How to Use Privacy Protection (Hide Sensitive Apps) on Xiaomi HyperOS
Privacy Protection on Xiaomi HyperOS goes beyond App Lock — it makes sensitive apps completely invisible on your home screen, app drawer, and recent apps list. Only you know how to access them.
How to Hide Apps with Privacy Protection
- Go to Settings > Apps > Privacy Protection (or search "Hide apps")
- Tap "Add apps to hide"
- Select the apps you want to hide
- Set a dedicated passcode for revealing hidden apps (separate from your main lock screen PIN)
The apps disappear from the home screen and app drawer immediately.
How to Access Hidden Apps
Method 1 – Dial code:
Open the Phone dialer → enter the passcode you set (e.g., *#1234#) → hidden apps appear in a temporary overlay.
Method 2 – Settings:
Settings → Apps → Privacy Protection → enter passcode → view/manage hidden apps.
Privacy Protection vs. App Lock
| Feature | App Lock | Privacy Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Requires authentication to open app | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hides app icon from home screen | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Hides app from recent apps | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Hides app from search results | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Separate passcode | Optional | ✅ Yes |
Use App Lock for apps you use frequently but want to protect. Use Privacy Protection for apps you want to completely conceal from casual observers.
Important Notes
- Hidden apps still run and receive notifications (notifications appear normally unless you also restrict them)
- Updates for hidden apps still work via the app store
- To unhide, go back to Privacy Protection settings and toggle the app off
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