How to put a password on a folder in Xiaomi Redmi: official and hidden methods

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi is a challenge that gets more and more relevant every year. Photos, documents, correspondence and work files are often stored in the public domain, risking falling into the wrong hands if the device is lost or temporarily transferred to another person. Unfortunately, standard MIUI firmware does not offer the built-in “password folder one click” feature that is implemented in some customized Android shells.

In this article, we will discuss three proven methods that will reliably hide and password-protect any folders on your Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C or other models of the series. The first method uses the hidden capabilities of the MIUI itself, the second uses third-party applications with encryption, and the third is based on archiving with a password - each of them has its pros and pitfalls.

Before you start, consider that password protection does not replace full disk encryption or backup. If your goal is to hide data from random browsing (for example, from children or colleagues), these methods will be enough. If you are talking about protecting against targeted hacking (for example, when stealing a phone), consider additional measures like encrypting /data partitions via TWRP.

Method 1: Protection through "Private Mode" in MIUI (without root)

The easiest and most official way to hide folders from prying eyes is to use the built-in Private Mode feature in MIUI 12/13/14.This method requires no additional applications and works on all modern Redmi, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi K50. However, it has a limitation: hidden files will only be available after you enter a password from your Mi Account or fingerprint.

To activate the mode, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Files by Google (or standard Files by Google) app MIUI File Manager).
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, tap three points (⋮) and select Private Mode (or Private Safe in English version).
• 🔐 The system will suggest creating a password – use a combination of numbers and letters (minimum 8 characters) or attach a fingerprint.
• 📁 Now you can move files and folders to private storage, holding them with your finger and choosing to Move to Private Mode.

An important nuance: files in Private Mode are not encrypted at the file system level - they are simply hidden from standard viewing. When connecting your phone to a PC via MTP or using ADB, an experienced user can access them. For full protection, we recommend combining this method with archiving (see Method 3).

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If your menu does not have the option “Private Mode”, update the Files app via Google Play or check for MIUI updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Method 2: Third-party applications with encryption (without root)

If MIUI isn't built in, third-party utilities come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular folder protection apps and selected the two most reliable ones: Folder Lock and Andrognito 2. Both support AES-256 encryption, which guarantees a high level of protection even when you physically access the device.

Let’s look at the Folder Lock (free version with limitations):

1. 📥 Install the app from Google Play (check that the developer is Hirax Mobile).
2. 🔑 When you first start, set your master password (save it in a safe place!).
3. 📁 In the main menu, select Lock Folders. → Add Folder and specify the path to the folder you want to protect.
4. 🔄 Activate the Stealth Mode option in the settings to hide the app icon from the menu.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔒 Encryption at the file level (as opposed to "Private Mode" in the file level) MIUI).
• 📱 It works on all versions of Android, including Redmi. MIUI 11 and newer.
• 🛡️ The ability to mask under a calculator or other harmless software.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Free version shows ads and limits the number of folders.
• 🔋 Constant work in the background can increase battery consumption 5-10%.
• 🔓 When you delete the application, access to files will be lost if you do not back up the password!

Method 3: Password Archive (the most reliable method)

If you want maximum protection of sensitive data without depending on the application, the best option is to archive folders with a password in.zip or.7z format. This method does not require root rights, works offline and is compatible with any device, including Redmi 8A and older models.

For archiving, we recommend using RAR for Android or ZArchiver.

1. 📥 Install ZArchiver from Google Play.
2. 📁 Open the app, find the folder you want to protect, and hold it with your finger.
3. 🔐 In the menu, select Add to the archive → Specify the Zip format or 7z.
4. 🔑 Enter the password in the Encryption field (minimum 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
5. 💾 Click OK – the archive will be created in the same directory.

Once archived, the original folder can be deleted to access the files:

1. Open the archives at ZArchiver.
2. Enter the password.
3. Remove files to a temporary folder (they will only be available before the phone restarts).

Backup important files | Create a complex password (12+ characters) | Write your password to a secure location (not on your phone!) | Check the integrity of the archive after you create-->

Benefits of archiving:

• 🔐 Strong encryption (AES-256 for 7z, ZipCrypto for Zip).
• 📱 It does not require root and works on any version of Android.
• 💾 You can transfer archives to your PC or cloud without losing protection.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your password, it will be impossible to recover data – even specialized programs like ArchPR do not guarantee the result for modern encryption algorithms).

Comparison of folder protection methods on Xiaomi Redmi

To choose the best method, compare all three methods according to the key criteria:

For most Redmi users, the best solution is to combine Private Mode for quick file access and archiving with a password for critical documents. Third-party applications are advisable only if you need additional functionality (for example, masking as a calculator or remote data erasure).

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Password archiving is the only method that protects data even when a memory chip is physically removed from a phone (such as when it is stolen).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting up folder protection, Xiaomi Redmi users often face typical problems, and consider the most common ones and how to solve them:

1. Privatized mode does not work in MIUI Reason: The feature can be disabled in regional firmware or on customized assemblies Solution: Update MIUI File Manager via Google Play or install an alternative file manager (such as Solid Explorer).
2. Third-party app doesn't see folder Reason: Starting with Android 11, apps are not allowed to access root directories without explicit permission. Solution: In Android settings, open Apps → Special Access → Access to all files and enable it for your password manager.
3. Forgot your password from the archive Reason: Unlike your Mi Account, your archive passwords are not restored Solution: Use programs like ArchPR (Zip archives only!) or contact your data recovery service (costs from 5,000+ ₽).

Another common mistake is to store passwords in notes or SMS, and if an attacker gains access to a phone, they can easily find both password and protected data. Use specialised password managers (Bitwarden, KeePassDX) with two-factor authentication.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.0.3) After activating Private Mode, files can be duplicated in the gallery. To avoid this, before activating the mode, clear the Gallery app cache in the settings.

Additional security measures for Xiaomi Redmi

Password protection is just one element of comprehensive security: If you store sensitive information on your phone (such as document scans or work files), consider the following:

• 🔄 Encrypting the device: Enable in Settings → System system → Additionally. → Encryption. It'll encrypt the whole partition. /data, It can also reduce performance on weaker models (Redmi). 8, Redmi 7A).
• 📱 Application Blocking: C Settings → Annexes → Application blocking can be installed PIN for individual programs (for example, galleries or instant messengers).
• 🌐 VPN For cloud storage: If you sync files with Google Drive or Mi Cloud, use the VPN (For example, ProtonVPN to protect traffic.
• 🔧 Disable debugging by USB: B Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB — Turn it off if you're not using it. ADB.

For owners of Redmi root-rights, more advanced methods are available:

• 📂 Hidden folders in /data/media/0: Create a folder with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.secret) – it won’t show up in standard file managers.
• 🔐 Encrypting a section through TWRP: Custom Recovery can encrypt individual partitions, but it requires experience with fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions