How to protect folder password on Xiaomi: official and hidden methods

Why to put a password on folders in Xiaomi and what risks it eliminates

In the age of digital threats, privacy is becoming critical. Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer several ways to protect folders, but not all of them are obvious to users. The main problem is that the standard file manager does not have a built-in “password folder” function in the usual sense, which creates the illusion of vulnerability, although in fact solutions exist — they are just hidden deeper or require third-party tools.

According to a 2023 Kaspersky study, 68 percent of identity breaches are due to unauthorized access to devices through physical contact. A folder password solves this problem in part: it protects against prying eyes, but not targeted hacker attacks. It's important to understand that MIUI uses a multi-layered security system where folder protection is only one element. For example, even with a password to a folder, an attacker can access files through ADB or backups if system-level protection is not configured.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for protecting folders on Xiaomi, including:

• 🔐 Hidden functions MIUI, Which 90% of users don’t know
• 📱 Built-in folder encryption tools (without root)
• 🛡️ Third-party applications with support for Xiaomi and their features
• ⚙️ Set up system resolutions for maximum protection
• 🔄 Bypasses for older versions MIUI (12th)

Method 1: Using a built-in “Private Storage” in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added Private Storage, which allows you to hide files and folders by password, which is integrated into the standard File Manager and does not require the installation of additional applications, the main advantage is that data is encrypted at the system level, which makes it difficult to extract them even when you connect your phone to a PC.

To activate the Private Storage:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Category section → Private vault.
3. Click Settings and create a password (minimum 6 characters, it is recommended to use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols).
4. Confirm your password and link your Mi Account to restore access.
5. Move the desired folders to Private Storage via the Select → Move menu.

Important: files in Private Storage are not displayed in the gallery or other applications, but remain accessible through the File Manager after you enter the password. If you forget the password, you can only restore access through the associated Mi Account - without it, the data will be lost.

Is Mi Account Linked to the Device?

Is there enough free space (encryption increases file size by ~5%)

Root rights disabled (they may violate encryption)

Is there a backup of important data?-->

⚠️ Warning: Private storage does not work on bootloader devices. If you previously obtained root rights, encryption may be compromised.

Method 2: Protect folders through the Safe Folder in Google Files

If your Xiaomi runs Android 10+, you can use the Google Files app, which offers the Safe Folder feature.This method is suitable for users who don't trust the built-in MIUI tools or want an extra layer of protection.

The advantages of a secure folder:

• 🔒 Android Keystore Encryption (more reliable than just hiding files)
• 📲 Available on all devices with Google Play Services, including Xiaomi
• 🔄 Automatic sync with Google Drive (optional)
• 🛡️ Protection against screenshots inside the folder (the system blocks the ability to take a screenshot)

Instructions for setting:

1. Install Google Files from Google Play (unless set by default).
2. Open the application and go to the Collection → Secure folder section.
3. Click Settings and follow the instructions for creating PIN-code-key.
4. Move files to the folder through the Add Files menu.

Built-in Private MIUI Storage

Google's Safe Folder

Third-party applications (e.g. Folder Lock)

Password Archive (ZIP/RAR)

Don't protect the folders.-->

Method 3: Third-party applications for folder locking

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't suit you, you can use third-party apps, the most popular ones being Folder Lock, AppLock and Vault, which offer advanced features such as:

• 🔐 Blocking folders with a password, fingerprint or face scan
• 📸 Protection against screenshots and screen recordings
• 🔄 Backup of encrypted data to the cloud
• 🛡️ Masking for other applications (for example, under the calculator)

However, third-party applications have disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Risk of data leakage (some applications transmit information to servers)
• 💰 Fees for premium features (for example, in Folder Lock, the free version limits the number of files)
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (background encryption processes)

Recommended applications for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Warning: Before installing third-party apps, check their reputation on Google Play. Some "folder blockers" contain malicious code masquerading as legitimate features. For example, in 2022, the Super Lock app was removed from the store for collecting user data.

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Before installing a third-party blocker, check it on VirusTotal. download APK-file (if available outside of Google Play) and scan for threats.

Method 4: Password folder archive (ZIP/RAR)

One of the most reliable, but least convenient, ways to archive password folders is to protect static data (like backups or important documents) that doesn't require frequent access, and the advantage is that even if an attacker gains access to files, they'll have to match the password to the archive.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Install a file manager with archiving support, such as Solid Explorer or ZArchiver.
2. Select the folder you want to protect and select Squeeze → ZIP/RAR.
3. In the archiving settings, activate the option Encrypt and set a password (it is recommended to use at least 12 characters).
4. Delete the original folder after creating the archive.

Important: If you lose your password, you can't recover your files.

• 🔍 Archives ZIP Password can be broken brute force if the password is weak.
• 📁 For frequent use, this method is inconvenient - you need to unpack and re-archive files every time.
• 🔄 Some applications (e.g. gallery) cannot work with archived media files.

Method 5: Hiding folders through MIUI settings (no password but with disguise)

If you don’t need a password, but simply hide the folder from prying eyes, MIUI offers a built-in file hiding feature that doesn’t provide full protection, but can be useful in everyday situations (for example, to hide the folder from children).

How to hide the folder:

1. Open the File Manager and find the folder you want to hide.
2. Hold your finger on the folder, then click Rename.
3. Add a dot to the beginning of the name (for example,.my photo).
4. The folder will disappear from standard browsing, but will remain accessible through search or in hidden file display mode.

To get the folder back:

1. In File Manager, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Settings → Show hidden files.
3. Find the folder (it will be translucent) and rename it, removing the dot.

⚠️ Attention: Hidden folders in MIUI remain available through ADB or when connecting the phone to the PC in mode MTP. This method does not protect against targeted search!

Comparison of methods: which to choose for your Xiaomi

The choice of folder protection method depends on your needs:

• 🔒 Maximum security: Combination of Private Storage MIUI + password-archiving.
• 📱 Utility: Google’s secure folder (if you work with files frequently).
• 🛡️ Additional Features: Third-party applications (e.g., Folder Lock for disguise as other programs).
• 📁 Temporary Hiding: Rename the dot folder (if basic camouflage is needed).

Critical information: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, none of the methods guarantee 100% protection. An attacker with physical access to the phone can gain root rights and bypass any locks.

💡

For full data protection on Xiaomi, combine several methods: use Private Storage for important files, archive backups with a password, and set up a high-security screen lock (PIN or biometrics).

FAQ: Frequent questions about folder protection on Xiaomi