Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often store sensitive information on their devices that they prefer to limit to prying eyes. The standard MIUI or HyperOS system offers built-in tools to encrypt files without requiring third-party applications, which allows you to securely hide personal photos, videos and documents directly in the system storage.
The procedure for installing protection may seem complicated only the first time, but it is based on logical navigation through the menu: hidden folders do not appear in the standard list of a gallery or conductor without entering a secret code, which provides a high level of privacy even in the case of an unlocked phone screen.
In this article, we will discuss all the steps in creating secure storage, how to activate the function, what are the nuances of working with Second Space, and how to restore access in the event of a password loss.
Preparation for file encryption on MIUI
Before you start hiding data, you need to make sure your security profile is set up correctly. Xiaomi's system links the hidden folder function to your Mi Account or local security profile, which is to restore access if you forget the pattern lock.
Make sure that the device has an up-to-date System Developer Explorer installed. In some global firmware versions, the standard app can be replaced with a Google counterpart that does not support native folder hiding, in which case you will need to download the original MIUI Security or File Manager.
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Before hiding important documents, back them up on your computer or in the cloud to avoid accidental data loss during the setup process.
It's also worth checking if there's space in the memory, and even though the encryption itself doesn't take up much resources, it creates a virtual container for files, and if the memory is full, it can either fail or fail.
Activation of the hidden folder through the Explorer
The basic method of data protection is implemented through the standard Explorer application, and this is where the hidden activation mechanism is located, which many users do not know about. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic of actions remains the same.
To start, open the Explorer app and move to a category you plan to protect, like Images or Documents. Then you need to do a specific swipe action. Swipe your finger from top to bottom until the lock icon appears. Don't let go of your finger right away, hold it for a second.
☑️ Activation of protection
Then the system will suggest creating a password that is different from the unlock password, which increases security, and you will be asked to enter the code twice and maybe ask a check question or link an account to restore it.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the hidden folder and do not link the Mi-account, it will be almost impossible to restore access to files without resetting the device.
Once the password is successfully installed, the interface will change, and you will notice that the hidden files are activated, and now when you swipe down, you will open a protected space in this category.
Access settings through the Gallery
An alternative and more visual way to hide media is to use the Gallery app, which is a convenient way to quickly hide a few photos or videos from curious glances, and it works like a conductor, but the interface is adapted to work with images.
Open the gallery and select the album you want to hide in its entirety or individual photos. In the album menu (three dots or gears), find the item "Hide album", the system will require proof of identity through a fingerprint or a previously installed pattern lock.
Hidden albums disappear from the list, and to view them, you have to go to the Albums section, scroll to the bottom of the page, and pull down again until you get a password request, which is similar to activating in a Explorer, but only works within the gallery app.
Where do the hidden files go?
It is important to note that when you delete a gallery app or clear its data, hidden photos may disappear, so it is recommended to periodically check for backups in cloud storage, if such a feature is enabled in your account settings.
The use of Second Space (Second Space)
For those who want maximum data isolation, Xiaomi offers Second Space, which is not just a folder with a password, but a full copy of the operating system inside your smartphone, and you can install individual apps, create a different gallery and contacts.
To activate this mode, go to Settings → Additional Features → Second Space. Once enabled, you can switch between the main and second profile either through settings or using a special fingerprint assigned to enter the second space.
| Parameter | Hidden folder | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Level of isolation | Medium (files hidden) | High (separate OS) |
| Access to applications | Common | Separate |
| Memory consumption | Minimum | Significant |
| Switching speed | Instant. | It takes time. |
Second Space is especially important if you're handing your phone to your kids or colleagues, and in this mode, they won't see your personal data, even if they're looking through file managers. It's a full-fledged digital frontier.
Transfer files to a protected area
Once you set up your password, the question is, how do you move files there? In Explorer, you do this through the control menu. Select the files you want, click the "More" button (three dots) and select "Hide"; the files will disappear from the current view and only appear after you enter the password in the hidden partition.
In the Gallery, the process is even easier: select a photo, click Add to the album or Hide. The system will automatically move a copy or original (depending on the settings) to a protected area. Originals in the shared tape can be deleted at your request.
To work with documents such as PDF or DOCX, use only Explorer. The gallery does not support encryption of text formats. Just drag the file to a hidden folder or use the context menu to change its status to Hidden.
⚠️ Note: When moving large amounts of data (e.g., video to video) 4K) Do not close the conductor application until the operation is complete.
If you decide to return files back, go to a hidden folder, highlight objects, and select "Remove from Hidden." They will go back to the normal directory available. This action also requires password confirmation.
Restoring access and solving problems
The most common problem is a forgotten password, and if you've linked a Mi Account, if you've had a few failed attempts to type in, you'll see a button called "Forgot your password?" and you can click on it to reset the code via the text message or email you've signed up for.
If you don't have an account binding, it gets complicated: Xiaomi's security system doesn't have backdoors to bypass your password, and the only way out is to completely reset the device to factory settings, which will result in the loss of all data, not just hidden data.
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Linking a Mi Account is the only reliable way to restore access to hidden files without losing data.
Also, users sometimes encounter bugs when the hidden folder doesn't open after the firmware update, in which case, try clearing the Security or Explorer app cache through the application management menu. Don't delete the application data, just the cache.
If files are missing after changing your phone settings, return the same region. The hidden folder feature is not available in all countries due to legal restrictions, and changing the region may hide the very possibility of logging in.