Unhiding apps on your Xiaomi device is a straightforward process, typically involving either a simple gesture on your home screen or navigating through the device's built-in Security application.
Method 1: Using the Home Screen Gesture (Pinch-Out)
This is often the quickest and most intuitive way to reveal applications that have been hidden from your primary view.
- Go to your Home Screen: Ensure you are on one of your main home screens, not within an open app or the app drawer.
- Perform the Pinch-Out Gesture: Place two fingers (such as your thumb and index finger) close together on an empty part of your home screen.
- Spread Your Fingers Apart: Slowly and deliberately spread your two fingers outwards, as if you are zooming in on a photo. This action is commonly referred to as a "pinch-out" gesture.
- Access Hidden Apps: This gesture should trigger a special screen or folder displaying all your currently hidden applications.
- Unhide the App: From this hidden apps interface, you can usually tap and hold an app icon, or find a settings option, to move it back to your regular app drawer or home screen. Look for options like "Unhide" or "Move to App Drawer."
Method 2: Through the Xiaomi Security App
The Security App on Xiaomi devices acts as a central hub for various system management and privacy features, including the functionality to manage hidden applications.
- Open the Security App: Locate and tap the
Securityapp icon on your Xiaomi device. It's usually found in your app drawer or on one of your home screens (often depicted with a shield or similar icon). - Navigate to Hidden Apps: Within the Security app, scroll down and look for an option labeled "Hidden apps". It might be located under a section like "App lock" or "Privacy protection."
- Enter Your Credential (If Prompted): If you have a password, PIN, or fingerprint set up for app lock or hidden apps, you will be prompted to enter it to access the hidden apps list.
- Find and Unhide Your App: You will see a list of applications that are currently hidden. Find the specific app you wish to unhide and toggle off the switch next to its name. This action effectively "closes" or disables the hiding feature for that particular app, making it visible again.
What if a System App Icon is Lost?
In some rare instances, a system application icon might seem to be lost entirely, rather than just hidden. If you've tried the above methods and still cannot locate a critical system app, consider these steps:
- Backup Data: Before proceeding with any data clearing, always backup all your important data to avoid any loss. You can use Xiaomi Cloud or a local backup option.
- Clear App Data: You might try going to
Settings>Apps>Manage apps, finding the problematic system app, and selecting "Clear data" or "Clear cache." Be aware that clearing data for an app will reset it to its initial state, potentially requiring you to log in again or reconfigure settings. - Factory Reset: As a last resort, if core system app icons remain lost and affect device functionality, it is suggested to perform a factory reset. Remember, this will erase all data from your device, so a thorough backup is crucial.
Quick Unhide Methods Summary
| Method | Steps to Unhide an App |
|---|---|
| Home Screen Gesture | 1. Go to your Home Screen. 2. Place two fingers together and spread them apart (pinch-out gesture). 3. This reveals the hidden apps interface. 4. Unhide the desired app from this view. |
| Security App Settings | 1. Open the Security App. 2. Tap on "Hidden apps" (enter password if required). 3. Find the app you want to unhide. 4. Toggle off the switch next to the app's name to make it visible. |
| System Icon Lost (Troubleshooting) | 1. Backup all essential data. 2. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Manage apps, find the app, and clear its data. 3. If the issue persists and is severe, consider a factory reset (after comprehensive backup). (For more information on managing apps, you can consult Xiaomi's official support page or similar reputable resources.) |
