How to hide files in Xiaomi Explorer: from standard tools to hidden folders

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO’s MIUI-based firmware smartphones offer several ways to hide sensitive files from prying eyes. However, not everyone knows that there are other methods in the system besides the standard “Secure Storage” – from creating hidden folders to using third-party applications with encryption. In this article, we will examine 5 proven methods, including those that work even after resetting or connecting the phone to the computer.

It's important to understand that simply renaming a dot-at-the-start folder (like.secret) to MIUI won't work -- the default explorer displays all files, including hidden system files. So you'll have to use a combination of built-in tools and workarounds. We've tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS (2026), so the instructions will be relevant to most of the brand's modern devices.

1. Built-in "Secure Storage" in MIUI

The most obvious and reliable way to do this is to use the standard Safe Storage feature (formerly called Private Folders), which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones since MIUI 12 and allows you to hide files behind a password or fingerprint, the main plus is that files remain secure even when you connect your phone to a PC via MTP.

To activate the storage:

• 📱 Open the Files app (conductor) MIUI).
• 🔒 Go to Secure Storage (may be called Private Folders on older versions).
• 🔑 Set a password or link unlocking to your fingerprint.
• ➕ Click Add Files and select the desired documents, photos or videos.

Note: files added to Secure Storage are not displayed in the gallery or other applications, but remain accessible through the system explorer after you enter your password. If you delete the Files app (which is unlikely), access to hidden data is saved through the Settings menu → Passwords and Security → Secure Storage.

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If you forget the password from Safe Storage, it can be reset via your Mi Account, but all hidden files will be deleted without recovery.

2. Hidden folders through a point (for power users)

In Android (and MIUI, too), folders and files that start with a dot are hidden by default from display in most file managers, but in standard Xiaomi Explorer, this feature is disabled, so you will have to use a workaround:

1. Install a third-party file manager, such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. In the settings of the selected manager, enable the display of hidden files (the option to Show hidden files).
3. Create a new folder and rename it by adding a point at the beginning (e.g,.my_secret_folder).
4. Transfer the files to it.

The folder will no longer be visible in the standard conductor. MIUI, But it's still available through a third-party manager. Importantly, this method doesn't encrypt files, so when you connect your phone to your PC, you're using a computer. MTP The folder can become visible (depending on the settings). Windows/macOS).

3. Encrypting folders with archivers

If you need to encrypt files, you need to use password-enabled archivers, like 7-Zip or RAR for Android.

• 📦 Install an archiver (for example, RAR for Android from Google Play).
• 🔐 Select the files you want to hide and select Add to the archive option.
• 🔒 In the archive settings, set a password and select the encryption method AES-256.
• 🗑️ After creating the archive, delete the original files (they will only remain encrypted).

The advantage of this method is that even if someone finds an archive, without a password, its contents will not be available, and minus you will have to unpack files every time you need them, and for convenience, you can store the archive in the cloud (for example, Google Drive or Mi Cloud) with additional protection.

4. Third-party applications for hiding files

There are dozens of apps on Google Play that specialize in hiding content, and the most reliable ones are:

Before installing, check the reviews and rating of the app — some storage may not be secure. Also note the permissions: if the app requests access to SMS or contacts without an obvious reason, it is better to refuse to use it.

5. Hiding files via ADB (for advanced users)

If you're ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can hide files at the system level, which is suitable for power users, because it requires a PC connection and knowledge of commands.

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to hide the file: adb shell "mv" /sdcard/Download/secret_file.txt /sdcard/.hidden_folder/" (Replace the paths with the relevant ones).
4. To return the file back: adb shell "mv" /sdcard/.hidden_folder/secret_file.txt /sdcard/Download/"

This is a reliable method, but it has risks: if the command is wrong, you can delete or damage system files, and after updating the MIUI, the data hidden in this way can become visible again.

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The ADB method is only suitable for temporary file hiding. Use encryption or MIUI Secure Storage for permanent protection.

What to do if hidden files become visible?

Sometimes, after a system update or reset, hidden files may reappear in Explorer, and here are the possible reasons and solutions:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: New firmware versions can reset the hidden file display settings. Check the Explorer settings.
• 📱 PC Connection: Some file managers on Windows (such as Total Commander) ignore.nomedia settings. Use encryption.
• 🔧 Settings reset: If you have performed Hard Reset, files in Safe Storage will be deleted. reserve them in advance.
• 🛠️ File system damage: If the phone was disconnected from the PC incorrectly, hidden folders may become visible.

If files have been encrypted (e.g., through an archive or Vaulty), their contents will remain secure even after resetting. However, the archives themselves may become visible – make sure that their names do not give out content (e.g., the files themselves are not displayed, archive1.zip instead my_private_photos.zip).

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Check hidden files regularly after MIUI updates. Open Secure Storage or a third-party manager to make sure that access to files is still blocked.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file hiding on Xiaomi