In the upper corner of the screen there is often a menu button (three dots) where you can enable the display of system processes. In the list that opens, look for names that are not similar to standard packages Android or Xiaomi.
| Process name | Description | You can delete? |
|---|---|---|
| com.android.systemui | System interface | No (critical) |
| com.miui.securitycenter | MIUI Security Center | No |
| com.google.android.gms | Google Play Services | No |
| com.unknown.app | Suspicious package | Yes (if not yours) |
| com.miui.daemon | MIUI statistics collection | Yes (disable) |
Pay attention to the size of the application and the amount of memory consumed. Hidden miners or spyware often consume significant resources even when they are not visible. If you see a process occupying 30-40% of the CPU when idle, this is a reason for detailed investigation.
⚠️ Attention: Removing system components with the prefix
com.androidorcom.miuimay lead to the phone not working or a cyclic reboot. Be careful.
For deeper analysis, you can use developer mode. Enable it by quickly tapping 7 times on the build number in the About Phone section. Then in the “For Developers” menu, find the “Running Services” item. This shows all currently active processes, which helps identify hidden activity.
Using ADB to find hidden packages
For advanced users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of connecting to a computer via USB debugging. Using tools ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to see a list of all packages, including those that are completely hidden from the user interface.
First, you need to enable USB debugging in the “For Developers” menu. Then connect your smartphone to your PC and launch Command Prompt. Enter the command to list all packages:
adb shell pm list packagesThis command will print hundreds of lines of code. To find something specific, you can use filters. For example, searching for packages containing the word “hidden”:
adb shell pm list packages | grep hiddenWhat to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure ADB drivers are installed on your computer. When you connect the cable, a request for debugging permission will appear on the phone screen - be sure to click “Allow”. Try replacing the USB cable or port, as some cables only support charging.
If you find a package that is definitely unnecessary, you can delete it with the command adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 package name. This is a powerful tool that allows you to remove even system software built into MIUIwithout obtaining root access. However, use it only if you are sure of the purpose of the component to be removed.
Searching for hidden files and folders in Explorer
Often users look not for the applications themselves, but for the files they created. In the file system Android hidden folders usually start with a dot (for example, .hidden_folder). Standard explorers may not show them by default.
To enable the display of hidden files, open the standard Files explorer or any third-party one (for example, Solid Explorer). Click on the menu (three bars or dots) and find the “Show hidden files” switch. After activation, all folders with a dot at the beginning of the name will become visible, but translucent.
It is also worth checking the folder Android/data i Android/obb. Many applications store their cached data and media files there. Sometimes in these directories you can find traces of deleted but not completely cleaned apps.
Hidden files in Android are marked with a dot at the beginning of the name. Enabling the display of hidden files in Explorer is the first step to finding your lost data.
Don't forget to check the Recycle Bin in Gallery and Explorer. On modern versions HyperOS deleted files are stored there for 30 days. This is also a place where photos and videos “hidden” by users often end up through the “Hidden Album” function.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find hidden applications without connecting to a computer?
Yes, most hidden applications can be found through the “Security” settings or in the “All applications” menu displaying system processes. ADB is needed only for deep analysis or removal of system components.
Why is the application in the list, but there is no icon on the screen?
This is normal behavior for system services or applications that have been added to the “Hidden” list through the security menu. Also, the icon may be missing for widgets or apps without a graphical interface.
Does hiding applications affect the operation of notifications?
In the “Hidden Space” mode, notifications do not appear in the main profile. If the application is simply hidden through the “Security” menu, notifications will arrive in the standard way, unless exceptions are configured.
How to remove an application from hidden if you forgot the password?
Without a password or Mi account to which the hidden space is linked, it is impossible to restore access to the data inside it. This is a safety measure. You will have to delete the entire hidden space profile, which will lead to the loss of data inside it.
Is it safe to delete unknown system processes through ADB?
No, this can lead to unstable system operation, loss of connection or cyclic reboot. Remove only those packages whose purpose you are completely sure of, having first studied information about them on the network.