How to password folder on Xiaomi phone: all ways to protect personal files

Confidential photos, documents or work files on Xiaomi smartphones require strong protection — especially if the phone is used by several people or you often transfer it into the wrong hands. Unlike computers where folder passwords are set by standard OS tools, Android (and MIUI in particular) does not have this feature out of the box. However, you can get around the limitation — and we will show you how to do this without root rights, using embedded tools and third-party applications.

In this article, you'll find the latest ways to use MIUI 12-15, including hidden firmware features that few people know, and we'll also look at which methods are more reliable and which can lead to data loss when you reset your phone, a nuance that's often overlooked in standard instructions. If you need to not just hide a folder, but make it unavailable even when you connect to a PC, look at the encryption sections and secure archives.

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

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added its own file protection solution, the Secure Folder. It's not exactly a folder password in the classical sense, but the functionality is close: the files inside become inaccessible without any security. PIN-The main advantage is that you don't need to install third-party applications, and the minus only works for media files (photos, videos) and documents.

To activate:

• 📱 Open the File Manager (File Manager) application).
• 🔒 Go to the Protected folder section (at the bottom menu).
• 🔑 Set up access: think of it. PIN-code or use biometrics.
• 📁 Transfer the desired files to the folder by drag and drop or through the menu Add.

⚠️ Attention: If you forget PIN-The only way to restore access to files is through Mi Account (a Xiaomi account), without which the data will be lost after the phone is reset.

💡

To hide the “Secure Folder” icon from the Files menu, go to Settings → Additionally. → Hide the secure folder. The folder will remain accessible by PIN-code through a search in the app.

2. Password Archive: Zip/RAR on Xiaomi

The most universal way to password a folder is to package it into an archive with encryption, suitable for any file (including APK, databases, backups) and works even if the phone is connected to a PC.

Instructions for the standard MIUI archiver:

1. Open Files, find the folder and tap it with a long tap.
2. Choose to compress (or archive in new versions).
3. In the archive menu, enable the option to Encrypt.
4. Create a password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
5. Click OK and you will create a.zip or.rar file.

🔹 Important: Don't keep the archive and the original folder in one place! Delete the source files after archiving, otherwise the protection loses its meaning.

3. applications for folder password: TOP-3 verified

If Xiaomi's built-in tools aren't enough, use specialized apps, and we tested dozens of options and selected the three most reliable ones:

• 🔐 Folder Lock – Supports encryption AES-256, hides files from system scanners, there is a function Break-in Alert (photo of an attacker when entering a password incorrectly).
• 🛡️ AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) - blocks not only folders, but also access to applications (for example, a gallery or instant messengers). PIN/graphical key/fingerprint.
• 📂 Secure Folder (Samsung) — Yes, it's an app from Samsung, but it works great on Xiaomi too! Creates an isolated storage with separate authorization.

⚠️ Warning: Before installing, check the permissions of the application. If it requests access to SMS, Contacts or Geolocation for no obvious reason, it is a red flag).

🔹 Check the Google Play ranking (minimum 4.5)⭐)

🔹 Read the latest reviews (note the crash complaints)

🔹 Download only from the official store (not APK third-party)

🔹 Backup important files before encryption-->

4. Encrypting folder via Cryptomator (for advanced)

If you need military encryption (for example, for work documents or medical data), use Cryptomator, an open-source application that creates an encrypted storage (virtual drive) inside your folder, files are encrypted on the fly and are only accessible after you enter a password.

How to set up:

1. Install Cryptomator from Google Play.
2. Create a new storage facility (Create Vault).
3. Create a long password (at least 12 characters) and save it in the password manager.
4. Transfer files to the unmounted storage through the application interface.

🔹 Pros: No restrictions on file types, cold attack protection (even with physical access to the phone). 🔸 Cons: It is difficult for beginners, if you lose your password, it is impossible to restore data even through the service center.

Built-in "Secure folder" MIUI| Password archives |Third-party applications (Folder Lock, etc.)|Cryptomator |Does not protect, do not see the point-->

5. Hiding folders without password: alternative methods

If you don’t need a password, but simply hide the folder from prying eyes, there are two little-known ways to use MIUI:

• 📂 Rename with a point: Add a point to the beginning of the folder name (e.g.,.secret photos). These folders are not displayed in the standard file manager, but are visible through the file manager. ES Conductor or when connected to a PC.
• 🔍 Exclusion from the media scanner: Create an empty.nomedia file in the folder. After that, the photos / videos will not appear in the gallery, but will remain available through Files.

⚠️ Attention: These methods do not protect against targeted search! The experienced user will easily find hidden folders through the ADB Use them only to protect against random browsing.

💡

Hidden folders (dot or.nomedia) become visible when you connect your phone to your computer via USB. Use encryption or password for real protection.

6.What to do if I forgot the password from the folder?

Recovery methods depend on the method of protection:

• 🔑 Secure folder. MIUI: Restore access via Mi Account (if linked). Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Restoration of access.
• 📁 Password archive: If the archive ZIP, Try programs like this. ZIP Password Cracker (only works for simple passwords) RAR s AES-encryption recovery is not possible.
• 📱 Third-party applications: Check if there is a recovery function by email (e.g. Folder Lock.

💡 Tip: Store passwords in managers like Bitwarden or KeePass. Never write them down in your phone's notes or on paper next to your device!

If none of these methods work, the last option is to reset the phone to factory settings. But remember, this will delete all the data, including the files in the protected folders! Before reset, remove the memory card (if the files were on it).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Xiaomi users often face typical problems when setting passwords to folders.

• ❌ A password that's too simple: For example, 123456 or date of birth, these combinations are hacked in seconds.
• ❌ Storing a password in a phone: Notebook entries, screenshots or SMS Passwords are the first target of attackers.
• ❌ Ignoring Updates: Outdated versions of encryption apps (like 2018’s Folder Lock) contain vulnerabilities.
• ❌ No backup: When a phone is reset or broken, files in protected folders can be lost forever.

🔧 How to avoid:

• Use password managers (such as 1Password or built-in Mi Account).
• Enable two-factor authentication for Mi Account.
• Update encryption applications regularly.
• Back up protected files on an encrypted cloud (like Proton Drive).

💡

No solution is 100% secure. Combine methods: for example, store archives with a password inside the MIUI Secure Folder, and a backup copy in an encrypted cloud.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions