Hiding folders on the Xiaomi Redmi desktop is a challenge faced by users who want to protect personal information or simply organize the interface. Unlike iOS or standard Android, the MIUI shell offers limited built-in tools for this, but workarounds do exist. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including hiding through system settings, third-party applications and even manual renaming (for power users).
It's important to understand that some of the ways you do this require you to change your system files or install additional software that can affect the stability of your smartphone, and we'll point out all the pitfalls and provide alternatives for those who aren't willing to take risks, and if your goal is just to remove visual clutter, basic MIUI functions will be enough. If you need to securely hide sensitive data, more radical measures will be needed.
Why is MIUI not the default Hide folder feature?
Xiaomi’s MIUI shell has historically focused on visual customization and convenience, but privacy issues are often left on the back burner. Unlike Samsung One UI or Oppo ColorOS, which have built-in “Safeties” or file-hiding options, MIUI offers only:
- 📁 Archiving folders (does not remove from the screen, but only compresses)
- 🔒 Password protection for individual applications (via Settings) → Annexes → Application lockdown)
- 🗑️ Removal to the Recycle Bin (temporary concealment, but not solution to the problem)
The main reason for the lack of full-fledged concealment is the philosophy of Xiaomi: the company believes that users should manually manage the file system through Explorer or cloud services. However, this is not always convenient, especially if you need to quickly hide the folder from prying eyes.
⚠️ Attention: In versions MIUI 12 and below was a bug in which folders hidden through third-party applications could disappear after the system update!
Method 1: Hiding through the built-in “Conductor” (without root)
The most secure method that works on all Redmi models (from Redmi Note 4 to Redmi 13 Pro) is to rename the folder so that it becomes invisible to the system, but remains accessible through Explorer.
Instructions:
- Open the standard Explorer application (Blue folder icon).
- Go to the Device section → Internal memory.
- Find the folder you want to hide and hold your finger on the icon.
- In the menu that appears, select Rename.
- Add a point to the beginning of the folder name (for example,.MyPhoto).
- Confirm the change. The folder will disappear from the desktop, but will remain in the Explorer.
To return the folder back, rename it again, removing the dot. This method works because Android by default hides files and folders whose names begin with a dot (similar to Linux).
Make sure there are no system files in the folder
Remember the exact name of the folder (with a dot)
Check the visibility of the folder in Explorer after renaming
Backup of important data-->
Method 2: Use the Calculator Vault application (for sensitive data)
If you don't just want to remove a folder from the screen, but you need to securely hide its contents (photos, documents, videos), the best solution is the Calculator Vault application, which masquerades as a conventional calculator, but when you enter special code, it opens up hidden storage.
How to set up:
- Download Calculator Vault from Google Play.
- Launch the application and set a password (we recommend using a combination of numbers and letters).
- In the main menu, select Import Files and specify the folder you want to hide.
- Confirm the transfer. The original folder will be deleted and its contents will remain only in a secure storage.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔐 Encryption of data (files are stored in encrypted form).
- 📱 Invisibility: App looks like a regular calculator.
- ☁️ Synchronization with the cloud (optional).
⚠️ Note: If you forget your Calculator Vault password, you can’t restore access to your files! Keep your password backup in a safe place (e.g., Google Keep with two-factor authentication).
Built-in MIUI functions
Third-party applications (such as Calculator Vault)
Manual renaming (through a point)
I'm not hiding files.
Another option-->
Method 3: Hiding through Second Space (for MIUI 12 and later)
The MIUI Second Space feature is originally designed to separate work and personal data, but it can also be used to hide folders, the point being that you create a second user profile where you store sensitive files and leave the main profile clean.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
- Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
- After creating, switch to the second profile (swipe down the notification panel → user icon).
- Move the desired folders to the second space through the Explorer.
Cons of the method:
- ⚠️ Requires additional space on the device (up to the 1-2 GBB under second profile).
- 🔄 You need to constantly switch between spaces.
- 📵 Some apps (like WhatsApp) don’t support two profiles at once.
| Way of hiding | Root is required. | Visibility in the Conductor | Password protection | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rename (point) | ❌ No. | ✅ Seen. | ❌ No. | ⭐ Very simple. |
| Calculator Vault | ❌ No. | ❌ Hidden. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ Just |
| Second space | ❌ No. | ✅ Visible (in profile 2) | ✅ Yes, on profile) | ⭐⭐⭐ Middle-Average |
| File Hide Expert | ❌ No. | ❌ Hidden. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ Just |
| ADB-team | ⚠️ Partially. | ❌ Hidden. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hardly. |
Method 4: File Hide Expert (Hide It Pro)
If you want to not only remove the folder from your desktop, but also completely hide it from prying eyes (including Explorer), specialized applications will do.
1. File Hide Expert
It's a simple application with no extra features, it hides folders and files and passwords, and it supports MIUI 13/14 without conflicts.
- 🔹 Pros: free, no advertising, easy to use.
- 🔸 Cons: no cloud backup, interface in English.
2. Hide It Pro (Audio Manager)
The app masquerades as Audio Manager, but is actually a full-fledged storage for hidden files, supports AES-256 encryption and has a built-in media player for viewing hidden videos/photos.
- 🔹 Pros: high level of protection, multimedia support.
- 🔸 Cons: paid version for advanced features.
Instructions for File Hide Expert:
- Download and install the app.
- Open it and install it. PIN-code.
- Click Hide Files → Select folder → Confirm the Hiding.
- The folder will disappear from the system. To return it, go to the application and press Unhide.
💡
Before hiding a folder through third-party apps, check their reputation on Google Play. Some "hiding rooms" can be malicious and steal your data. Pay attention to the number of downloads (from 1M+) and the rating (4.5+).
Method 5: Hiding through ADB (for power users)
This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), it allows you to hide the folder at the system level, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on Redmi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock Developer Settings).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux).
2. Enter a command to check the connection:
adb devices
(Your device serial number should appear).
3. Hiding a folder (for example, "SecretFolder" on internal memory):
adb shell mv /sdcard/SecretFolder /sdcard/.SecretFolder
4 To get the folder back:
adb shell mv /sdcard/.SecretFolder /sdcard/SecretFolderThis method doesn't require root rights, but if used incorrectly, it can lead to data loss, for example, if you make a mistake on your way to a folder, the system may hide the wrong directory.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to hide system folders (such as Android, MIUI or DCIM) through ADB! This can cause a failure in the camera, launcher or complete inoperability of the device.
What to do if after ADB-Folder commands don't come back?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When hiding folders on Xiaomi Redmi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
- The folder disappeared from Explorer after renaming it ".Name" Reason: you accidentally deleted the dot or used inappropriate characters. Solution: check the folder name through Explorer in the hidden file display mode (included in the application menu).
- The third-party application does not see hidden folders The reason: some applications (for example, a gallery) ignore files with a dot at the beginning. Solution: use File Hide Expert or Solid Explorer (with root mode enabled, if available).
- After the MIUI update, hidden folders reappeared again, the reason: system reset or launcher error Solution: repeat the hideout procedure or use cloud backup applications (for example, Calculator Vault).
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 📌 Version MIUI (Some features are not available on old firmware).
- 🛠️ Availability of updates for system applications (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
- 🔍 Conflicts with other applications (for example, antiviruses can block access to hidden files).
💡
On Redmi models with MIUI 14 and later, Second Space is more stable than third-party apps, and if you want maximum reliability, use it, not the Google Play hideouts.