How to make a secure folder on Xiaomi: hide files from prying eyes

Protecting personal data on a smartphone is a key challenge for the modern user. Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer several built-in mechanisms for creating secure folders, but not all owners know about their existence or know how to use them. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to hide files from outsiders, from standard MIUI functions to third-party applications with encryption.

Xiaomi’s feature is that it updates the interface regularly, and the settings can change depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15).We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on most models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. If you are looking for a way to hide photos, documents or videos so that they can not be found without a password, you are at the right place.

1. Built-in "Secure folder" function in MIUI

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added its own file protection solution, the Secure Folder, which is integrated into the standard Files application and does not require any additional software installation, the main advantage being that data is encrypted at the system level, making it inaccessible even when you connect your phone to your computer.

To activate the function:

• 📁 Open the Files app (Folder icon on the home screen).
• 🔒 In the lower menu, tap on the Protected folder section (if not, update it). MIUI last-minute).
• 🔑 When you first start up, the system will suggest setting a password or a pattern lock. Choose a reliable option (we recommend a combination of 8).+ symbolism).
• 📤 Drag the desired files to the protected area or click Add files in the upper right corner.

Important: If you forget the password from the protected folder, it will be impossible to restore access to files - even through resetting. Xiaomi does not provide official tools to bypass this protection, so write the code to a safe place (for example, to the password manager).

Make sure that MIUI version is not lower than 12|

Create a backup of important files |

Create a password (not a date of birth!)|

Check the free space on the device (encryption takes an additional amount of space)-->

2.Use of the "Second Space" for complete file isolation

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a completely isolated user profile with separate desktops, apps and, importantly, secure files, a technique that is suitable for those who want to not just hide a few photos, but to organize a full-fledged sandbox with sensitive data.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click Create a second space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password or fingerprint).
3. After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the lock screen (the avatar icon in the upper right corner).
4. In the second space, copy the files you want to download to the Downloads or DCIM folder – they will not be available from the main profile.

The advantage of this method is that files are physically stored in another part of the memory and are not displayed even when you connect the phone to the PC.

• ⚠️ It takes up additional space (up to 5-10 GB depending on the settings).
• ⚠️ When you drop your phone, both spaces are removed.
• ✅ You can use different Google accounts in every space.

3. Encrypting folders with third-party applications

If you don't like the built-in MIUI, you can use third-party utilities, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones:

We recommend Keeping for most users, which is simple and reliable, to hide the folder:

1. Install Keeping from Google Play.
2. When you first start, set a password (at least 6 characters).
3. Click Import and select files or folders to hide.
4. Activate the option to Delete originals if you want to leave copies in secure storage only.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. GalleryVault) may conflict with system services MIUI Before installing, check the reviews for your smartphone model.

Built-in secure folder MIUI|

Second space |

Application side (Keeping, File Lock, etc.)|

Password Archiver (ZIP/RAR)|

Don't hide files.-->

4. Password Archive: An Old But Proven Method

If you don't trust cloud services or third-party software, you can use the classic way of passwordizing an archive, which works on any device, including Xiaomi, and doesn't require root rights. The downside is that you have to unpack the archive every time you access the files.

Instructions:

1. Install an archiver (such as RAR or ZArchiver from Google Play).
2. Select the files that you want to hide and press Compress.
3. In the archive settings, select the ZIP or RAR format and activate the Set Password option.
4. Create a strong password (we recommend a combination of letters, numbers and symbols).
5. After creating the archive, delete the original files.

To open the archive:

• 🔐 Use the same archiver that created the file.
• 📂 Enter the password when you request it.
• 🗑️ After viewing, delete the unpacked files again.

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If you work with archives a lot, create a folder on your desktop called "Backups" and store encrypted files there, which will distract attention from their real content.

5. Hiding folders through file manager (no password)

If you just need to hide a folder from the eyes of the eye, but you don't have to encrypt it, you can use standard renaming, which doesn't protect the data from targeted search, but makes it less visible in the MIUI.

How to hide the folder:

1. Open the Files app and find the folder you want to hide.
2. Press and hold it, then select Rename.
3. Add a point at the beginning of the title (e.g.,.secret).
4. The folder will disappear from standard browsing, but will remain available through search or manually on the path /storage/emulated/0/.

To regain visibility:

• 🔍 Enable the display of hidden files in Files settings (three dots) → Settings → Show hidden files).
• 📂 Find the folder and rename it, removing the dot.

⚠️ Note: This method does not protect data from access through a computer or file managers with root rights. Use it only to temporarily hide unnecessary files.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table:

For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is to combine a built-in secure folder with a second space, which gives maximum protection without having to install third-party software. If you need to hide files from very curious people (for example, in a family with children), consider archiving and password.

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There is no 100% reliable way to hide files. Even a secure MIUI folder can be hacked through an engineering menu or reset. If data is critical, use cloud storage with two-factor authentication (e.g. Google Drive or Mega).

FAQ: Frequent questions about secure folders on Xiaomi