Xiaomi’s modern smartphone has become a hub for a wealth of personal information, from photos and document scans to work reports and correspondence. The standard gallery and file manager often provide one-click access to that data, which can be a problem if the device falls into the wrong hands or just lies on the table.
The built-in MIUI or HyperOS folder hiding feature solves this problem elegantly without requiring third-party apps to request permissions, a native system tool that creates an isolated space for your files protected by password or biometrics.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of activating this feature, setting up the security level and managing access to hidden data, and you will learn not only to hide files, but also to manage them correctly so that they do not get lost when resetting or changing your device.
The principle of the file isolator in MIUI
The mechanism of hiding folders in Xiaomi smartphones is based on the creation of a special secure partition in the memory of the device, files placed there, physically move from public storage to an encrypted area, access to which is possible only after the owner’s authorization.
It's important to understand that this isn't just a "hiding" of a file attribute, as is done in desktop operating systems, but it uses full encryption, making the data unreadable for third-party applications trying to scan the gallery or memory.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your smartphone to factory settings (Hard Reset), all data in the hidden pack will be irretrievably deleted unless you back it up or moved it back to the shared access.
The system allows you to hide not only photos and videos, but also any other types of files: PDF documents, ZIP archives, audio files and even entire folders with applications, which makes the tool a universal solution for protecting privacy.
Preparation for the establishment of a secure storage facility
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your device is signed in to Mi Account. While in some regions and firmware versions the feature may work without an account, binding to the Xiaomi cloud service is a prerequisite for restoring access in the event of a forgotten password.
It's also worth checking if there's free space on the internal drive, because hidden files take up real space, and if the memory is full, the system may not work properly with the clipboard or encryption process.
It is recommended to create a strong password in advance, different from the password unlocking the screen. Using the same codes reduces overall security, since compromise of one level of protection opens access to the entire device.
☑️ Checking before setting up
Make sure your Explorer or Gallery app is updated to the latest version through the GetApps store or Google Play. In older versions of the interface, the Hidden Menu may be different or missing.
Step-by-step: Creating a hidden folder
The process of activating hidden space starts with the standard Explorer app, which is pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand. Open it and go to the Files or Folders tab to see the directory structure.
Click on the three-dot menu at the top of the screen. In the drop-down list, select "Hide files." The system will suggest creating a password for protection if you're doing it for the first time. Enter the code, confirm it, and be sure to ask a check question.
Once you set the password, the interface will change, so to create a new hidden folder or move files there, use the lower control panel, where you can choose categories: images, videos, documents or audio.
What to do if there is no “Hide Files” item?
To add files, just highlight them in the general list, click on the "More" button and select "Hide" files will disappear from public access instantly and will only appear after you enter the password in the special section.
Setup of biometrics and access methods
Constantly entering a password can be uncomfortable, so Xiaomi allows you to link access to a hidden folder to a fingerprint scanner or Face ID unlock system.
To set up, go to the hidden file menu, click on the settings icon (usually a gear or three dots) and select "Use a fingerprint." The system will ask you to confirm the action with a password, after which the biometrics will be activated.
Now, you just have to touch the sensor or look at the screen to access sensitive data, which makes it much faster, but remember that biometric data is stored locally in a secure TEE module.
| Protection method | Level of security | Convenience | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Medium. | Low. | Screenprints. |
| Digital password | High-pitched | Average. | It's hard to remember. |
| Fingerprint. | High-pitched | High. | False positives |
| Face ID | Medium. | High. | It works when unlocked. |
Using biometrics does not eliminate the need to remember the primary password, which is required in the case of a device reboot or after five failed attempts to unlock.
Managing Hidden Files and Recovery
Working with hidden files means that you can edit them, move them back to the shared folder or completely delete them.
Select the file or group of files you want, click "More" and select "Remove from Hidden." The files will return to their original directories (/DCIM/Camera, /Download, etc.) and become visible to all applications.
If you plan to sell your phone or redeem it, be sure to extract all the data from the hidden folder and delete it. Simply deleting files from the shared gallery will not be enough, since the hidden files will remain in the encrypted partition.
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Before selling your phone, back up your hidden files to your computer or cloud storage, and then remove them from the device’s internal memory.
Restoring access to a forgotten password is possible only through the Mi Account account to which the device was associated. To do this, on the password entry screen, click "Forgot password" and follow the system instructions.
Alternative methods of data encryption
In addition to the built-in Explorer, Xiaomi users can use the "Second Space" feature, which is a full copy of the system inside the smartphone with a separate set of applications and files, protected by its password.
The second space is convenient for separating work and personal life, so you can hide not only files, but also entire applications, such as banking clients or instant messengers, making them completely invisible in the main profile.
There are also third-party encryption applications, but using them on MIUI shell devices often leads to conflicts and reduced autonomy.
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The built-in MIUI tools provide better compatibility and energy efficiency compared to third-party encryption applications.
The choice of method depends on your needs: for fast concealment of a pair of photos, a conductor is enough, and for full separation of contexts of using a smartphone, the Second Space is better suited.