How to make a folder with a password on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions for all models

Protecting personal files on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a pressing task for most users. Photos, documents, screenshots and other sensitive data are often publicly available, which poses risks when the device is lost or transferred to third parties. Unfortunately, the standard MIUI file system does not support encryption of folders out of the box, but there are several workarounds – both through built-in tools and through third-party applications.

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to create a folder with a password on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark devices, including hidden firmware features, cloud services and specialized utilities. We will focus on the nuances of working on different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and potential security risks. If you need to securely hide files from prying eyes, read further.

1. Built-in "Private folder" function in MIUI (for new models)

Starting with MIUI 12.5 Xiaomi has added the official feature Private folder, which allows you to hide files behind the PIN-This option is available on most modern devices, including Xiaomi. 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5. The main advantage of the method is the absence of the need to install third-party applications, which reduces the risk of data leaks.

To activate the Private folder:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Private tab in the lower menu.
3. Click Start and follow the instructions for setting up PIN-code.
4. After creating the folder, move the files to it through the Add button.

Please note: files in the Private folder are not displayed in the gallery and are not indexed by system searchers. However, they remain accessible through the Explorer when you connect your phone to a PC - for full protection, we recommend additional device encryption (Settings → Additional → Encryption).

Check the MIUI version (should be 12.5+)| Make sure your device has a screen lock set up |Create a backup of important files |Disable USB debugging in the developer settings (if not using)

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2. hidden folders through "Second Space" (double desktop)

The MIUI’s Second Space feature was originally designed to separate personal and work data, but it can be adapted to protect files, creating an isolated environment with a separate set of applications and a file system that is password protected, suitable for MIUI 8-14 devices, including older models like the Redmi 5 or Mi A2.

Algorithm of settings:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and set a password (different from the main one).
3. After restarting the device, select Second Space on the lock screen.
4. Inside the second space, create a folder (like Secret) and transfer files there.

The advantage of the method is the complete isolation of files from the main system: they will not be visible even when you connect the phone to the computer via USB.

• 🔄 Double memory consumption: applications in Second Space are duplicated.
• 📱 Switching inconvenient: Rebooting is required to change space.
• 🔐 The risk of blocking: if you forget the password, the data will be lost (the reset of access is impossible without resetting the phone).

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If Second Space doesn’t show up in the settings, try updating. MIUI to the latest version or activate the developer mode (7 times click on "Version") MIUI" on the telephone").

3. Encrypting folders through archivers (ZArchiver, RAR)

The classic way to protect files is to put them in a password-enabled archive, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including root-free models, suitable for protecting documents, photos and videos, but inconvenient for frequent access to files (unpacking is required).

Instructions for ZArchiver (free app from Google Play):

1. Install ZArchiver and open it.
2. Find the folder you want to protect and click on it with retention.
3. Select Add to Archive → Enter the ZIP or 7z format.
4. In the Encryption field, set the password and the AES-256 method.
5. After creating the archive, delete the original folder.

Comparison of archive formats for encryption:

⚠️ Note: Do not use simple passwords like 123456 or dates of birth. For strong protection, we recommend password generators (for example, Bitwarden) with a length of at least 12 characters.

4. Third-party applications for folder protection

If the built-in methods don't work, you can use specialized applications from Google Play, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most reliable ones:

1. AppLock (from DoMobile Lab)

The app blocks access not only to folders, but also to individual files, gallery or instant messengers. Supports fingerprint, facial recognition and PIN-Minus -- shows ads in the free version.

2. File Lock (from SmartWho Inc.)

A more advanced tool with steganography (hiding files inside images) that allows you to create fake folders with false data to distract attention, suitable for users who need layered protection.

How to set up File Lock:

• 📥 Install the application and provide access to the storage.
• 🔒 Create a Master Password (Save it in a Safe Place!).
• 📁 Press. + → Select a folder or files to lock.
• 🎭 Activate Stealth Mode in Settings to Hide the App Icon.

AppLock|File Lock|ZArchiver|Embedded facilities MIUI|Don't protect files.|Other-->

⚠️ Note: When you delete the blocking application, all protected files will be lost if you do not back up. Before uninstallation, be sure to transfer the data back to the main storage.

5. Hiding folders through a point in the title (for power users)

A little-known trick for root-access or PC-connected devices is to rename a folder with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g.,.secret). Linux/Android These folders are considered hidden and not displayed in standard file managers. MIUI, but it requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the Internal Storage folder on your computer.
3. Rename the target folder by adding a dot to the beginning (e.g., Photos →.Photos).
4. Turn off the device. Now the folder will not be visible in the MIUI files.

To regain visibility:

• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and rename the folder back (remove the dot).
• 📱 Or use a file manager with hidden files support (such as Solid Explorer) by enabling the option to Show hidden files.

⚠️ Note: This method does not encrypt data – the folder will remain accessible via ADB Or specialized tools like Root Explorer, only paired with other security features (e.g., archive encryption).

6. Cloud Storage with Encryption (for Backups)

If you need to not only hide files on your phone, but also back them up, consider client-encrypted cloud services, which, unlike standard clouds like Google Drive or Mi Cloud, encrypt data before downloading, which excludes access to them even for employees.

Top.-3 service:

• 🔐 Cryptomator + Google Drive: Creates an encrypted container that syncs to the cloud, free for personal use.
• 🌍 Proton Drive: Swiss Storage with Integrated Encryption and Open Source. 1GB Free.
• 🛡️ Tresorit: Zero-knowledge service used by corporations. 3 GB free.

How to set up Cryptomator:

1. Install Cryptomator from Google Play.
2. Create a new Warehouse and set a password.
3. Transfer the files to an encrypted folder inside the app.
4. In Google Drive settings, select the Cryptomator folder for sync.

The advantage of the method is to access files from any device while maintaining privacy. However, to view the data always requires Cryptomator (or its desktop version), which can be inconvenient on trips.

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Cloud-based client-encrypted services are the only way to protect files from leakage even when an account is hacked, but they do not replace on-premises protection on your phone, as they require an internet connection to access.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting up a secure folder on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

1. Forgotten password from Private Folder or Second Space

Unlike locking the screen, you can't reset the password from these features without completely resetting your phone.

• Try to remember the password using the prompt (if it has been set).
• Link your Mi Account to your device – sometimes it helps you regain access.
• In extreme cases, perform Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (data will be lost!).

2 Files in the archive damaged after encryption

It's because of:

• 🛑 Interrupted archiving process (e.g., battery discharge).
• 🗃️ Use of unstable formats (e.g, RAR3 instead ZIP/AES).
• 📱 Lack of memory on the device during the creation of the archive.

3.Blocking applications do not work after the MIUI update

Resetting security settings is a known problem when upgrading firmware, to avoid loss of access:

• Before updating, disable protection in third-party applications.
• Make a backup of protected files on your PC.
• After the update, reinstall the application and configure it again.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), built-in features MIUI (The private folder, Second Space, will not work, leaving only third-party applications or archive encryption.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions