How to put a password on a MicroSD in Xiaomi smartphones: from MIUI to encryption

Protecting data on a MicroSD card is a pressing task for Xiaomi smartphone owners, especially if you store sensitive files on it: photos, documents or backups. Unlike internal memory, removable drives are easier to lose or steal, and standard MIUI tools do not always offer reliable protection. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to set a password on a MicroSD, from embedded functions to third-party encryption solutions.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally reliable. For example, the password through MIUI Explorer only protects against viewing files through a standard application, but does not block access when you connect the card to a computer. And full MicroSD encryption can lead to data loss if you forget the key. We tested each method on the current models of Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 — the results in the comparison table below.

1. Password protection through MIUI Explorer (simple method)

The fastest method, which requires no additional applications, is suitable for basic protection from prying eyes, but does not protect data when connecting a card to a PC, works on all smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, including HyperOS.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Explorer application (folder icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Go to the Device section → Select your MicroSD (usually displayed as a microSD) SD-card).
• ⚙️ Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Password-protected.
• 🔐 Enter your password (minimum 4 characters) and confirm it!

Now, when you try to open files on a card through MIUI Explorer, you will be asked for a password, but this method has critical limitations:

• 🖥️ The card remains available without a password when connected to the computer through a card reader.
• 📲 Password resets after resetting phone settings to factory.
• 🔄 It does not work on cards with exFAT file system (only) FAT32).

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If you have an exFAT card, format it in FAT32 via phone settings: Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format as an internal drive (data will be deleted!).

2. Encrypting MicroSD as internal storage (most secure)

This method converts the MicroSD into an encrypted partition that can only be used on your Xiaomi smartphone, which is not available even when you connect the card to another device, supported on MIUI 11 and later, but requires full card formatting.

Step-by-step:

☑️ Preparation for MicroSD encryption

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Back up all data from the card | Phone Charge ≥50%| Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network | Close all applications using the card

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Select your MicroSD → click Format as an internal drive.
3. Confirm the action (all data will be deleted!).
4. After formatting, turn on the Encrypt option. SD-Card (will appear automatically).
5. Set a password (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters are recommended).

The encryption process will take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the card.

• 🔒 The card will only be available on this phone after entering the password/pattern lock.
• 📵 When you extract the card, the data will become unreadable on other devices.
• ⚠️ When you reset your phone to factory settings, the card will be blocked forever (if you do not know the password from your Mi Account account).

3. Third-party applications for password protection

If the built-in methods don't work, you can use specialized utilities. We tested 5 popular apps from Google Play and selected the two most reliable ones: AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) and File Lock (from Smart AppLock), both of which support MIUI and do not conflict with system functions.

Comparison of annexes:

Instructions for File Lock (recommended for maximum protection):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open File Lock → give access to the files.
3. Choose. SD-store-menu.
4. Tag files/folders for protection → click Block.
5. Set a password or pattern lock.

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File Lock-like applications encrypt files with AES-256, making them unavailable even when you connect the card to a PC. But remember, when you unblock the application, the files will be lost!

Warnings when using third-party utilities:

• 🛡️ Some utilities (e.g., Vault) may contain advertising modules that consume traffic.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Applications may require reconfiguration of access rights.
• 📱 Nana POCO F4 GT and other Game Turbo devices, file blockers may conflict with performance mode.

4.Secure files without password (alternative method)

If you don’t need full encryption, but only hiding personal files from outsiders, you can use the built-in Hidden Folders feature in MIUI. This method does not require a password, but also does not protect data when connecting the card to the computer.

How to hide files:

1. Open Explorer → select the necessary files / folders.
2. Click More (three dots) → Hide.
3. Confirm the action. The files will disappear from the main view.
4. To see hidden files, click ⋮ → Showing the hidden.

Limitations of the method:

• 🖥️ Hidden files are visible when you connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
• 🔍 Searching for content (Files) can find hidden documents.
• 📁 Does not work for system folders (such as Android or DCIM).

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To enhance the cover-up, rename the folder by adding dots (such as.private) to the beginning.

5 What to do if you forget your MicroSD password

The situation with the forgotten password depends on the method of protection:

If you use MIUI Explorer:

• 🔄 Reset your password through Settings → Annexes → Conductor → Warehouse → Clear the data (files will remain, but the protection will reset).
• ⚠️ On some models (Redmi 10 and older), this method may not work – you will need a full formatting of the map.

If the card is encrypted as an internal drive:

• 🔐 Restor access through the Mi Account linked to the phone.
• 📵 If the account is not tied or forgotten, the data is lost forever (encryption is irreversible).

For third-party applications (File Lock/AppLock):

• 📧 Use the recovery function by email (if you set it up in advance).
• 🔧 On some devices (POCO X5 Pro) you can reset your password through Settings → Security → Delete the application data.

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The only universal way to unlock is to format the map, but that will delete all the data! Regularly back up important files to the cloud or other media.

6. Comparison of protection methods: what to choose

The choice of method depends on your priorities: reliability, convenience or compatibility. Below is a table with recommendations for different scenarios:

For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is a combination of methods:

1. Encrypt important files through File Lock.
2. Use MIUI Explorer to block the rest of the data.
3. Backup critical files to Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

FAQ: Frequent questions about microSD protection in Xiaomi