How to hide and protect folder on Xiaomi: all ways from MIUI before AppLock

Confidential photos, documents or personal files on Xiaomi smartphone require strong protection. Even if you don’t put your phone in the wrong hands, accidental tapping or childish curiosity can lead to data leakage. Creating a closed folder is not only a way to hide files from prying eyes, but also an additional layer of security in case of theft or loss of the device.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods: from built-in functions. MIUI to third-party applications with encryption. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15) and models — from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. you will learn how to put a password on a folder, hide it from the gallery, and what to do if the standard methods do not work.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require root rights or disablement MIUI Optimization in the developer settings. This can affect system stability - check compatibility with your model before action.

According to Xiaomi statistics, 68 percent of users have had to hide files at least once, but only 22 percent know about the built-in security tools. Let's fix this.

1. the built-in "Closed folder" function in MIUI (non-partisan)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added a native file protection solution called the Private Folder, which works like a safe: the files inside are not displayed in the gallery or file manager, and access is protected by a password or biometrics. MIUI 12.5+, including Redmi Note 11, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T newer.

To activate it:

1. Open the Settings. → Privacy → Closed folder.
2. Click Create a Closed folder and set a password (minimum 6 characters).
3. Confirm the password and attach a fingerprint/face (optional).
4. Return to Files, swipe left to the Closed folder section and move the desired files there.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔒 Does not require the installation of third-party applications.
• 📱 It works on all relevant models Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco.
• 🔄 Files are automatically hidden from the media scanner (not visible in the gallery).

❌ Cons:

• 🚫 Does not support file encryption (hiding only).
• 📁 The folder is visible in the file manager as a separate partition.
• 🔄 When resetting settings, the password is reset (files remain, but access is lost).

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the closed folder, you can only restore it through the Mi Account associated with the device!

2. Use the Security App to hide files

In the firmware MIUI Up to version 12.5 (for example, on Redmi Note 9 or Poco) X3) Instead of a Closed Folder, it used a Security app, which not only hides files, but also blocks applications, scans viruses and manages permissions:

Steps to hide files through Security App:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Privacy section. → Hidden files.
3. Set your password (unless previously set).
4. Click Add Files and select the desired documents/photos.
5. Confirm the transfer – files will disappear from the gallery and file manager.

🔍 Where to look for hidden files?

They're stored in a folder. /storage/emulated/0/.hidden, But only available through the Security App to get the files back:

1. Go to Security. → Privacy → Hidden files.
2. Select files and click Restore.

⚠️ Nuance: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 8A) Hidden files may temporarily appear in the gallery after the update MIUI. To avoid this, clear the gallery cache (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

3. Hiding folders via.nomedia file (for power users)

The.nomedia method is a classic way to hide a folder from the Android media scanner, and it works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the version. MIUI, The bottom line is that Android ignores folders with such a file when scanning multimedia (photo, video, audio).

Step-by-step:

1. Open any file manager (such as Files or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the folder you want to hide (for example, DCIM/Camera).
3. Create a new file called.nomedia (a point at the beginning is mandatory!).
4. Restart the device or clear the Gallery and Music app data.

📌 It's important:

• 📁 The folder will remain visible in the file manager, but its contents will not appear in the gallery.
• 🔄 If you delete.nomedia, files will be visible again.
• 📱 This method does not protect against access to files via PCs or other file managers.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Google Photos) ignore.nomedia and may show hidden files. To avoid this, disable autoboot in the settings of such apps.

💡

If the.nomedia file is not created through a standard manager, use the ES Explorer or connect your phone to your PC and create a file through Total Commander.

4. Password protection of folders with AppLock and analogues

Third-party apps like AppLock, Vaulty, or Keepsafe offer advanced security features like encryption, false password, login notifications, and they’ll work if you want to not only hide but also block folder access.

How to set up protection:

1. Install AppLock and provide all the necessary permissions.
2. Set a master password (it is recommended to use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols).
3. In the main menu, select Private Vault.
4. Import files or folders to the safe (they will be automatically deleted from the original location).
5. Activate additional settings: False password, Photo trap (takes a photo of the person who entered the wrong password).

🔐 Comparison of popular applications for blocking:

⚠️ Warning: Some apps (e.g. GalleryVault) may conflict with optimization MIUI, If you overheat or quickly discharge the battery, check the settings after installation. → Battery → Use the battery and disable optimization for the app if it consumes >5% charge in the background.

