Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones based on MIUI offer several ways to hide personal photos and videos from prying eyes. But the gallery's standard Hidden Album feature isn't for everyone: it doesn't hide folders completely, it just hides their contents behind a password. If you need to completely remove the folder from view - even in the file manager - you'll have to use alternative methods.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to make a folder invisible in the Xiaomi gallery without root rights. From built-in MIUI tools to third-party applications with encryption. All methods work on current versions of the firmware (MIUI 12-14) and do not require technical skills.
Important: hiding folders is not equivalent to protecting them; for sensitive data (documents, scans), it is better to use encryption or cloud storage with two-factor authentication.
1. Built-in "Hidden Album" at MIUI Gallery
The easiest way is to use the standard MIUI function, which doesn't physically delete the folder, but just hides it behind a password or fingerprint, and is suitable for temporarily hiding photos from children or colleagues.
How to turn on:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Choose the photo/video you want to hide and click ⋮ → Hide.
- Set your password (if not set up earlier) or confirm with a fingerprint.
Where to look for hidden files:
- 🔒 In the gallery: Albums → Hidden album (password access).
- ⚠️ In the file manager: the folder stays in place (/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.hidden), but not in the gallery.
⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone, the hidden files will remain in the.hidden folder, but the password will reset, and they can be seen through any file manager showing hidden files.
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To increase protection, set a separate password for the hidden album (other than unlocking the screen) in the MIUI settings.
2. Rename the folder through the point (for experienced)
Any folder in Android that starts with a dot (like.my photo) is hidden from most apps, including the gallery, and works without any additional software, but requires caution.
Step-by-step:
- Open Files (standard MIUI manager)
- Go to the photo folder (usually DCIM or Pictures).
- Click on the folder, select. ⋮ → Rename.
- Add a point to the beginning of the title (example:.vacation_2026).
- Confirm the change.
How to regain visibility:
- 🔍 Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager (⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files).
- 📁 Find the folder (it will be translucent) and rename, removing the point.
What happens if you delete the dot folder?
| Method | Gallery visibility | Visibility in the file manager | Need root rights? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI's Hidden Album | ❌ No. | ✅ Yeah) | ❌ No. |
| Rename the dot | ❌ No. | ❌ No (no on-set mode) | ❌ No. |
| Third-party applications (for example, Hide It Pro) | ❌ No. | ❌ No (encrypted) | ❌ No. |
| Password archive | ❌ No. | ✅ Yeah. ZIP/RAR) | ❌ No. |
3.Use of third-party applications for concealment
If built-in MIUI features aren’t enough, install specialized applications that offer encryption, disguise for other programs (like a calculator), and even remote data erasure.
Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:
- 🔐 Hide It Pro (Audio Manager) – masquerades as an audio manager, supports encryption and cloud redundancy.
- 📁 GalleryVault – hides photos / videos, blocks screenshots, has a built-in viewer.
- 🛡️ KeepSafe – Protecting Data PIN-code, print or pattern lock.
How to hide the folder through Hide It Pro:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open it and set the password.
- Select Import → Folders and specify the desired directory.
- Confirm the transfer – the files will be encrypted and deleted from the original folder.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the safe application, all data hidden through it will be irretrievably lost if a backup is not made!
Hide It Pro|GalleryVault|KeepSafe|Standard facilities MIUI|Other-->
4. Password folder archive (ZIP/RAR)
If you want to hide a folder from being randomly viewed, but you want to keep access to the files, you can archive it with a password, and this method doesn't delete the originals, it just packs them into a secure archive.
Instructions via RAR for Android:
- Install RAR from Google Play.
- Open the app and find a folder to hide.
- Select it, press it. ⋮ → Add to the archives.
- In the archive settings, select: Format: ZIP or RAR. Set a tick to Encrypt files. Come up with a strong password (minimum 8 characters).
After creating the archive, delete the original folder (optional).
Pros of the method:
- 🔒 Files are password protected even when copied to another device.
- 📦 The archive can be moved to the cloud or to a flash drive.
Cons:
- ⏳ Unpacking takes time.
- 📸 You can not quickly view the photo without extracting.
Make a backup copy of the folder|Create a password (not a date of birth!)|Check the free space on the device|Remove unnecessary files from the folder-->
5. Hiding through a root-rights file manager (advanced method)
For root users, advanced folder hiding methods are available, including changing file system attributes, a method that is suitable for Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed.
How to hide the folder through Root Explorer:
- Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with root support.
- Give the root rights to the application when requested.
- Find a folder (for example, /sdcard/DCIM/Camera).
- Click on it for a long time and select Permissions.
- Uncheck Read and Execute for Group and Others groups.
- Save the changes.
To regain visibility:
adb shell chmod 755 /sdcard/path/to/folder⚠️ Note: Incorrectly changing the rights to system folders (for example, /system) This can cause your phone to lose its functionality!
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Root methods give you maximum control, but you need to be careful. One wrong step, and the phone can stop loading.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your goals:
- 🔹 Quick hiding from children/colleagues → Built-in Hidden Album MIUI.
- 🔹 Complete concealment without third-party programs → Rename the dot.
- 🔹 Protection against burglary → Third-party applications with encryption (Hide It Pro).
- 🔹 Backup + concealment → Password archive.
- 🔹 Maximum confidentiality → Root methods (for experienced only).
For most users, Xiaomi is the optimal combo method:
- Transfer the files to the built-in Hidden Album.
- Archive the folder with the password and delete the originals.
- Save your archive to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Error 1: “Hidden files are lost after resetting”
Reason: Resetting removes the password from the hidden album, but not the files themselves. They stay in /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.hidden.
- Connect your phone to your PC and copy the files.
- Or use a file manager with root rights.
Error 2: “Dumb folder is visible in some applications”
Some galleries (like Google Photos) ignore hidden folders, but individual file managers (like Solid Explorer) show them.
- Turn off the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
- Use additional encryption.
Error 3: Forgot the password from the third-party application
If you lose access to Hide It Pro or similar programs:
- Try to restore your password via email (if linked).
- Remove and reinstall the application – some data may remain in the cache (/Android/data/application package).
- Use Titanium Backup (requires root) to extract files.
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Before using third-party applications to hide files, check their reputation on 4PDA or XDA Developers. Some "safes" may contain advertising software or data leaks.