How to hide apps on a Xiaomi phone and find them again (HyperOS 3)

Device

Android

Shown on

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G (25080RABDG), HyperOS 3.0.308.0, Android 16

App

Settings

Real screenshots

5 of 5 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Search Settings for hidden

   Open Settings, tap the search bar and type hidden. Tap Hidden apps (Security, Hidden apps).

   Done

2. 

   Read the hint

   The first time, the phone explains how to find hidden apps: spread two fingers apart on the Home screen. Tap Got it.

   Done

3. 

   Turn on the switch next to an app

   Each app has a switch. We turned on Calculator, and it moved to the top under 1 app icon hidden. No password was asked for.

   Done

4. 

   Or lock the app instead

   Hiding only removes the icon. To ask for your screen lock when an app opens, go to Settings, Apps and tap App lock.

   Done

5. 

   Choose the password type

   App lock offers Screen lock or a separate Privacy protection password, then Turn on. We stopped here.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• Not in Home screen settings? Not on our phone. Home screen settings had no Hide apps row; use Settings search or the Security app.

  

If this does not work

• Hidden app still shows up? Hiding removes the Home screen icon only. The app still runs and still shows in Settings, Apps.
• Two-finger spread does nothing? Do it on an empty part of the Home screen, not on an icon or widget.

About this guide

Hidden apps is not in Home screen settings on HyperOS 3. It lives in the Security app, and Settings search is the quickest way in.

The screenshots are from our Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G with Xiaomi HyperOS 3.0.308.0 and Android 16, in Light mode. We hid Calculator for the pictures and showed it again straight after.

Good to know

To keep a whole separate set of apps: Second space and Dual apps.

To get rid of an app instead: uninstall or disable preinstalled apps.

In short: Settings search hidden, Hidden apps, switch on. Spread two fingers on Home to see them. App lock is in Settings, Apps.