Privacy of personal data on a smartphone is one of the key tasks for users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. Even if you do not keep state secrets, photos of documents, correspondence or personal videos deserve protection from prying eyes. The manufacturer has provided a built-in tool in the MIUI brand shell - "Secure folder", but not everyone knows how to use it correctly.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to create hidden folders on Xiaomi devices (including models from 2023-2026), talk about the nuances of the function in different versions of MIUI 12-14, and offer alternative solutions for those who are faced with limitations.
If you've ever handed your phone to friends to show photos, or feared data leaks when you lose your device, this is the stuff for you. We're not going to limit ourselves to basic instructions: you'll learn how to hide a folder from system applications, why some files don't move to secure storage, and what to do if the feature is Suddenly disappeared after an update.
What is a Protected Folder in MIUI and how does it work?
The Private Folder is a built-in MIUI solution for encrypting and hiding files from outsiders, and it works at the system level, which should theoretically guarantee a high degree of protection.
✅ Advantages:
- 🔒 Hardware encryption: files are stored in encrypted form and are only available after authentication (PIN, print, pattern lock).
- 📁 Support for all types of files: photos, videos, documents, audio and even APK.
- 🔄 Sync with Mi Cloud (optional): you can back up protected data.
❌ Limitations:
- 🚫 It does not work on all models: budget Redmi and POCO The function may be absent or require manual activation.
- 🔍 Visibility in some file managers: when connecting to a PC through MTP The folder can be displayed as.Private.
- 🔄 Resets after updates: users MIUI 14 complain that the folder disappears after major updates.
⚠️ Note: If you use a corporate profile (for example, through Microsoft Intune), the administrator can access the protected files, in which case it is better to use third-party solutions such as Cryptomator.
Technically, the folder is created in a protected partition of internal memory along the way:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.privatefolder/files/But you can’t get there manually, just through the MIUI interface.
💡
If you plan to sell or rent your phone for repair, be sure to delete the secure folder through the settings. Even after resetting to factory settings, its contents can be restored!
Step-by-step: how to create a secure folder on Xiaomi
The process is slightly different depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall scheme is the same. We will look at the universal method that works on most devices (including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5).
Step 1: Check the availability of the function
Not all firmware is active by default, to see if your device supports a secure folder:
- Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
- In the search, enter Private Folder or Secure folder.
- If you find an application, move to the next step. If you don't, see what to do if you don't have a function.
Step 2: Activation and configuration
Make sure that the phone is installed PIN/password/pattern lock|
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (to download components) |
Free up at least 100MB of memory |
Shut down. VPN (may block activation)-->
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Secure folder.
- Click Start and confirm creation via biometrics or password.
- Wait for the additional components to load (about 5-10 MB).
- After installation, the folder interface will open - you can now add files.
Step 3: Transfer files to a secure storage
There are two ways:
- 📂 File Manager: Open Files (standard Mi File Manager application) → More. → Move it to a secure folder.
- 🖼️ From the gallery: Open a photo or video. Press ⋮ → Move it to a secure folder.
⚠️ Attention: Files moved to a secure folder disappear from the original directory. This is not copying, this is moving! If you want to save the originals, make duplicates first.
How to return files back from a protected folder?
Why a secure folder might not work (and how to fix it)
Users often encounter problems when trying to create or open a secure folder, and here are the most common reasons and solutions:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The “Secure folder” button is not in the settings | Outdated firmware or regional restrictions | Update. MIUI Up to the latest version or install EU-Firmware (for advanced users). |
| The app gives an error "failed to initialize" | Damaged system files or conflict with antivirus | Clear the Private Folder app cache in the settings or disable the third-party antivirus. |
| The folder disappeared after the MIUI update | Resetting privacy settings | Restart your phone and check the folder through Settings → Privacy. If it doesn’t work, restore it from your Mi Cloud backup. |
| You can’t add files from certain folders (for example, Download) | MIUI Limitations for System Directories | Copy the files first to DCIM or Pictures, and then move to a secure folder. |
If none of the methods worked, try an alternative activation method via ADB (requires unlocked debugging over USB):
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.privatefolderThis command forcibly turns on the hidden application if it is disabled in the system.
💡
On devices with MIUI Global Market (Global) ROM) The "Secure folder" function can be disabled by default, in which case only manual activation or switching to the "Secure folder" will help. EU-firmware.
Alternative ways to hide files on Xiaomi (if the standard method is not suitable)
If the built-in secure folder does not work or you are not satisfied with its functionality, consider these options:
🔹 Third-party encryption applications:
- 🔐 Cryptomator: Creates encrypted containers (supports) AES-256). Free but requires manual adjustment.
🔹 System tricks without third-party programs:
- 🔗 Password Archive: Pack files into ZIP or RAR with encryption (for example, through RAR for Android).
🔹 For advanced users:
- 🛠️ Encrypting a section through TWRP: If you have an unlocked bootloader, you can encrypt a separate partition of internal memory.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Hide It Pro or GalleryVault often contain advertising modules and can collect metadata. 4PDA or XDA Developers.
How to Protect Your Folder from Accidental Deletion or Reset
One of the major problems with a protected folder in MIUI is that it's vulnerable to resetting or updating the firmware to avoid data loss:
🔄 Backup:
- ☁️ Sync folder with Mi Cloud (in the settings of the protected folder there is an option Backup).
- 💾 Export files manually to PC via MTP (They will be in the.Private folder on the internal drive).
- 📱 Use Google Photos to automatically upload hidden photos to Archive (configure Settings) → Archiving).
🔧 Additional security measures: