How to password folder on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from MIUI to third-party applications

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi is a major concern for most users. Photos, documents, correspondence and financial files are often publicly available, putting the device at risk when lost or third parties are accessed. Unlike the iPhone, where Hidden Albums is built into iOS, Redmi owners have to use a combination of system tools and third-party solutions.

In this article, we will understand 5 working ways to password folder on Xiaomi Redmi – from standard features MIUI 12/13/14 To hidden features and reliable applications, we will focus on the nuances for Redmi Note models. 12 Pro+, POCO X5 and other relevant devices 2023–2026 You'll find out how:

• 🔒 Create a password folder without root rights
• 📁 Hide files from the gallery and file manager
• 🔐 Use Private Safe in the MIUI (And why it's not always safe)
• 🛡️ Encrypt the folder using Solid Explorer or FX File Manager
• ⚠️ Avoid common mistakes when setting up protection

Important: The methods vary in security, for example, the system "Private Safe" in MIUI is vulnerable to resetting via Mi Account, while the encryption through Cryptomator is AES-256.

1. Standard method: Private Safe in MIUI

Private Safe is a built-in storage in MIUI firmware, available on all Xiaomi Redmi since version 12, which allows you to hide files behind a password or fingerprint, but has limitations:

• 🔹 Files are not encrypted – they are simply hidden from standard applications.
• 🔹 When you reset your phone via Mi Account, Private Safe access is restored.
• 🔹 It doesn’t work with folders, only with individual files.

How to use:

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. Go to the Private Safe section (may be called Personal Storage).
3. When you first start, set a password (at least 6 characters) or add a fingerprint.
4. Click + → Select files for hiding → Confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Private Safe password, you can only restore access through the attached Mi Account, and all files inside the storage will be temporarily blocked until the account is verified (up to 24 hours).

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To speed up access to Private Safe, add its widget to the home screen: long-click on the desktop → “Widgets” → find “Personal Storage”.

2. Hidden folders via file manager (no password, but invisible)

If you don't need a password, but you just need to hide the folder from prying eyes, use the renaming system trick, which works for all Redmis regardless of the MIUI version:

1. Open the files. → Find the folder you want to hide.
2. Press three points. → Rename.
3. Add a point to the beginning of the title, for example:.my photos.
4. Confirm the change.

The folder will disappear from the standard viewing, but will remain available:

• 🔍 Search in the file manager (enter the name without a point)
• 📂 Manually on the way /storage/emulated/0/
• 💻 When connecting to a PC through MTP

⚠️ Attention: This method does not protect data from power users. Anyone who knows the dot trick can find the folder in 10 seconds. Use it only for basic cloaking.

3. Pass the folder through the archiver (ZIP/RAR with encryption)

One of the most reliable ways is to pack a folder into an archive with a password.

• 🔐 Supports AES-256 (in WinRAR and 7-Zip)
• 📱 It works without root and additional applications
• 💾 You can transfer the archive to a PC or cloud

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Install RAR or 7Z from Google Play.
2. Open the application → find a folder for protection.
3. Select Add to Archive → Specify the ZIP or RAR format.
4. In the archiving settings, turn on: 🔑 Encrypt files 🔟 Set a password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters) 🔄 Encrypt file names (optional)

Confirm the archive.

You can then delete the original folder, leaving only a secure archive, so you can open the files.

1. Click on the archive → enter the password.
2. Remove the content to a safe place (for example, in Private Safe).

Password contains ≥12 characters | Used by AES-256| Filenames encrypted | Original folder deleted | Archive checked for opening-->

4. Third-party applications for folder protection

If built-in MIUI tools aren’t enough, use specialized applications. We tested 5 popular solutions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 – the best options in the table below:

We recommend Cryptomator for maximum security: it creates an encrypted container (virtual drive), which is mounted only after you enter the password.

1. Install Cryptomator from Google Play.
2. Create a new Warehouse → specify a folder for encryption.
3. Create a password (at least 15 characters) and save it in the password manager.
4. Transfer files to encrypted storage via the application interface.
5. Unmount the storage after work (data will become unavailable).

⚠️ Note: When using GalleryVault or similar safes, disable autosynchronization with Google Photos. In 2023, there were several cases where hidden photos were accidentally uploaded to the cloud due to bugs in the cloud. MIUI 14.

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Cryptomator is the only app on the list to have passed an independent security audit in 2022, and its code is open on GitHub, which excludes backdoors.

5. Protect folders via Notes (password notes)

Little-known life hack: Notes in MIUI supports password-enabled notes that you can put files into, which is not a complete replacement for encryption, but is suitable for temporary document storage.

1. Open your notes. → create a new note.
2. Click on three points → Block → set the password.
3. Add files via the + → attachment button.
4. Keep a note.

For most users of Xiaomi Redmi, the best balance of security and convenience is provided by the combination of:

1. Private Safe for quick access to photos.
2. Cryptomator for important documents.
3. ZIP/AES-256 archives for backups.

FAQ: Frequent questions