💡

Apps like AppLock are suitable for maximum protection, but require regular updates. Before installing, check for reviews about compatibility with your Xiaomi model.

5. Hiding folders through password archiving (ZIP/RAR)

If you need to not only hide but also encrypt files, you can use archivers with support for passwords, for example, RAR or 7-Zip. This method is suitable for backups or rarely used files.

Instructions for creating a secure archive:

1. Install. RAR Android (official app from WinRAR).
2. Open the application and select files/folders for archiving.
3. Click Add to Archive and select the format ZIP or RAR.
4. In the Set password section, enter the key (minimum 8 characters).
5. Click OK – the archive will be created in the selected folder.
6. Delete the original files (optional).

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Files are encrypted according to standard AES-256 (format RAR).
• 📱 The archive can be moved to the cloud or to the PC.
• 🔄 No firmware dependency. MIUI.

❗ Deficiencies:

• 🕒 Additional archiving/unpacking time.
• 📁 It is not possible to access individual files quickly.
• 🔑 If the password is lost, the data cannot be restored.

💡 Tip: For convenience, store archives in a folder with the type name Backup_2026 — This will reduce suspicion when accidentally viewing the file manager.

6 Advanced methods: folder encryption and root access

If you don't like the standard way, you can go further and encrypt folders at the file system level, which requires root rights or specialized applications like Cryptomator or Boxcryptor, and let's look at both.

🔧 Method 1: Cryptomator encryption (without root)

Cryptomator creates an encrypted container that is mounted as a virtual disk, the files inside are stored in encrypted form, and access is only possible after you enter a password.

Steps:

1. Install Cryptomator from Google Play or F-Droid.
2. Create a new Vault and set a password.
3. Move files to storage via the application interface.
4. Unmount the storage – files will become unavailable without a password.

🔧 Method 2: Complete root folder encryption (for experienced users)

If you have root access, you can use EncFS or LUKS It's a more complex method, but it provides maximum protection.

⚠️ Warning:

• On devices with an unlocked bootloader, encryption may conflict with MIUI, Before you do anything, back up through TWRP!
• Some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) refuse to work on root devices.

📌 Safety recommendations:

• Use passwords that are long ≥12 characters with mixed register.
• Do not store passwords in notes or cloud services.
• Update encryption applications regularly.

7.Alternative methods: cloud storage and hidden chats

If you don’t want to store sensitive files on the device itself, consider cloud-based client-encrypted solutions or hidden chats in instant messengers, which are suitable for backups or temporary file sharing.

🌐 Cloud storage with encryption:

• 🔒 Proton Drive is a Swiss zero-access storage system).
• 📁 Tresorit – Client-side encryption, support MIUI.
• 🔐 Mega - 20GB free, but there are security questions.

💬 Hidden chats in messengers:

Some messengers allow you to send files to saved messages or secret chats:

• 📱 Telegram: Create a Secret Chat with you and send files there.
• 🔒 Signal: Use Private Notes (function in beta).

⚠️ Important: Even in encrypted chats, files are stored on messenger servers. For maximum privacy, delete them after viewing.

8 What to do if hidden files are missing or not opened

Sometimes after the update MIUI Or reset your settings, hidden files may disappear or become inaccessible:

🔄 If files are hidden through a “Closed Folder” or Security App:

1. Check if your password has been reset (try standard 123456 combinations or date of birth).
2. If the password is forgotten, restore it through Mi Account (account binding is required).
3. Reinstall the Security app (if it has been removed).
4. Check the folder. /storage/emulated/0/.hidden through a file manager with root rights.

🗃️ If files are in the archive with a password:

• Use it. RAR Password Unlocker (for simple passwords).
• Try to remember the password by prompts (date, name of the pet, etc.).
• If the archive is important, contact WinRAR Support (for legal cases).

🛠️ If the files are missing after the update MIUI:

1. Check the folder. Download/Backup — Sometimes the system backs up copies.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and scan the memory with programs like Recuva or DiskDigger.
3. Contact Xiaomi Support with model and version MIUI.

❌ What not to do:

• 🚫 Do not format memory – it will delete files irrevocably.
• 🔄 Do not install unofficial firmware in the hope of returning data.
• 💾 Don’t trust password recovery software – most of them contain viruses.

💡

If files have been hidden through third-party apps (AppLock, Vaulty), reinstall this app – often this restores access to the safe.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden folders on Xiaomi